That Allu was one of the greatest actors of my generation is an understatement. For he was also one of the greatest actors of the previous generation and the one before! His biography speaks for itself. If you are not a talented actor, casting directors don't line up to get you for their movies - 1016 movies to be exact.

That Allu had endeared himself to his audiences is only too well known. He was Allu to all. He was Allu to my thathayya. He was Allu to my dad and he was Allu to me. Not Nata Viraat, or Haasyapitha, or Padmasri, or Allu-garu, or any of the many titles that precede and prefix the leading lights of the industry he totally dominated with his flair for comedy.

That Allu's comedy was an essential ingredient of what is now referred to as wholesome family entertainment is evidenced by thousands of feet of film that featured him. A comedy track was integral part of any movie and for decades Relangi, Ramana Reddy, Allu and Padmanabham were the engines that plied the track together with Girija and Suryakantham.

Content was king and presentation was slick throughout the black and white era. All movies offered wholesome family entertainment during most of Allu's career. The movies were mythological or social dramas. They tried to convey an uncomplicated message wrapped in excellent songs, superb acting, thoughtful dialogue, simple yet attractive choreography, and excellent situational comedy that made the audience cry from excessive laughter!

Thing started to change in the 70's and 80's. In fact, the change became visible as soon as color crept in. Suddenly the pancake was more visible and stories were getting rehashed. Indoor garden shots were replaced by the fountains of Brindavan Gardens in far too many movies. The clothes got tighter, then looser, then tighter again. Hair got longer and sideburns reached the collars! But one thing never changed long after Relangi and Ramana Reddy bid farewell to their fans. It was Allu.

Allu was still around in the same get-up. A 'pancha' worn with a belt and a coat. And he continued to provide us reasons to laugh for several more decades. His best work was yet to come. He worked with the most accomplished directors of the new era like Viswanath and Bapu whose movies took Telugu cinema to a different level.

Allu outlasted all the original funnymen! Dedicated comedians were not extinct but character actors were now essaying roles of all shades - some that accentuated the funny side. He was now in the company of Rao Gopala Rao, Nutan Prasad, and Rajababu. And we laughed louder as he played the hapless sidekick, the henpecked husband, the perplexed lawyer, and in a role of his lifetime - a man that pretended not to be scared of Somayajulu in Sankarabharanam!

Comic timing was his forte. Language, delivery, and expression were his vehicles. He played to his strengths! Watch him in Maya Bazaar, then Sankarabharanam, and then Yamagola - you are guaranteed to laugh your heart out on even your worst day!

Back when 5:30PM Saturday movies on Doordarshan and occasional trips to the cinemas were the only form of entertainment; Allu was who we looked forward to in the movies. When things were getting out of hand or boring in the movie, we knew he would appear on screen and provide the much needed comic relief. If we lost electricity, we hoped that his part was not over before the lights came on again. Life was not very complicated but it was tough. We desperately needed our weekly dose of comedy. For that, there was Allu Ramalingaiah. Comedy in a capsule. Week after week for nearly a thousand weeks!

He has now rejoined Rao Gopala Rao and NTR in heaven. Heaven is now the place to be for entertainment. Meanwhile, there are many movies of his to watch while you are still here. Thanks Allu!