Pithapuram Nageswara Rao

Popular playback singer during the early period of Telugu cinema, Pithapuram Nageswara Rao rendered hundreds of songs for films. Many of his songs during the 1950s and 1960s were comedic in nature, rendered along with Madhavapeddi Satyam and others. Among the many films he delivered playback for are Aatmiyulu (1969), Palnati Yudham (1966), Paramanandayya Shishyula Katha (1966), Tirupathamma Katha (1963), Aradhana (1962), Kula Gothralu (1962), Iddaru Mitrulu (1961), Sabash Raja (1961), Vagdanam (1961), Shantinivasam (1960), Sri Venkateswara Mahatmyam (1960), Jayabheri (1959), Krishna Leelalu (1959), Sabhash Ramudu (1959), Suvarna Sundari (1957), Panduranga Mahatyam (1957), Sarangadhara (1957), Varudu Kavali (1957), Jayam Manade (1956), Jayasimha (1955), Rojulu Marayi (1955), Todu Dongalu (1954), Pitchi Pullaiah (1953), Palletooru (1952), Palletoori Pilla (1950), and Shavukaru (1950). He also sang for a few Kannada films. 

He was born Patharlagadda Nageswara Rao on 5 May, 1930 to Appayyamma and Viswanadham in Pithapuram, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, India. His interest in acting was triggered during his school days itself, as his father was a popular stage actor. Interestingly, he would not only sing onstage in front of the audience, but also render songs from behind the screen for other artistes who lacked singing skills. His desire to explore the medium of films saw him leave home and head to Madras.

His talent for singing gained him his break in films at the age of 16, when he rendered playback for the film Mangala Sutram (1946). Singing for Gemini Studios’ Chandralekha (1948), he soon established himself in the field. Singing scores of songs mainly for humorous characters, he rendered popular songs such as Ayyayyo jebulo dabbulu poyene (Kula Gothralu, 1962), Maa oollo oka paduchundi (Ave Kallu, 1967), Daya cheyandi, Yendhuke naa meedha kopam, Naavu bandeva, Nera nera nera bandi, Naavikanaaro nadesuvanello, Baa veera kannadiga, Oh bailayya, Padave podaamu gowri, Swadesanki samajanki, Naavu bandeva, Thallivi neeve, Vasthe ishtha naa moogamanasu, Vinnavaa thatvam guruda, Divvi divvi divvattam, Maradala, Koppu choodu, Ranathe raneravoyi, Soda soda andhra soda, Rajakumara, Kannada naadinaa, Tholu tithi idhi, Desa bhakthulam, Kondammo bangaarapu, and Dopidi dopidi dopidi. 

Among the films he last rendered playback for are Bommarillu (1978), singing the number Challani ramayya chakkani seetamma, post which he retired from the industry.

Pithapuram Nageswara Rao passed away on 5 March, 1996.