If legends like NTR took Telugu pride to the National level, a legend like C Narayana Reddy, fondly called as CiNaRe, took the pride of Telugu lyrics to the national level. This generation might have known less about this legend, but surely he should be a lesson in school books for the students to come. Here are the few reasons why younger generations should know more about him.
When 85-year-old Cinare left the world today, it’s not his absence that would panic any, but the silence of greatest modern Telugu poetry that is to come is what worried literature lovers. Upon listening to some old-age songs like “Nannu Dochu Kunduvathi Vannela Dorasani” (Gulebakavali Katha, 1962) to the modern song “Jejemma Jegemma” (Arundathi, 2008), the lyrical depth and value of such songs turn this legendary poet immortal.
And that song about mothers, “Kantene amma ani ante ela karuniche prathi devatha amme kadha kanna amme kadha” from Preminchu movie, where a blind-girl protagonists sings, still moves many hearts. Cut to this lullaby, “Laali Laali Laali Laali, Vatapatra Shayi ki varahaala laali, Rajeeva netruniki ratanala laali”, even many modern mothers sing this song from 1985 movie “Swathi Muthyam”.
For the 1970 movie “Thalla Pellama”, Cinare scripted the iconic “Telugu Jaathi Manadhi.. Ninduga Velugu Jaathi Manadhi” song. Though he hails from Telangana region, he always looked at whole Telugu region as one, and Telugu race as one. After the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, when someone asked if his song would still stand true, he turned it this way- Telugu jaathi manadhi.. renduga velugu jaathi manadhi!!
What more do we need to understand his understanding, passion and integrity towards Telugu language and people? Rather focusing on rhyming (praasa), double entendres, English words, Cinare is the one who expressed any depths with his literary domination, excellence and command on the language and selfless passion for the works he creates.
As Telugu people, it’s our responsibility to carry forward the legacy of this legendary poet.
