PADMANABHAM

PADMANABHAM

                                          

     (20 August 1931-20 February 2010)

Basavaraju Venkata Padmanabha Rao, popularly known as Padmanabham is a great comedian Telugu film industry has ever produced. He was born to Santhamm and Basavaraju Venkata Seshiah in Simhadripuram, Pulivendula of Kadapa district.

He was passionate about acting since childhood and got a break in movies at the very early age of 12 in 1943 with “Maayalokam”, since then, he grew by leaps and bounds and entertained generations with his comedy which fetched him countless fans. Though he debuted as a child artiste, it’s the super success of “Shavukaru” (1949) and “Pathala Bhairavi” (1950) that gave him the major break and gave him a strong foot hold in the industry.

Padmanabham was famous for his comic roles with funny expressions; he along with Geetanajali was the best comic pair during those days. The directors used to create special characters with him in mind that was the impact he created during his reigning period. He along with Relangi, Suryakantham, Girija and Geetanjali delivered most memorable movies. It’s not just comedy; he can essay any role with grace. His role in “Deshoddarakudu” (1975) had been highly appreciated for his pitiful role in the song ‘Aakalayyi Annamadigithe Pichchodannaru Naayaallu'. He also directed 8 films and most important fact is that he introduced the legendary singer SP Balu with his “Sree Sree Maryada Ramanna”.

The actor who once led the life king’s size had to lead a common man’s life during the old age. He was offered with few roles in recent movies as a mark of respect towards him. It was his role in “Chakram” that was highly appreciated in which he explains about his own life and life style. The actor lasted his breath on 20^th February 2010 in Chennai.

BY RAJASEKHAR BODDUPALLI