Vemuri Gaggayya (1895–1955) was an Indian actor, singer, and thespian known for his works in Telugu cinema, and Telugu theatre. In 1933, East India Film Company produced its first Indian film, Savitri in Telugu. Shot in Calcutta on a budget of ₹75,000 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 Pullayya, casting Vemuri Gaggayya and Dasari Ramathilakam as "Yama" and "Savithri" respectively.[1] The blockbuster film has received an honorary diploma at Venice Film Festival.[2]
Vemuri Gaggayya | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1895 Vemuru, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Died | 30 December 1955 (aged 60) Hyderabad, India |
| Occupation | 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. 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]
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.
His son Vemuri Ramaiah was also a stage actor.[4]
Vemuri Gaggayya died in 1955 on 30 December in his native village Vemuru.