Telugu language poet, writer Balantrapu Rajanikanta Rao.
Rajanikanta Rao began his career as a programme executive in AIR-Madras in the year 1941. He was responsible for writing and composing the first Telugu song ever broadcast in independent India on the midnight of 15 August 1947, following the speech of Jawaharlal Nehru; “Our tryst with destiny”. The song “Mroyimpu jayabheri” was sung by T. Suryakumari. In 1948 to celebrate the first anniversary of Independence the song “Madi swatantra desam ” was written and composed.This was also sung by Tangaturi Suryakumari. As the programme executive in AIR-Vijayawada he was the originator of ‘Bhakti Ranjani’; a devotional programme.
Rajanikanta Rao became the station director of AIR-Ahmadabad, AIR-Vijayawada and retired as the station director of AIR-Bangalore (1976–78) – completing 36 years in the broadcasting field. He initiated and designed an interactive radio programme, called “Dharmasandehalu” hosted by Mr.Ushasri. He was the first director to broadcast an Annamacharya kirtana everyday before 7.00 clock news bulletin. He was made the Producer Emeritus of Akashavani in 1982.
Since the age of twenty one he has written lyrics, composed songs and directed ballets. Under the pseudonyms Nalini and Taranath he has composed many tunes for popular movies like Swargaseema, Gruhapravesam, etc. Kuchipudi ballets and Yakshaganas such as ‘Sri Krishna Saranam Mama’, ‘Menaka Viswamitra’, Vipranarayana’, ‘Chandidas’ and ‘Subhadraajuniyam’ have won him accolades. His literary works include ‘Satapatra Sundari’- a collection of lyrics, ‘Andhra Vaggeyakara Charitam’- his magnum opus (described below) and ‘Jejimamayya Patalu’- a collection of songs for children and ‘Etiki edureeta’.
He composed and conducted music for Vadyabrinda (a national orchestra), AIR-Delhi and Vadyabrinda, AIR-Madras. His popular compositions included Andhri – an origin of the Raga Kalyani, Raga Desavarali, Raga Devasalagam, Viswayanam-the voyage of the universe and ‘Sangeeta Gangotri’ – a musical composition on the evolution of Indian music to name a few.
