GOLLAPUDI MARUTHI RAO

Gollapudi Maruthi Rao was born at Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh on 14th April 1939 in a middle class family. His parents Subba Rao and Annapoorna lived all their lives at Visakhapatnam. He had his education at C.B.M. High School, AVN college and at Andhra University.

His first short story "Aaasa Jeevi" appeared in "Renadu ", a local paper from Proddatur on 9.12.1954. Maruthi Rao had his own theatre group called Raghava Kala Niketan during his school days.He produced, directed and acted the main lead in the plays - Aadadi (Pinisetty), Kukkapilla Dorikindi, Swayamvaram (Ravi Kondala Rao), Reaharsals (Somanchi Yagnanna sastry), Vapas (D.V. Narasaraju), Mahanubhavulu (an adoption of Gogol's "An Inspector Calls" by Somanchi Yagnanna sastry)

He graduated himself to the university theatre, where he played "Snanalagadi" written by Srivatsava and directed by K.V. Gopalaswamy, Registrar of Andhra University, and "Manastatwalu", a play by Bhamidipati Radhakrishna. Manastatwalu was presented at Talkatora Gardens, New Delhi in the 5th Inter University Youth Festival. Maruthi Rao was the recipient of Best Radio Play Award for his "Anantham". He received the award from Dr B.V. Keskar, Minister for Information & Broadcasting. "Manastatwalu" was enacted for Andhra Association, New Delhi. Shri V.V.Giri was its president.

Maruthi Rao Started his career as a sub Editor in Andhra Prabha in 1959 and he worked in the 1st editorial team that started the 2nd edition at chittoor on 13.1.1960 (Sankranthi Day).

He was selected as a Transmission Executive and posted at AIR, Hyderabad. "Vandemataram", the first Telugu play written on Chinese Aggression was produced, directed and presented by him at chittoor, Tirupathi, Madanapalle and Nagari. The proceeds for the performances were given to PM's Defence fund.

Maruthi Rao was married on 17.11.1961 to Sivakama Sundari at Hanamkonda. She came from an illustrious family of scholars and musicians. Her father was a teacher to celebrities like Dr C.Narayana Reddy and Kaloji Narayana Rao. Her uncle was famous writer and critic Dr. Sripada Gopalakrishna Murthi. Another uncle is Padmabhushan Sripada Pinakapani, the doyen of Manodharma Sangeetham Bani.

Maruthi Rao had three sons - Subbarao, Ramakrishna & Srinivas.

He wrote his first Script (Screenplay) for the film "Dr.Chakravarthi" in 1963. His first full length work (Story &Dialogues) received the 1st Nandi Award for Best Story Writing instituted by Andhra Pradesh Government.

Maruthi Rao Worked at Hyderabad, Vijayawada and was promoted as Programme Executive and posted at Sambalpur. He later worked as Programme Executive at Chennai and Cuddapah. Maruthi Rao was promoted at Assistant Station Director and incharge of AIR, Cuddapah in 1981. He resigned the job after starting his acting career.

His first lead role as actor in INTLO RAMAYYA VEEDHILO KRISHNAYYA was a resounding success and he never looked back afterwards. He acted in more than 250 films.

Maruthi Rao lost his youngest son Srinivas while he was shooting his debut venture "Prema Pusthakam" on 12.8.1992. Maruthi Rao and his Family instituted a Trust to perpetuate the memory of his son - Gollapudi Srinivas.The Trust felicitates the Best New Director of a feature film each year with a cash prize of 1.5 lakhs, a gold plated memento designed by famous artist, director Bapu.It is called Gollapudi Srinivas National Award. Gollapudi Srinivas Memorial Lecture by an eminent personality on one aspect of cinema. The Lecture carries an honorarium of Rs.15000/-. Maruthi Rao's two sons - Subba Rao and Ramakrishna run an IATA approved Travel Agency- Maruthi Airlinks (P) Ltd. The company conducts tours, arranges packages for international tours, domestic & international ticketing.

The office address is

Maruthi Airlinks (P) Ltd

City centre, 39 Thirumalai St,

T.Nagar, Chennai -600017.

Tel: 28158268, 28158089, 28158189, 28158289

E mail: Sivani@vsnl.com.

Maruthi Rao lives at Madras with his sons and grand children - Sivani, Sravani, Shantisri, Srinivas & Srivarshini.

Awards & Achievements

Literary

*
Recipient of Andhra Pradesh Sahitya Academy Award for the play 'Kallu'(The eyes) as Best Playlet of the year 1975.

* It was translated into all Indian Languages by National Book Trust under the Aadaan Pradaan Programme.

* The play was prescribed as Text book for M.A. (Telugu Literature) at Osmania University, Hyderabad.

* A Thesis on "The Critical Works of Gollapudi Maruthi Rao" (750 pages) by Dr. M. Rajani was awarded Doctorate (Ph.D) by Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati.



* A 200 page Souvenir with complete information, analysis and a plethora of photographs from personal and professional life of Maruthi Rao, published by a committee at Visakhapatnam on the eve of his Shashtipoorthi.

Two research articles appeared in "Andhra Vigyana Sarvaswam" (Telugu Encyclopaedia) 14th Volume (Lalitha Kalalu), Viz.,

1. History of the development in "Thought" and "Technique" of Telugu Play writing.

2. Amateur Theatre - its origin and growth in relation to the World Amateur Theatre movement.



* Recipient of Sarvaraya Memorial Gold Medal for the best humorous writing in Telugu- awarded by Andhra Pradesh Sahitya Academy.

* Several Stories and plays have been translated into various Indian languages-Hindi, Urdu, Oriya, Malayalam and Tamil.

* The column (Jeevana Kalam) a Kaleidoscopic study of contemporary social and political themes, is a very popular feature in one of the largest circulated Telugu dailies of Andhra Pradesh (Andhra Jyothi) on every Saturday for 15 years. The feature continues to appear in Vaartha (Daily) as Gollapudi Kalam after the former Daily newspaper was closed for sometime.

* Was on the adjudication committee for many literary competitions (Novels, Children's Literature etc.,) held by the Andhra Pradesh Sahitya Academy

* Felicitation from 'MELU KALAYIKA' (1994) of Bangalore.
* Felicitation from 'Vijaya Bhawana' (1996) of Vizianagaram.

Theatre

* 'Kallu' (The Eyes ) won the Best Script Award in the Raghava Memorial Competitions at Vizianagaram.

* A volume of essays on Theatre "Telugu Nataka Rangam" was prescribed as a text book for Theatre Arts Dept. of Andhra University, Visakhapatnam.

* Recipient of Gurazada Apparao Memorial Gold Medal as the best playwright by Vamsee Art Theatres, Hyderabad in 1985.

* The play "ANANTHAM" was adjudged the 'Best Script' in the Inter-university Radio play contest conducted by All India Radio, Delhi in 1959.

* Telugu play "PRASNA" (The Question) was awarded the Mahatma Gandhi Award for Creative Literature by in an All India Contest.

* The play 'Oka Chettu-Rende Puvvulu' was purchased by Song and Drama Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for popular exhibition.

* Participated and presented a play "Aadadi" in the South Indian Playwrights' workshop conducted by CENTRAL SAHITYA AKADEMI as a delegate representing Telugu Theatre.

* Recipient of Best Script award for the play "KURUNINCHANI DEVATALU" and Best Script Award for the Playlet "KALLU" (both in the same year) in the competitions conducted by Andhra Nataka Kala Parishad at Vijayawada in 1970.

* Recipient of Best Script Award for the playlet "RENDU RELLU AARU"(2*2=6) in the Drama competitions conducted at Lalitha Kala Niketan, Rajahmundry and Raghava Memorial Competitions,Vizianagaram.

* Recipient of Best Script Award for the playlet 'PATITA'in the play writing competitions conducted by "Natya Kala" a magazine run by Andhra Pradesh Sangeeta Nataka Academy in 1960.

* Recipient of Silver Medal for "KARUNINCHANI DEVATALU" from Padmabhushan Akkineni Nageswara Rao in 1969.

* "VANDEMATARAM", the first play in Telugu on Chinese Aggression, was published by Andhra Pradesh State Information & Public Relations Dept. with an introduction by Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao, the then Minister for Information and Public Relations,Andhra Pradesh and later Prime Minister of India.

* Best Script prize for the play "MAHANATUDU" at Rayala Nataka Kala Parishad in 1970.

* Best Script prize for the playlet "KALAM VENAKKU TIRIGINDI" at Railway Institute Competitions at Rajahmundry and Hindustan Shipyard Competitions at Visakhapatnam in 1970.

* Best Script Award for "PATITA" (Playlet) at Mitra Brindam Competitions, Palakol.
* The play was presented at Asian Theatre Institute, New Delhi in 1959.

* Best Script Award for "AASAYAALAKU SANKELLU" (Playlet) at Art Lovers Union Competitions, Chittoor in 1961 and at Mitra Samajam, Bhimavaram in 1962. It was presented by Pravaasa Andhra Sangham at Poona in 1969.

* Best Script Award for "RENDU RELLU AARU"(Playlet) at Calcutta Pravaasa Andhra Competitions in 1969, at Postal Inter-Dept. Competitions, Vijayawada, Nataraja Kala Samithi, Kharagpur and at Samskriti Sammelan, Gudur.

* The play "RAGA RAGINI" was presented before Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Vice President of India on 16-12-1959.
* It was translated into Hindi with the title "PATHAR KE ANSOO".

* Acted, Produced and Directed the play "VANDEMATRAM" and presented it at 4 places in Chittoor District of AP during Chinese Aggression on behalf of the District People's Defence Committee, Chittoor in 1963 and collected Rs.50,000/- for National Defence Fund.

* Participated in the 5th Inter-University Youth Festival representing Andhra University in 1958 and enacted the play "MANASTATVAALU". The Festival was inaugurated by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

* Recipient of GURUZADA PURASKARAM (2001) from Guruzada Saamskrutika Samakhya, Vizianagaram.

* 1984: Won the Vamsi Berkeley Award (Hyderabad) for play writing and the Guruzada Apparao Memorial Gold Medal.

Film

* 'Kallu' (The Eyes) was made into a Telugu film, which won the Andhra Pradesh Nandi Award for the Best Story in 1989.

The other Nandi Awards from Govt. of Andhra Pradesh include

* Atma Gowravam (Best story)-1965
* Maastari Kaapuram (Best script)-1991
* 'Prema Pustakam (Best screenplay)-1994.

* Recipient of Madras Film Fans Award as the Best story writer for the film "Aatma Gowravam" in 1965.

* Served as a member of the Script Scrutiny Committee of National Film Development Corporation.

* Reviewed films screened at the International Film Festival held in Madras (Chennai) in 1978 in English from All India Radio,Madras.

* Member of National Jury for Indian Panorama 1996.
* Recipient of Atreya Memorial Award as Best Script Writer by Abhinandana,Hyderabad.

Social

* Recipient of "TELUGU VELUGU" Award in 1987 by Madras Telugu Academy, an association striving for National Integration.
* Recipient of "TELUGU VELUGU" Award as Best All-Rounder in 1996 by Madras Telugu Academy.

* Participated in the Street rally at Hyderabad conducted by Shri N.T. Ramarao, Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh to collect funds for the Diviseema Flood Relief Fund.

* Participated in the Group Counselling Programme of Madras University Employment Information and Guidance Bureau in 1976. The Chairman of the project was Padmabhushan Dr. Malcolm S. Adiseshaiah.



General

* Recipient of Delhi Telugu Akademi Award (2001) at New Delhi.

* Recipient of Rajalakshmi Foundation Best All Rounder Award (2002).

Filmography

1982

* Intlo Ramayya,Veedhilo Krishnayya
* Idi Pellantara?
* Tarangini
* Trisoolam

1983

* Manishiko Charitra
* Palletoori Monagadu
* Abhilasha
* Raju Rani Jakie
* Alaya Sikharam
* Amayaka Chakravarthi
* Rangula Puli
* Goodhachari No.1
* Sivudu Sivudu Sivudu
* Pandanti Kapuraniki Pannendu Sutralu
* Simhapuri Simham
* Subha Muhurtham
* Triveni Sangamam
* Chandi Rani
* Maa Intiki Randi
* Poratam
* Manishiki Maroperu
* Konte Kodallu

1984

* Yuddham
* Padmavyuham
* Tandava Krishnudu
* Devantakudu
* Nirdoshi
* James Bond 999
* S.P.Bhayankar
* Merupudaadi
* Bhaagyalakshmi
* Kurukshestramlo Seetha
* Srimati Kaavali
* Challenge
* Maarchandi Mana Chattalu
* Mangammagari Manavadu
* Ramayanamlo Bhagavatam
* Bharyamani
* Ee Charitra Inkennallu
* Kutumba Gowravam
* Daanavudu
* Kurra Chestalu
* Jagan
* Pralaya Simham
* Moodilla Mutchata
* Kathanayakudu
* Sri Katna Leelalu
* Apanindalu Aadavallakena?
* Rowdy
* Maro Monagadu
* Bandhee
* Donga

1985

* Bharyabarthala Anubandham
* Mangalya Bandham
* Kotha pelli Koothuru
* Maapallelo Gopaludu
* Chitapata Chinikulu
* Punnami Ratri
* Dongallo Dora
* Illale devatha
* Suvarna Sundari
* Illalu vardhillali
* Aparaadhi
* Kathula Kondayya
* Sreevaaru
* Musugu Donga

1986

* Sravana Sandhya
* Anaadiga Aadadi
* Aakrandana
* Muddula Krishnayya
* Swathi Mutyam
* Prathidhwani
* Punya Stree
* Mr.Bharath
* Seetharama Kalyanam
* Pavithra
* Konte Kaapuram
* Idena Nyaayam?
* Aadi Dampathulu
* Samaajamlo Stree
* Neti Yugadharmam
* Desoddaarakudu
* Iddaru Mitrulu
* Dharma Peetham Daddarillindhi
* Captain Nagarjuna
* Naa Pilupe Prabhanjanam
* Kaliyuga krishnudu
* Mannemlo Monagadu
* Adavi Raja
* Maamaa Kodalla Savaal
* Sakkanodu
* Dhairyavanthudu
* Bharya Bharthala Savaal

1987

* Monagadu
* Donga Mogudu
* Samsaram Oka Chadarangam
* Bhargava Ramudu
* O Premakatha
* Thandri Kodukula Challenge
* Ummadi Mogudu
* Dongaadochchadu
* Allari Krishnayya
* Kaaboye Alludu
* Marana Saasanam
* Sahasa Saamrat
* Tayaramma Thandava Krishna
* Pellilloy Pellillu
* Muvva Gopaludu
* Akshintalu
* Pratispandana
* Agniputrudu
* Madana Gopaludu
* Sreenivasa Kalyanam
* Bhale Mogudu
* Maa Voori Monagadu
* Kiraayi Dada
* Sivude Sankarudu
* Jebu Donga
* Donga Kaapuram

1988

* Samsaaram
* Inspector Pratap
* Kaliyuga Karnudu
* Chuttalabbayi
* Menamaama
* Doctorgari Abbayi
* Yamudiki Mogudu
* Bhaarayaa Bharthala Bhaagotham
* Muralikrishnudu
* Rowdy No.1
* Dongagaaroo Swagatham
* Jamadagni
* Bhaaryaa Bharthalu
* Balamurali M.A
* Marana Mrudangam
* Chikkadu Dorakadu
* Pelli Chesi Choodu
* Agni Keratallu
* O Bharya Katha
* Sankellu
* Vaarasudochchadu

1989

* Prema
* Mutyamantha Muddu
* Manchikutumbam
* Simhaswapanam
* Bhale Dampathulu
* Vikky Dada
* Bandhuvulosthunnaru Jaagratha
* Muddula Mamayya
* Goodhachari 117
* Dorokithe Dongalu
* Yamapaasam
* Chettukinda Pleader
* Asoka Chakravarthy
* Dhruva Nakshatram
* Naa Mogudu Naake Sontham
* Soggadi Kaapuram
* Swathi Chinukulu
* Gaduggai
* Saarvabhowmudu
* Tatayya Pelli Manavadi Sobhanam
* Dongapelli
* Indrudu Chandrudu
* Guru Sishyulu
* Poleesu Bharya
* Maa Inti Katha

1990

* Idem Pellam Baaboy
* Siva
* Neti Charitra
* Khaidi Dada
* Jayasimha
* Kodama Simham
* Iddaroo Iddare
* Alludugaru
* Puttinti Pattucheera
* Padmavathi Kalyanam
* Mastari Kapuram
* Raja Vikramaarka
* Ankitham
* Saahasa Putrudu

1991

* Stuartpuram Police Station
* Sreevaari Chindulu
* Samsaara Veena
* Assembly Rowdy
* Aaditya 369
* Bhargav
* Prema Entha Madhuram
* Jeevana Chadarangam
* Athintlo Adde Mogudu
* Raguluthunna Bharatham

1992

* Golmal Govindam
* Dabbu Bhale Jabbu
* Saahasam

1993 and Later

* Soorigaadu
* Ayyayyo Brahmayya
* Sundarakaanda
* Jagannadham & Sons
* Balaramakrishnulu
* Parvatalu Panakalu
* Prema Pustakam
* Vintha Mogudu
* Bhagat
* Gharana Donga
* President Gari Alludu
* Anna
* Gharana Alludu
* Bhale Pellam
* Bhale Mamayya
* Parugo Parugu
* Bangaru Mogudu
* Muddula Priyudu
* Janata Ki Adalat
* Hey Ram
* Murari
* Telangana
* Subhasankalpam
* Maa Balaji
* Vandemataram
* Velugu Needalu
* Bhargava Ramudu
* Ardhangi