Vemuri Gaggayya

Vemuri Gaggayya (1895–1955) was an Indian actor and singer known for his works in Telugu cinema, and Telugu theatre.

Vemuri Gaggayya
Born1895
Vemuru, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India
Died30 December 1955 (aged 60)
Hyderabad, India
Occupation(s)Actor
Thespian

Gaggayya was an important member of the "Mylavarama Bala Bharathi Nataka Samajam" in Mylavaram, Krishna district during 1913–28. Through "Mylavaram Theatre", Gaggayya became a household name for mythological roles. His theatrical performances made C. Pullayya to persuade to him to enter the film industry.

In 1933, he acted in the film Sati Savitri, directed by Pullayya, as Yama. The film received an honorary diploma at the 2nd Venice Film Festival.[1][2] His other prominent roles are Kamsa in Sri Krishna Leelalu (1935), Jalandhara in Sati Tulasi (1936), womaniser in Chandika (1940), and Hiranyakasipu in Bhakta Prahlada (1942). He is known for rendering songs such as "Po Bala Pommikan" and "Dhikkaramulu Saituna".[3]

Early life

Gaggayya 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 Ramayya was also a stage actor.[4]

Death

Vemuri Gaggayya 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) – Sisupala
  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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