Vemuri Gaggaiah

Vemuri Gaggaiah (1895–1955) was an Indian film actor, character actor, singer, and thespian known for his works in Telugu cinema, and Telugu theater. In 1933, East India Film Company produced its first Indian film, Savitri, in Telugu. Shot in Calcutta on a budget of ₹ 75 thousand, and based on a popular stage play by Mylavaram Bala Bharathi Nataka Samajam, the film was directed by the father of the "Telugu Theater Movement", Chittajallu Pullaiah, casting Vemuri Gaggaiah and Dasari Ramathilakam as "Yama" and "Savithri" respectively.[1] The blockbuster film has received an honorary diploma at Venice Film Festival.[2]

Vemuri Gaggaiah
Born1895
Vemuru, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India
Died30 December 1955
Hyderabad, India
OccupationActor
Thespian

Gaggaiah was an important member of the "Mylavarama Bala Bharathi Nataka Samajam" in Mylavaram, Krishna district during 1913–28. Through "Mylavaram Theatre". Gaggaiah became a household name for mythological roles. He won recognition in drama as Yama, god of death, in Sati Savitri, as the demon Hiranyakasipu in Bhakta Prahlada. Some other prominent roles were as the eponymous Mymvana, and as Jalandhara in Sati Tulasi. His theatrical performances made C. Pullayya to persuade to him to enter motion picture. His other notable films include works such as Kamsa in Sri Krishna Leelalu (1935) and the womanizer in Chandika (1940). He is known for rendering songs such as "Po Bala Pommikan" and "Dhikkaramulu Saituna". [3]

Early life

Gaggaiah was born in 1895 at Vemuru in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh. He lost his father in early childhood. His elder brother tried to educate him but failed in his efforts. He married Ramalaxmi in 1913. During those days, Surabhi Drama company used to be played throughout the Andhra Pradesh and attracts huge crowds. Influenced by this, he learned music and singing songs. He joined the same troupe and acted in many plays touring with them.

Personal life

His son Vemuri Ramaiah was also a stage actor.[4]

Death

Vemuri Gaggaiah died in 1955 on 30 December in his native village Vemuru.

Filmography
  1. Savithri (1933) – Yama
  2. Seeta Kalyanam (1934)
  3. Sri Krishna Leelalu (1935) – Kamsa
  4. Draupadi Vastrapaharanam (1936) – Sishupala
  5. Sati Tulasi (1936)
  6. Mohini Rugmangada (1937)
  7. Jarasandha (1938)
  8. Bhakta Markandeya (1938) – Yama
  9. Chandika (1940) – Giriraju
  10. Mahiravana (1940) – Mairavana
  11. Dakshayagnam (1941) – Daksha
  12. Bhakta Prahlada (1942) – Hiranyakashipu
  13. Seeta Rama Jananam (1942) – Ravana
  14. Garuda Garvabhangam (1943)

References
  1. Narasimham, M. L. (7 November 2010). "SATI SAVITHRI (1933)". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Retrieved 8 July 2011.
  2. Bhagwan Das Garg (1996). So many cinemas: the motion picture in India. Eminence Designs. p. 86. ISBN 81-900602-1-X.
  3. Luminaries of 20th Century, Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University, Hyderabad, 2005.
  4. "Famous artists in Andhra Natakam". Archived from the original on 26 October 2009. Retrieved 11 September 2009.
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