Uniting India
Archive for May, 2011
Multifaced and Versatile Actress-P.Bhanumathi
May 31st
Padma Bhushan Paluvayi Bhanumathi(1925-2005) is the most versatile and multi-faceted genius who adorned the world of art and letters and shone brilliantly in the field of Indian films. Her achievements as an actress, gifted musician, accomplished singer, film producer, prolific writer, film director, editor, music director and studio owner made her stand out as a colossus in the film world. She was a person of rare courage and forthrightness who always stood up for the highest values and principles. She believed in herself and lived a life on her own terms in the male dominated film industry as a highly spirited lady. She was also an eminent social worker and was associated with several social organizations. She was the founder member and treasurer of Madras branch of Altrusa international inc, Chicago for life since 1963. She established an educational institute called “Bhanumathi Ramakrishna Matriculation School” in Chennai for providing free education to the poor children.
She was versatility personalified. She was known for her skills in music and script writing and also called as “Grammar for acting” and “Ashtavadhani (talented in eight fields). She was a great humorist. Her quick wit was a big draw. Bhanumathi authored several books in Telugu and Tamil, More >
Paul Muni of India- Chittoor V.Nagayya
May 6th
Great actor, great musician, singer, composer, producer and director and above all a great human being with heart full of gold. He was the first celebrity from South India to be awarded Padma shri by the Government of India. The great film journalist Sri Baburao Patel of Film India called him as “The Paul Muni of India”.
Nagayya was born on 28th March 1904 in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh. His parents were Ramalinga Sharma and Venkata Lakshmamma. He learnt Classical music under Sri Chittoor Perayya Pillai. His first brush with stage took place when he was a child. He played the role of “Prahlada” under the famous“ Surabhi Theatrical group”. His father, however, had different plans and was against his son being an actor and sent him to Tirupathi for studies. He worked as a teacher after graduating in B.A and then as a clerk in a Government Office. Later he turned into a Journalist with “Andhra Patrika”.
That was the time of Indian Freedom Movement. He was influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and Nehru and participated in freedom struggle(Dandi Satyagraha)in 1930. Nagayya acted in plays associated with freedom movement. “Ballarai Raghava” the famous Telugu Drama artist offered him a role of Kabirdas in Bhakta Ramadas drama. This role inspired him a lot. His More >
