Hyderabad
December 4, 2008

December 4th is the birth anniversary of Gaana Gandharva Ghantasala. Although he left for his heavenly abode 34 years ago (in 1974), his immortal and superlative voice continues to enthrall us and his place as one of the all time greatest Indian singers remains untouched.

Born in the year 1922 in Choutupalli (near Gudivada), Ghantasala garu lost his father at a very early age and was brought up by his maternal uncle. He learnt music from Patraayani Sitarama Sastry. Lesser known fact about Ghantasala is his involvement with Quit India movement and his detention at the Alipore Jail.

Ghantasala debuted as a chorus singer and for a character role Sri Seeta Rama Jananam in the year 1944 which was the debut movie of ANR. Interestingly, his first movie as a music director was Mana Desam through which NTR and SV Ranga Rao made their forays in the Telugu film industry.

Ghantasala became the voice of South Indian films for the next 2 decades and rendered voice to innumerable everlasting songs. He was also a great music composer who wrote music for many evergreen hits that are remembered even today.

Ghantasala served as the "Asthana Gayaka" of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. The eternal melody "Sesha Saila Vaasa" was picturized on him and remains the only song ever filmed in the holy temple of Tirumala. His private work such as Pushpa Vilapam and Bhagavad Geetha are treasures for all music lovers.

May his divine soul rest in peace!

click here for Gaanagandharva Ghantasala by Jyothi V Nallamothu

Sreekanth Devarakonda
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