Relangi (actor)

Relangi Venkata Ramaiah (13 August 1910 – 26 November 1975) was an Indian film character actor, comedian and producer known for his works predominantly in Telugu cinema.[1][2] He was honored with the Padma Shri, for his contribution to Indian cinema in 1970. Relangi is regarded as one of the finest comic actors of India, noted particularly for his comic expressions, and dialogues during the golden age of Telugu cinema. Together with Ramana Reddy were a comedy double act during the era of early Tollywood. Notable Relangi performances include those from Gunasundari Katha, Missamma, Mayabazar, Nartanasala, Donga Ramudu, Iddaru Mitrulu, Chaduvukunna Ammayilu, Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu, Velugu Needalu, Vipra Narayana, Lava Kusha , Kula Gothralu and Preminchi Choodu.[3][4] The Relangi Art Academy Award was instituted in his honor for best comic performances.[5]

In this Telugu name, the surname is Relangi.
Relangi
Born
Relangi Venkata Ramaiah

Ravulapalem, Madras Presidency, British India (now Ravulapalem, Andhra Pradesh, India)
Died26 November 1975(1975-11-26) (aged 65)
Tadepalligudem, Andhra Pradesh
OccupationActor and playback singer
Spouse(s)Sridevamma
AwardsPadma Shri (1970)

Early life

Relangi was born in a Telugu Settibalija family in the village of Ravulapalem in the East Godavari district in Madras State (now Andhra Pradesh). He was a professional Harikatha performer and also an expert Harmonium player.[4] He grew up in Kakinada; however, he didn't show interest in education due to his passion for acting.

Career

Relangi started his initial career acting in stage and folk theater and also took female roles in stage theatre. He started his film career by playing a Vidushaka (Jester) role in his first Telugu film Sri Krishna Thulaabaaram in 1935 under the direction of C. Pullaiah. Later on, he assisted Pullaiah as a Production Manager until he got a major break with the film Gollabhama released in 1947. Subsequently, he played a comedic role in Vindhyarani, which was a big hit. He was a regular face in all the movies made under the Vijaya Films banner from 1950. He grew so popular that he was given a chance to play a comedic hero role in Pakkinti Ammayi in 1953 under Pullayya opposite Anjali Devi.[6]

Filmography

As a comedic actor, he was quite popular when partnered with actress Girija, actress Suryakantham, and another comedian actor, Ramana Reddy. These combinations were repeated for several hit movies in Telugu. Some of the well-known movies in which Relangi acted are shown below.

Singer

Some of the well-known songs sung by Relangi are in the following movies:

YearFilmSong
1949Gunasundari KathaAdive Eduraivachche Daka Padara Munduku Padipodam
1951Patala BhairaviTalalene Ne Talalene
Vinave Bala Naa Prema Gola
1952Dharma DevataVirise Vennelalo
1954Vipra NarayanaAadadhi Ante Layam Layam Aa Needantene Bhayam Bhayam
1954Pedda ManushuluSivaSiva moortivi gaNanaadhaa
1955MissammaDharmam Cheyyi Babu Kaani Dharmam
Seetaram Seetaram Seetaram Jai Seetaram
1966Paramanandayya Shishyula Katha

Producer
  • Relangi acted and produced the film Samajam in 1960.
  • Relangi owned a Theater in Tadepalligudem - Relangi Theater.

Awards

In 1970, he was awarded the Padma Shri, a civilian award from the Government of India.

References
  1. M.L. NARASIMHAM. "Blast from the past: Illarikam (1959)". The Hindu.
  2. M L Narasimham. "Blast from the Past: Mahakavi Kalidasu (1960)". The Hindu.
  5. "Relangi Art Academy awards declared". The Hindu.
  6. "CineGoer.com - Titbits". Archived from the original on 19 April 2012.
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