Relangi (actor)
Relangi Venkata Ramaiah | |
|---|---|
| File:Relangi Venkata Ramaiah.jpg | |
| Born | 1909-1910 |
| Died | 26 November 1975 (aged 65) |
| Occupation(s) | Actor and playback singer |
| Spouse | Sridevamma |
| Awards |  Padma Shri 1970 |
Relangi Venkata Ramaiah (9 August 1910 – 26 November 1975) was an Indian film character actor, comedian and producer known for his works predominantly in Telugu cinema.[1][2] He was honored with the Padma Shri, for his contribution to Indian cinema in 1970. Relangi is regarded as one of the finest comic actors of India, noted particularly for his comic expressions, and dialogues during the golden age of Telugu cinema. Together with Ramana Reddy were a comedy double act during the era of early Tollywood. Notable Relangi performances include those from Gunasundari Katha, Missamma, Mayabazar, Nartanasala, Donga Ramudu, Iddaru Mitrulu, Chaduvukunna Ammayilu, Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu, Velugu Needalu, Vipra Narayana, Lava Kusha , Kula Gothralu and Preminchi Choodu.[3][4] The Relangi Art Aacademy Award was instituted in his honor for best comic performances.[5]
Early life
Relangi was born in the village of Ravulapalem in the East Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh. He was a professional Harikatha performer and also an expert Harmonium player.[4] He grew up in Kakinada; however, he didn't show interest in education due to his passion for acting.
Career
Relangi started his initial career acting in stage and folk theater and also took female roles in stage theatre. He started his film career by playing a Vidushaka (Jester) role in his first Telugu film Sri Krishna Thulaabaaram in 1935 under the direction of C. Pullaiah. Later on, he assisted Pullaiah as a Production Manager until he got a major break with the film Gollabhama released in 1947. Subsequently, he played a comedic role in Vindhyarani, which was a big hit. He was a regular face in all the movies made under the Vijaya Films banner from 1950. He grew so popular that he was given a chance to play a comedic hero role in Pakkinti Ammayi in 1953 under Pullayya opposite Anjali Devi.[6]
Filmography
Actor
As a comedic actor, he was quite popular when partnered with actress Girija, actress Suryakantham, and another comedian actor, Ramana Reddy. These combinations were repeated for several hit movies in Telugu. Some of the well-known movies in which Relangi acted are shown below.
1930s
1940s
1950s
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1960s
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1970s
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Singer
Some of the well-known songs sung by Relangi are in the following movies:
| Year | Film | Song |
|---|---|---|
| 1949 | Gunasundari Katha | Adive Eduraivachche Daka Padara Munduku Padipodam |
| 1951 | Patala Bhairavi | Talalene Ne Talalene Vinave Bala Naa Prema Gola |
| 1952 | Dharma Devata | Virise Vennelalo |
| 1954 | Vipra Narayana | Aadadhi Ante Layam Layam Aa Needantene Bhayam Bhayam |
| 1954 | Pedda Manushulu | |
| 1955 | Missamma | Dharmam Cheyyi Babu Kaani Dharmam Seetaram Seetaram Seetaram Jai Seetaram |
| 1959 | Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu | |
| 1966 | Paramanandayya Shishyula Katha |
Producer
- Relangi acted and produced the film Samajam in 1960.
Awards
In 1970, he was awarded the Padma Shri, a civilian award from the Government of India.
References
- ^ M.L. NARASIMHAM. "Blast from the past: Illarikam (1959)". The Hindu.
- ^ M L Narasimham. "Blast from the Past: Mahakavi Kalidasu (1960)". The Hindu.
- ^ http://www.filmchamber.com/tmpl.asp?it=prfbrelangi
- ^ a b http://www.tollynation.com/article/1926
- ^ "Relangi Art Academy awards declared". The Hindu.
- ^ "CineGoer.com - Titbits".