indian cinema heritage foundation

A V Subbarao

Artists
  • Real Name: ..
  • Born: 1930 (Guntur district Anantavaram, Kollur Mandal)
  • Died: 26 December 2010
  • Children: Aradhyula Koteswara Rao and Aradyula Venkateswara Rao
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Well-known Telugu stage actor, playwright, verse singer and film actor and producer Aradyula Venkata Subbarao—better known as A V Subbarao—is known for films such as Sri Kalahastiswara Mahatyam (1954), Mane Aliya (1964) and Mavana Magalu (1965). He is also credited with producing the films Mane Aliya (1964) and Mavana Magulu (1965). Known for his remarkable ability to sing poetry, he would make the verses as understandable as conversation, transporting his listeners to a place of joy. Many of his poetic recitals were available on gramophone records. He played lead roles in dramatic productions such as Shri Krishna Raibaram, Gayopakhyanam, Kurukshetram, Shrikrishna Tulabharam, Ramanjaneyayudham and Chintamani

Born in 1930 into a simple peasant family in Guntur district, Anantavaram, Kollur Mandal, Subbarao did not have much education. He was engaged in farming. However, his budding interest in theatre grew as he developed into a fine stage actor. He eventually established the Sri Purnasri Natyakala Samiti in 1960. He performed dramas for approximately 30 years. 

His career in films saw him act in films such as Madalasa (1948), Palletoori Pilla (1950), Bedara Kannappa (1954), Sri Kalahastiswara Mahatyam (1954), Sarangadhara (1957), Mangalya Balam (1958), Chenchu Lakshmi (1958), Seetha Rama Kalyanam (1961), Chandrahasa (1965), Prana Mithrulu (1967) and Pellikani Thandri (1976).

He played the role of Kampanna Dora in the action adventure comedy Palletoori Pilla. Directed by Subba Rao BA, the cast included Anjali Devi, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, and N T Rama Rao. The plot depicted how a slap from a village girl turns a loyal soldier into a rebel.

The 1954 drama Sri Kalahastiswara Mahatyam saw him play Basavareddy. The film followed the story of Arjuna after he is reborn as Kannappa and attains salvation. Directed by H L N Simha and written by Venkata Reddy Toleti, the film starred Rajkumar, Malathi K, and Kushala Kumari

He also produced the films Mane Aliya (1964) and Mavana Magalu (1965). Mane Aliya won two National film awards including certificate of merit for the third best feature film. It was directed by S K Ananthachari, written by M Narendra Babu and Sadashiv Brahmam, and starred T N Balakrishna, Kalyana Kumar, and Vanisri. It also featured J Jayalalithaa and Sandhya. It told the tale of Venu, an orphan, who gets married to Radha. According to her parents' condition, he must live under their roof. One day, he spots his purportedly dead sister and decides to find out the truth.

Mavana Magalu, his 1965 production, was directed by S K Ananthachari, written by M Narendra Babu and Ashapurna Devi, and starred K S Ashwath, T N Balakrishna, and Vasudeva Girimaji. A film belonging to the drama genre, it revolved around a rich man's daughter who falls in love with a man who saves her from gangsters and wishes to marry him. However, her brother informs her that she was already married off to her cousin by her grandmother.

He had three sons, including Aradhyula Koteswara Rao and Aradyula Venkateswara Rao who became stage actors, and seven daughters. 

A V Subbarao passed away on 26 December 2010.