వేణుగోపాల్ టాకీస్ (1960 - 2022 )

                                                                        -- శ్రీనివాస్ రావు దేవభక్తుని (డీ.జి శ్రీనివాస్)

 

వేణుగోపాల్ థియేటర్ నేలమట్టం తో మన అందరి సమిష్టి జ్ఞాపకం బౌతికంగా దూరం అయ్యింది.సినీమా విక్షణ  స్వర్ణయుగ అస్తమయం తరువాత జరుగుతన్న పరిణామ క్రమం ఇది.

 

అసలు వేణుగోపాల్ థియేటర్ అంటే అనే పాత బ్లాక్ అండ్ వైట్ సినిమాలు ఎక్కువ వచ్చేయి 1988 వరకు,లేకుంట ప్లాప్ సినిమాలు, అందుకని ఈ హాల్ కి వెళ్ళింది తక్కువే.

 

అప్పట్లో భద్రాచలం  సిమెంట్ రోడ్ చాల ఎత్తులో ఉండేది, ఈ థియేటర్ కి వెల్లాలి అంటే లోయలోకి ప్రయాణమే.మళ్లీ హాల్ లో కి వెళ్ళాలి అంటే చాల ఎత్తైన మెట్లు ఎక్కాలి.

 

అది ఎ ఆట(షో) అయినా , పాల్వంచ లో ఎక్కడ ఉన్న ,తొంబ్బాయి శాతం మంది  సినిమాకు నడిచే వెళ్లే వారు.సినిమా విడిచిపెడితే తండోపు తండాలు గా జనం.

 

పూర్వీకుల మాటలో ,థియేటర్ లో వేసే పాటల  రికార్డ్స్ ఊరంతా వినపడేవి అని,ఆడ వాళ్ళు అందరు ఒక వైపు మాగ వారందరు ఒక వైపు కుర్చేనవారు అని చెప్పవాళ్లు.

 

1980 కు ముందు పావలా టికెట్ కూడా ఉండేదిట,నా ఎరుక  వరకు అరవై  పైసలు, రూపాయి ఇరవై పైసలు ,రెండు రూపాయలు ముప్పై పైసలు టికెట్ రేట్లు 1989 వరకు ఉండేవి.

 

సినిమా టికెట్ దొరకాలంటే దొమ్ములాట ,బాహాబాహీ జరగలసిందే ,మ్యాటినీ కి వెళ్లి వస్తే

బట్టలు  పొగ వాసనా పట్టి వుండాయి, మనం సినిమాకెళ్ళాం అని చెప్పకనే చెప్పాయి.

 

జనం ఎక్కువైతే ఎక్సట్రా చెక్క  బల్లలు ,నల్లుల బాధ, షో మధ్య లో కరెంటు పోవటాలు ఏమాత్రం మన లోని సినిమా మీద మన అనురక్తిని తగ్గించేవి కావు.

 

వేణుగోపాల్ థియేటర్ లో సినిమా చూడాలంటే మొదటి ఆట (ఫస్ట్ షో) లేదా రెండవ ఆటలు   బెస్ట్ , ఎందుకంటే తలుపులన్నీ తెరిచేవారు ,బయట వున్నా పొడుగాటి అశోక చెట్ల గాలి అద్భుతంగా ఉండేది, అటువంటి వాతావరణం లో  మాయాబజార్, మిస్సమ్మ ,సువర్ణసుందరి లాంటి క్లాసిక్ సినిమాలు చూడటం వేరే తరహా అనుభూతి. ఈ మధ్య లో జంతికలు అమ్మడానికి వచ్చేయి ,వాటి రుచి వేరే నేను చెప్పా అవసరం లేదు.

 

గూఢచారి నెంబర్ 1  (ఈ హలో మూడు వారలు నడించింది)  ,ప్రేమసాగరం, జంతుప్రపంచం, ముగ్గురి మిత్రులు , అర్ధరాత్రి స్వతంత్రం, షరాబీ,  మరియు విజయ వారి క్లాసిక్స్ ఈ హాలులో నేను చూసిన మంచి చిత్ర'రాజాలు'.

 

1990 తరవాత హాల్ రేనోవేషన్ జరిగింది, చాలాకాలం తరువాత రోబో (2010 ) ఈ హాలు లో మా పిల్లలు తో చూడం జరిగింది, కానీ నేను చివరిగా చుసిన సినిమా గోపాల గోపాల .

 

వేణుగోపాల్ థియేటర్ అంటే ఇంకా బాగా గుర్తుండేవి బయట హాలు పైన  కృష్ణుడు బొమ్మ ,ప్రారంభోత్సవ నల్ల గ్రానైట్ పాలక, థియేటర్ కొలిచిన ఈ రెండు జ్ఞాపకాలు సజీవంగా ఉంటె బావుండేది.

 

ముక్తాయింపు:

 

పక్కనే వున్నా వెంకటేశ్వర లో 'అనిమల్' అనే సినిమాకు  నేను వెళ్ళాను (Dec  23  లో ) టికెట్ రేటు అక్షరాలా నూట పది రూపాయలు  ,యధావిధిగా  బొమ్మ సరిగా కనపడలేదు, మాట సారిగా వినపడలేదు,దోమలబాధ , కానీ నా  సినీఅభిరుచి మాత్రం ఏమాత్రం తగ్గలేదు

 

థియేటర్ చిత్రమాలిక, అందులో వేణుగోపాలుడ్ని

గమనించ వచ్చు.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Dorababu ( దొరబాబు)

                                                              ****2023 November****

ఈ సారి  ఇండియా ట్రిప్ లో  భద్రాద్రి రాముడి దర్శనం నా బకెట్  లిస్ట్ లో ఒక ప్రధాన కోరిక , అ మనసులో ని మాటని మార్నింగ్ వాక్ లో  నా ప్రవాస బాల్యమిత్రుడు తో  వారం క్రితం బయట పెట్టగానే, చేద్దాం చూద్దాం అన్నాడు. 

హఠాత్తుగా నిన్న నా ప్రవాస మిత్రుడు, రెడీ గా వుండు నీకు సాయంత్రం భద్రాచలం లో  దర్శనం కోరిక నెరవేరబోతోంది అన్నాడు, అలాగానే ఒక పెళ్ళికి అక్షింతలు వేసి వస్తాం అన్నాడు.నేను సరే అనేశాను.

                            ****************** 1984-89**************

 మా నాయనమ్మ అరేయ్ శీను దొరబాబు ఎదో ట్యూషన్ సెంటర్ పెడుతున్నాడు ,నువ్వు జాయిన్ అయిపో అంది ,ఎదురు చెప్పే  అవకాశం మనకు ఎలాగూ ఉండదు గనుక ,ఒకే అని తల ఊపి నా  గౌరవాన్ని కాపాడుకున్నాను.అదే అదే ఆఫర్ నా చాలా మంది స్నేహితులకు వచ్చింది.

అ ట్యూషన్ సెంటర్ ,ఎప్పటిలాగా  'నారాయణపరాయణ' రుబ్బుడు సెంటర్ లాంటిది కాదు, అక్కడ  మాకు సైన్స్   రాళ్లబండి కవితాప్రసాద్ , లెక్కలుకి ఉపేంద్ర సర్ మరియు జగన్మోహనరావు అని ఒక KTPS ఉద్యోగి  , ఇంగ్లీష్  కమల్  (కామాలుద్దీన్)  క్లాసులు తీసుకునేవారు.

అ  ట్యూషన్ సెంటర్ పేరు 'నవతా ట్యుటోరియల్స్' .

కాలక్రమేణా అది 'నవతా స్కూల్' గా రూపాంతరం చెందింది.

పాల్వంచ పట్నం లో ఒక విద్యవిప్లవం  (1984-90)  తీసుకుకొని వచ్చింది అని చెప్పటం లో సందేహం ఏమాత్రం లేదు.

అ ట్యూషన్ సెంటర్ పెట్టిన దొరబాబు అని మేము పిలుచుకునే వ్యక్తి       'ప్రభు కుమార్'.

తర్వాతి రోజుల్లో రాళ్లబండి కవితాప్రసాద్ చేత పాల్వంచ ప్రజలకు అవధానప్రక్రియ ని పరిచయం చేసాడు, కవిసమ్మేలేళ్ళకు కొదవే లేదు.

ట్యూషన్ సెంటర్ తో సరిపెట్టకుండా క్రికెట్ టౌర్నమెంట్స్ ,స్పోర్ట్స్ క్యాంప్స్ పెట్టి ఎంతో మందికి  స్పోర్ట్స్ పరిచయం చేసాడు అనటం లో ఏమాత్రం సందేహం లేదు.

'HINDUSTAN KI KASAM'  అనే ఒక దేశభక్తి సినిమా బెన్ఫిట్ షో  వేసి పాల్వంచ క్రికెట్ క్లబ్ అంకురార్పణ చేసాడు.

షణ్ముఖ శ్రీనివాస్  అనే అప్పటి ప్రఖ్యాత కళాకారుడి తో  సాంప్రదాయ నృత్య ప్రదర్శన ,పాల్వంచ జనాలకు రుచి చూపించాడు.

ఒక దశ లో ఒక లోకల్ MLA  కు వుండే  Reach and Respect  (గోరువమర్యాదలు) ఉండేవి.

 

మా తరం పిల్లకాయలు అందరికి దశ-దిశా నిరాధేశ్యాం చేసిన ఒక నొక శక్తి  'ప్రభుకుమార్' అనటం లో అతియోశక్తి  ఏమాత్రం లేదు.

                                    ******2023 డిసెంబర్ 6  సాయంత్రం *****

రాముడి దర్శన అంతరం ,అనుకున్న ప్లాన్ ప్రకారం పెళ్లి మంటపానికి వెళ్లి అక్షింతలు వేసేఅందుకు లైన్ లో నిల్చొని   యధాలాపనగా పెళ్లి ఎవరది అని నా ఇంకో పుర ప్రముఖ మిత్రుడుని అడిగా. 

 

  అరేయ్ ఇ పెళ్ళికొడుకు మన ప్రభుకుమార్  గారి అబ్బాయి రా  అన్నాడు.

అక్షింతలు వేస్తూ ఆ పెళ్ళికొడుకు మేము మీ నాన్న గారి పూర్వ పాత విద్యార్థులు అని గొంతు అడ్డుపడుతుంటే ,ఎమోషన్ ని కంట్రోల్ చేస్కుంటూ  విషెస్ చెప్పి  బయటకు వచ్చాను.

 

Zing Thing The GoldSpot

In 1977 when Janatha Govt running the Office,the then Central Minster George Fernedez shunted out all the multinationals which include companies like IBM and Coke.

Pre 1977 Very faintly I remember drinking Coca-Cola once, the taste remained on the memory buds for long time.
After the sunset of Multinational soft drinks, India market shelves are filled with Indian Made drinks and Desi Colas.
Coke is replaced with Cola drinks Like Double Seven ,Campa Cola and Parle’s Thumps Up , Orange drink Gold Spot and Limca.
Local brands like Kismet and Soma also shared some Crate space.

Ad Captions like Zing Thing for Goldspot,Thumps up Taste the Thunder filled the media space.
Gold Spot became a Genric Name, like ex Vizag M.P is called Goldspot Murthy,or Ameerpet Goldspot (now the site is demolished and Bigbazaar sprouted there) stop.

No Party or Function or Cinema doesn’t miss its share of Thumps up or Limca.If its summer the quantity of soft drinks used to increase.

One summer , I am just wandering the hot streets to collect the Jungle book characters which came with Gold spot bottle Crowns.

In 90’s with Liberalization, again Pepsi came as Lehar Pepsi, and Ramesh Chauhan sold his Thumps up,Limca and Goldspot to Coke for a princely sum. Though Coke tried to kill the Thumps up,but loosing the market share against Pepsi made it hang on to Thumps up .Thump up is resurrected against Pepsi as Manly drink!.

My trips to India, never left without gulp of Limca or Thumpsup. Though I get Thumps up in London East Ham.

But I miss Goldspot,Last time I had it is in 1999 in Annavaram.

and never again I had similar emotional bond with the anyother multinational soft drink brands.


Now ,Coke is making is showering profits from Water (Kinley) than sugary carbonated drinks, in a true imperialistic East India company approach, by selling our own goods to us.
Recently Ramesh Chauhan,refused offer of Coke,for Bisleri Soda.

Enjoy the Goldspot Ad in the following link

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=ReWZ-7E0oEM

Obituray :Sri Raja Rajeswari Theatre

Sri Raja Rajeswari Theater in Palvancha is now demolished, for my nostalgic heart it is painful. It may be one among the not so horrible theatres in A.P,but I want pay Obituary as we all associated past moments with it.

The first movie screened in Raja Rajeswari is first Cinemascope Telugu Movie Alluri Seetharamaraju (Released in 1974) is the first movie in it(might be somewhere in 1975),we went to that movie on first day, evening show of the movie. As the Projector operator does not have much experience, the film reel is burnt , and the show is stopped. we returned back home.

There were certain rituals that theatre is used to follow, before the start of news reel , they used to play, SriSeetharamula Kalyanam Chuddam rarandi song and Raja Rajeswari devotional song (I like to collect this song) while starting of the morning show. During local ad slide show, a very popular 70’s instrumental music used to come, this music is played in background for Sharuk’ Movie Kabhi Ha Kabhi Na ,in the party scene.(I am very much interested to know details about this music).

It screened every telugu blockbuster, my memorable movies in that theater are Sholay, Manchimanshulu(Sobhans Movie),Jeevanjyothy, Sri Rama pattabishekam,Bangaru Babu,Adavi Ramudu,Pranamkareedu and the list goes on.

Later on they built around 1997-98,Mini Rajeswari came in the same compound, I watched Pellipandiri ( May 1998) (Jagapathi Babu),that was my last movie in that compound, before coming to U.K in August 1998.

Some snippets about the theatre.

People used to say,that owner Radhamma,is once small time food vendor outside the theatre in Khotagudem.(or Bhadrachalam?).

Sholay is the first movie to be screened in Palvancha,before Kothagudem which is a ‘B’ Center,samething happened for Yamagola also(1977-78),but after first day it is shifted to Kothagudem Durga Kalamandir.

Bobbilipulli,Eenadu,Devatha(Sobhans),Munduadugu are the most awaited movies. They used to show slides as next changing movie,and finally screened only after 2 years of release.

1975-95 is the golden period of that theatre, I think Siva and Jagadeka Veerudu Atiloka Sundari compete for highest number of days(around 31 days )screened in that theatre.

Two Wheelarism

As the ,Tata’s 1 Lac,Car is announced it may be leading to the end of two wheeler highway. Now we can imagine tomorrow, with full of low price cars might be replacing two wheelers and autos.

Familiar site of whole family going on a two wheeler ,might be confined to archive photos and now Milk/Vegetable Vendors might be shifting to Tata Nano ,replacing the trusty two wheelers.

In Indian market If a two wheeler is succeeded in becoming the ‘PALABANDI’.or used by the Milk vendors, by accommodating at least two heavy loads of the Aluminum cans .The vehicle success is engraved for another twenty years because at last it passed the ultimate road test. Rajdoot, Bajaj Chetak, TVS 50 and Hero Honda,are forerunners that withstood this test.Bajaj M50 also races for the coveted place in Maharashtra.

Basically this brands succeeded in conquering the Great Indian rural market, not by market campaigning but by their road worthiness.`Hamara Bajaj’ ,`Chal mere Luna’ became comCmon man notation.

It might be funny anecdote to the present generation, if we tell that our parents waited for long years to get the prized two wheeler, out of the given permitted Quota, in those days winning lottery seems to be easy task.

The familiar site of Lambrator, carrying the whole family still in our minds,Lambrrator, is not a smooth God, to convince, it least she requires 100 storkes and more often,to open its back bannet,to cajole it for a 10 minute smooth ride . Now you can start bidding it in E-bay at 150 $. As a antique Icon.

Suvega, Avanti Garelli, Luna ,Priya, Java(Czech Made) and Later TVS 50are some other brands which flow my mind ,from seventies era. Luna entered the market as ladies vehicle. If we go back in time, we can identify each family with their two wheeler, as most cases it framed into the Family portrait.

LML Vespa, Hero Hond,Yamaha RTZ served us later,making us become lazy and gain the cholesterol.(as we stopped cycling).


Italy is the mother of two wheelers, Piaggo, Lamboretta, Gairelli are born here, My eyes are conjured by the regular site of two wheelers here in Milan.
Milan got a Scooter museum ,which I need to pay a visit,and pay my tributes to the phenomenon of Indian Two wheelerism.

I added some pictures here is the Scooter museum link

http://www.mmlambretta.com/sites/lambrettamuseum.html

Ebay link

http://search.ebay.com/lambretta_W0QQ_trksidZm37QQfromZR40QQpqryZlambratta

Why Do Blog

Why do we blog

From Dilbert's View



"People who are trying to decide whether to create a blog or not go througha thought process much like this:1.. The world sure needs more of ME.2.. Maybe I'll shout more often so that people nearby can experience thejoy of knowing my thoughts.3.. No, wait, shouting looks too crazy.4.. I know - I'll write down my daily thoughts and badger people to readthem.5.. If only there was a description for this process that doesn't involvethe words egomaniac or unnecessary.6.. What? It's called a blog? I'm there!The blogger's philosophy goes something like this:Everything that I think about is more fascinating than the cr*p in yourhead. ""People who are trying to decide whether to create a blog or not go througha thought process much like this:1.. The world sure needs more of ME.

2.. Maybe I'll shout more often so that people nearby can experience thejoy of knowing my thoughts.

3.. No, wait, shouting looks too crazy.

4.. I know - I'll write down my daily thoughts and badger people to readthem.

5.. If only there was a description for this process that doesn't involvethe words egomaniac or unnecessary.

6.. What? It's called a blog? I'm there!The blogger's philosophy goes something like this:Everything that I think about is more fascinating than the cr*p in yourhead. "

For more info
http://www.dilbert.com/comics/dilbert/dnrc/html/newsletter61.html

Yadavalli Krishnamurthy:A Tribute to our Teacher

School:Sri Rama Krishna Vidayalaya,New Palvancha.
Period:1979-1986



One sultry afternoon a rugged person entered our class(3rd I think) and the next 45 minutes we areoverwhelmed by his way of teaching and his wittyanecdotes though some of them are crude. The one, Iparticularly remember is about Samuel Johnson and howhe attacked a layman, while the latter enquired aboutTime. For the first time words;‘Rustic’,’Nocturanal’.. etc,entered into my memory.(Even though I didn’t know what is the exact meaningof those words).
He is Yedavalli Krishnamurthy migrated from Vijayawada.

His way of teaching, is always fascinating and attentive and he made them practical by asking us to bring the leaves eaten by Caterpillars and models of Caterpillar cocoons and many more.

Once he told our super seniors to collectButterfiles, it started a great Butterfly rush and yielded a mass Butterfly execution, very gloomy indeed.
But he encouraged many of us to participate in science fairs and various competitons, and he is an inherent teacher who left a secured govt warden job, and simply followed his heart by returning to the teacher job.
On the flip side his moods are very erratic, and that reflected on the severe punishment he has to give us.
One of batch mate is the last victim from our batch to his attitude and after that he had untimely demise,and we are here, left with his memories and his spell towards science.

10 Things about Palvancha/Paloncha

Palvancha,this are the some things you know/don'tknow about Palvancha:
1) Palvancha spreads across 25 sq kms, and boastsabout 1 lakh population.

2) Radhakrishna temple very rare in South India can be found in Palvancha.
3) Palvancha is a Power town produces Power around from APGENCO700+500+142(Navabhart Ferro Alloys) MW.
4) Not a single road in Palvancha,is straightroad,every road is curved or contains certain gradientand road always lead to East to West or South to North,town is mostly grid pattern.
5) Palvancha got slots of for every govt department t and well planned city.Infact,Palvancha Police station situated in largest area.
6) Every thing is Extreme in terms of Weather can be said about Palvancha,Extreme temperatures around 50C,heavy rains and chill ness during Winters.
7) Bakta Ramadasu is the Thalsidar of Palvancha Paragana .
8) Murredu and Kinnersani are the two tributaries ofGodavari,that flow around Palvancha,and provide good background to the wonderful landscape.
9)Telangana moment started first in Paloncha during 50'S,but now it is full of migrated population across the Andhra Pradesh.
1o)Yet to find.

Dayyam Katha/Ghost Story

School: Sri Ramakrishna Vidayalaya.
Year:1980's.New Palvancha.

I don’t remember what subject she taught us, but mypalm hands are well aware of her Masters in ‘Cane’application, this condition is true for many our classmates in 3r d class at that time.

Frustration and anger is building against her, from all of our mates.One fine sunny morning, I enquired one of ourclassmate about her name, he replied, ‘Dayyam’,without doubting his sarcastic intention, I stronglybelieved him to the heart.After some days, the particular teacher came to knowwhat ‘pet’ name , pupils have given to her, all thesubsequent leads pointed to me.She assembled me and threatened that I will given TC ,In return I have pleaded that I don’t know her nameand later my body paid the pain for my ignorancebliss and came to know her name as Damayanthi.

Ilayaraja-Music Mastreo

Before the advent of T.V,we all are very much
accustomed to Radio, and it’s Telugu songs (apart from
Balanadham and Addanki Mannar News).

In early 80’s, N.T.R’s Yugundar movie songs are
constant hummables among the kids like ‘Na pere
Yugundhar’, Vurraba Esukanna killi. One day happened
to listen a song which has got a complete different
way of music,and it is a early morning jogging
song,with resonating footsteps from film Mounagetham
http://www.raaga.com/channels/telugu/movie/A0000384.html.


and through Ceylone Radio songs like ‘Chinni Chinni
Kannaya’
http://www.musicindiaonline.com/music/telugu/s/movie_name.5827/music_director.50\
4/

and Kavincha Kallo edo edo Ragam and a soft melody
Ramudu ankoledu,Janaki
from Rajkumar movie, Seethakoka Chiluka Movie songs
unknowingly registered into my mind.

All the above songs are very different from usual
Dappu and Ek Maar Do Maar songs which we are all
accustomed to even today, even then I am sometimes
used to incline towards Bangaru Bathu Guddu .. from
Vetagadu, Type songs and Shankarabarnam Songs
particulary ‘Shankara Nadasa …. And Dorukuna Etuvanti
seva..
http://www.musicindiaonline.com/music/telugu/s/movie_name.6511/

and later on fascination towards the composer grown
up unintentionally by Mounamelonayi melody From
Sagara Sangmam and Abilasha Movie songs,and common
thing among all this songs is Ilayaraja.

Completely different from the current genre,and the
level of his music used to get next level when ever he
combined with Vamsi in films like Alapana(A Kanulolo..
check out the echoing effect in the song ),Anveshna (
especially Birds chirping ) and Premunchu Pelladu
(Nirantaram Vasanthale …) Sitara and Mahirshi(Sumam
Prati sumam..
http://www.raaga.com/channels/telugu/movie/A0000029.html
http://www.raaga.com/channels/telugu/movie/A0000906.html
(pay attention to the poetic lyrics in Vamsi & IR
songs, different from ‘Addis Abbaba Allam murraba
Lyrics or Kukkapilla Sabbubilla (prasa) lyrics.)
http://www.raaga.com/channels/telugu/movie/A0000186.html


Oh papa lali and Amani Padave from Gitanjali and
Gharshana and Nayakudu Songs (Nee Gudu
Chedrindi)constantly enchants us and finally Siva
Background Score apart from the songs always a
connoisseur’s delight and list goes on.
IR’s Orchestratsation and his use of tunes are
compeletely outstanding and which doesn’t mince the
lyrics or doesn’t make music as high Volume Cacophony.

Here are some of my favourites of IR.

Malli Malli – Rakshasudu
Enniyallo Malliyallo - Shiva
Cheli Rava - Mouna Ragam
Aamani Padave - Geetanjali
Kurisenu virijallule - Gharshana
Ghallu Ghallu - Swarna Kamalam
Mate Rani .-------O Papa Lali

Vevela …………Sankeerthana
Lali…………….Swathimuthyam
Yamuna Thatilo – Dalapathi
Sundari ………….Dalapathi.
Chelimilo………..Mounageetham

Passion for IR music,made me to collect his songs
since Napster days and still going on.

Have a happy IR Music time, which makes me nostalgic
about our school and college days.

Radio Times (1980s)

Time Period:Good old 1980's.
Place:Andhra Pradesh.

In a way we are the last generation of Radio Media
but again,now the wheel has turned back with revival
of F.M.Radio.

We used to have a big radio, with numerous bulbs
(Valves) in it, and it’s internal anatomy constantly
attracted me and even paid the price for opening
it.Later we moved to transistor radios.
As most of might be remembering we used to pay Radio
licence in post office for the listening the radio
programs(Back in U.K now I am paying the T.V. licence
for receiving the T.V. Signals),once the license
barriers are lifted somewhere in early 80’s ,all the
big Radio stamps joined my Stamp collection.

Typical Radio day,used to be stared with Suprabatham
(on Saturday) or some other devotional broadcast or
Gandhimaragam on Fridays ,followed by
Padipantalu(Still I remember the signature tune of
that program) and it created awareness about
Sasyarakashana and Endosulphan and Mono Chrotophos
measures (mothadulu).

So now time would be 6:50 A.M,Time for Regional
news,followed by National news at 7:05 AM from
Delhi,We used to listen all the development and
welfare activities going on the country thru voices of
Duggirala Puranaih,Addanki Mannar or Mammallipalli
Rajyalaxmi.
Even our ears are exposed to Sanskrit
News(Sampadi varta shuyantam Baladevananda Sagarah ….
This bit is kept in a recent Pedababu movie as well,
Apart from India,Germany also broadcasts Sanskrit
News) and evenings with Monotone Urdu Kabri.

8:00 am will be English news (It took years to
understand what they are saying,BBC or VOA(Voice of
America) is much more clearer than AIR( All India
Radio). Now we used to change the Band and used to
listen Hindi songs from Ceylon Radio until 8:30 and
time for school.

When we return back for lunch at 12:30,again another
dose of National news followed by Karmikula
Karayakram (Program on Workers), followed by Prantiya varthalu(Regional news).

Palvancha has got a geographical advantage of
receiving all the four stations(HYD,VJD,Kadapah and
Vishakapatnam) but not Vivadbharathi.So we used to
change the stations to get the songs, all the times
(and thus gained lot of superficial knowledge on
Telugu songs and helped in Telug Antayakshri in
later stages).

Sunday afternoons after 2’o clock English news will be
our favourite programme Balanandam,and raptly followed
for many years, and I got introduced to Sindbad
sahasa gadhalu and even Alladin Adbuta dweepam
through the Audio Serials.and after this their used
One hour Natkam (Play), and I used to follow it as well.

I am not a fan of great Cricket commentary, but once I
listened to Telugu Cricket commentary,and listned
carefully about the Skylab doom stories(1980).

Sometimes to kill we are forced to listen Lalgudi
Jayaraman Violin recital or Carnatic Vocal.

Even I listened to KTDM F.M Radio station for it songs
and became mute listener to the local talent,and AIR
become bridge between me and world happenings.
Life used to revolve around the radio,and the Radio
routine followed almost 12-14 years after wards it
succumbed to the dark forces of T.V media and
moreover we also fell onto the Competition conveyor
belt and lost what we are, where we need to go.


Tailpiece:There is one program on Teaching Sanskrit ,
the signature tune of that program is Barthruhari
Subhasitham and it ends like this..
….Na stanam, Na lepnam, Vagbhushanam,Bhushnam.(This
poem again I read in 10+2 Sanskrit Subject, The
meaning of the poem is For a person Pefumes or
ornaments or flowers are not the real decorations but
his Vakku (or Communication skills) will be the real
decoration, so one has to master on it.

Chandamama,Baljyothy and Balamitra.

Period:-1978-1989
Location:Andhra Pradesh.

I got a subscription for English Chandamama when I am third class around 1979
,then shifted to telugu version(around 3rd & 4th Classes)as English
become overboard for me, but my interest sustained on
it for only few months, and moved to new entrant at
that time‘Balajyothi’. Though Chandamama has got good
pictures and stories, I liked Balajyothi very much and
had first day rush to read the magazine (like
wathching Chiranjivi cinema firstday).

Chandamama stories follow very classical style and bit
like seeing B&W movies (still it maintains same old
style narration even, when I read it in
2002.).Balajyothi is a mix of classical stories and
modern stories (but a little dose of Mythology) and
‘How it works’ Stuff and we used to barter BJ with
Bommarillu and Balmithra. Afternoons in Summer
Vacations are full of reading times and Friendships
are strongly built around this magazines.

Now and then had a chance to read Twinkle and Amar
Chitra katha Comics.

In between churned out Chitti pustakalu,in each and
every book the story is same and repetitve( Typical
Bairava Dweepam Story).

Balajyothi and Bommarillu is no more now, from above
article I came to know,TTD is going to digitally
archive on complete Chandamama Issues.Which I added
to my future shopping list.

My Final Analysis on the magazines:

Chandamama:Nice pictures and rural set up stories and
Full dose of Mythology,(My favorite is '25 years back
story').

Balajyothy:Historical and Folklore stories.Modern and
rational in its aprroach.

Balamithra:Modern stories and Devotional content like
Tirupati Venkateswara Swami /Gurvayur/Devi Mugabika
Mahtyam Stories.

Hope you all have gone through the same phase.

Mango-King of Fruits

Mangoes, Mangoes, Mangoes. Sweet Mangoes are
synonymous to Scorching summer.Mangoes without summer
is almost all a summer without sun.

Considered as king of fruits, but for typical Andhra
person(Telugu Variki) ,Banginapalli is the ultimate
Nirvana. Even when we reach heaven, we may go for
searching for the coveted Golden Fruit.
Summer Vacation, between April and May is Mango time,
typical day started with Mango breakfast and lunch
with heavy dose of Banginpalli(actually it is
Banganapalli) Mangoes in Perugannam(Curd rice), I will
not be pardoned if do not mention new season
Mamidikaya Pacchadi(Avakayya) along with MUDDA PAPPU
,topped with clear ghee,followed by Mamadikayya
Pappu/Chintachigru Pappu(another summer delicacy).

Afternoon time is for Pedda Rasalu and Tati
Munjalu,and evening for Water Melons and Sparkling
sweet Lemon Sharbet.
Cool …Cool…Cool to match the Fahrenheit Heights.
Once the Banginapalli gone,it is room for other lesser
varities like Swarnareka and Totapuri(Collector).

Once we fallen in the academic and career cycles
gradually I lost touch with all this sensitivities.
In U.K, we are exposed more to Israel Mangoes,which
are mere pulp and lacks any trait,and got in touch
with Alphonsos and Kesar (From Pakistan) Variety but
none matched the Bn’gpli.

President Bush in last trip to India, flattered with
the Indian Mangoes,and wondered why they are not
available in U.S ,and as a result we are exchanging
mighty Mangoes with mere Macho Harely Davidson Bikes.

By the end of Mango season,heavy consumption of
mangoes usually lead to forming of
blisters(Seggadalu).
When ever we used to go towards Palvancha bus-stop
,we used to opt for longer Amitab (long) Sugarcane
juice,very rarely gone for Jaybaduri glass.

Try to share some of your Mango moments as well

Hyderabad- A Tomb City

For many of us Hyderabad synonmonous to
Birayani,Pearls,Hightech city and the list goes on,
but for me it is 'Tomb' city. The city of mourning,
eternally remembering the gone past and the holy
spirits/VIP bygones.

If you list out the old monuments, it will be
Kulitubushah tombs,Paigah tombs..etc and come to
modern times PV ghat,NTR gardens,Chennareddy ghat will
come in first reminding the high souls.

Adding to this ,the every major and medium road
junctions adored with some unknown and few known
,bronze personalities staring at the endless traffic.
This statues question and test our Who's Who
Knowledge, and we will be left wondered what worth the
salt made this personalities stood there. From any end
of the city you travel , you cannot escape this
celebrities.

Coming to minor roads/Basthi gallis.there will be
obituary bust size silhouettes of some unknown local
person,bearing all the filth around, with his birth
and death date credentials. Now and then some unknown
strangers and will hit this local reminiscent
knowingly or unknowingly and the next day their will
be great commotion ,followed by 'Palabhishekam' for
this heroes.

This Static Statues wield great lobbying power and
even change the current development plans, and it will
be amusing, if you observe how funny this political
figures play even after their death in current
conditions.

Many political careers and many small time businesses
woven around this Static figures, this mobs are busy
in conducting the 'Vardanthi/Jayanthi' Meetings round
the year. Even media plays it role and try to fill
the gap in fourth estate and gives as much publicity
it can for all this mourning jamborees or in
vernacular language 'Taddinam Karyakramalu'.
During 'Doordharsan' days every week they use to have
this 'Shrandajanli' activities somes unknown faces
speak about the gone personality, and if luck permits
if that is cinema personality we used to have some
filmy songs/film snippets. Even now,the same
tradition is followed by newly born news channels
without missing any personality and the dates.

Any how we are all 'Idol'worshippers and believe in
dead rather than respecting living .However we curse
current living legends, but we all enjoy the holiday
while praising their deeds when they pass away.

Hindi(How it bothered me in My School days(1981-1987)

School:Sri Rama Krishna Vidayalaya. New Palvancha ,Khammam Dist.
Period:1983-1984 Before Doordharshan/T.V Onslaught.


Hindi is the most dreadful language, which I am compelled to choke into my head, and adding to complexity it uses the same word for ‘Today’ and ‘Tomorrow’ (kal). My happy times with Hindi are only confined to Action/Amithab’s movies in Shanti theatre now and then.
My problems with Hindi started from 5th class, incidentally all our Hindi teachers are not known for their compassion (Sparing Laxmi Madam who taught us in 9th and 10th classes.) so I am the guaranteed prey to their showering punishments like many of us in the School.

Surdas, Premchand and Kabir Das contributed a lot to Hindi literature, and unknowingly they played their part in my Hindi Learning curve too.

‘Paudi Pad Pad Jag Muva, Pandit ..’ Remember this Surdas verse. Even hard to read and remember at this age, and you can imagine how difficult it would to be in 1983-84.Hindi Teacher used shunt out who can’t read this verses, you guessed right, very few creamy heads remained in the class room (few remained in the class room who appeared the Hindi Prachar Sabha Exams by that time) and rest of the mob in shade of ‘Sarugudu Chetla Needalo'. Accompanying their crisp serene Hindi textbooks.

As the days are passing like this, while some of our buddies trying to bypass this huge hurdle. (Like writing it in Telugu and reading aloud, but none got successful) The parent’s committee president came to school one fine sunny day and enquired about our plight and why we are having a great time under the Tree shade. Truly embarrassing isn’t it.

This treatment is not common to our only batch, but to our super seniors too, but they have turned the punishment into opportunity by making it into their games period.

Coming to 10th class, Laxmi Madam came punishments become non-entity but my quest for getting pass marks in Hindi language is still bothering, by the time of final exams I have resorted to writing Telugu words in Hindi letters for the words which I cannot get.

We got a question about Premchand,in the final exam (1987,Summer)this is how I written the answer: ‘Premchand ko Jvaar ( still today I don’t know what Fever is called in Hindi) aya kethe ko jake ….’

By grace of almighty God I managed to get 60 marks in Hindi and I still remember Surdas’s another verse: ‘Kal Kar se Aaj Kar, Aaj Kare se Abh Kaar’.

This word reminds me to do many mundane things to do for rest of the day.