Thy name was versatility: Veturi Sundararamamurthy

One of the great lyricist of Telugu film music, Veturi Sundararamamurthy, breathed his last on Saturday (22nd May 2010) evening. For many of us, who grew up in Andhra Pradesh during the late 70s and 80s, Veturi's songs are an integral part of our life. Some of us may not even realize that the songs we loved so much were written by Veturi. He was a versatile poet who could satisfy the needs of various 'rasikas'. May his soul rest in peace.

Instead of writing an elaborate post on him, let me point to this three part article about Veturi, where in the writer, Srinivas Kanchibhotla, does a very good job of analysing Veturi's work in Telugu films. I am sure I could not have written something as exhaustive as this. Those interested in Telugu poetry need to read this article.

http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/realstars/veturi.html

From my side, I present to you some of Veturi's creations below. The best homage we can pay to an artist is getting involved in his art. So do listen to these songs to understand and partake in the art of Veturi Sudararamamurthy.

Listen to just the words in the starting of this song. Illayaraja remakes 'thumbi vaa' for this number. Of all the versions of 'thumbi vaa' that I have heard, I love these lyrics the most.

Every song in Sagara Sangamam was a gem, both lyrically and musically. It is very difficult to pick out one song from the list. I pick up 'vedam anu anuvula naadam'. The best thing I like about this song is the way Veturi provides lyric intensity to the intense tune of Illayaraja. I especially like the charanam and the way Veturi expresses how the dancer has merged with his art. Listen carefully to the first charanam. Sung with the required intensity by Balu and Janaki.

Veturi was well known for his versatility in writing lyrics which were more 'massy' in nature and also writing lyrics which had more 'class'. He was as comfortable writing for K.Raghavendra Rao or Kodandarama Reddy as he was writing for Vishwanath or Vamsi. Here are two songs from the same film which showcase this ability of his. (Both the songs are mentioned by Srinivas in his article.)

'kottandi thittandi' from Marana Mrudangam. The lyrics are as 'massy' as they can get.

For the same movie, we get class as well.

When the maverick combination of Vamsi and Illayaraja came up with their set of challenges, Veturi rose to address them.

A twisting tune which is made even more complex by the Veturi's alliterative lyrics

Here Veturi adds his own charm to this free flowing tune.

I will be doing an injustice if I don't include atleast one song from 'Sankarabaranam'. And which one better than 'Shankara' to showcase his talent. 'meriche merupulu murise peddavula chiru chiru navvulu kaabolu'. Aah. What imagination.

And finally, one of the recent songs of his which I like a lot. A lovely tune by K M Radhakrishna and very spirited singing by SPB.