Gollapudi Maruti Rao (14 April 1939 – 12 December 2019) was an Indian actor, writer and director known for his works in

Telugu cinema Telugu cinema, also known as Tollywood, is the segment of Cinema of India, Indian cinema dedicated to the production of Film, motion pictures in the Telugu language, widely spoken in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Based in Film N ...

, Telugu theatre, and

Telugu literature Telugu literature includes poetry, short stories, novels, plays, and other works composed in Telugu. There is some indication that Telugu literature dates at least to the middle of the first millennium. The earliest extant works are from the ...

. Maruti Rao acted in over 250 Telugu films in a variety of roles. His noted literary works and plays, like ''Rendu Rellu Aaru'', ''Patita'', ''Karuninchani Devatalu'', ''Mahanatudu'', ''Kaalam Venakku Tirigindi'', ''Aasayaalaku Sankellu'', won numerous State Awards. He was a member of the Script Scrutiny Committee of National Film Development Corporation and served as a Jury Member at

International Film Festival of India The International Film Festival of India (IFFI), founded in 1952, is an annual film festival currently held in Goa, on the western coast of India. The festival aims at providing a common platform for the cinemas of the world to project the excel ...

for the ''Indian Panorama'' section in 1996. He was known for scripting landmark films like Doctor Chakravarthy, ''Tharangini'', ''Samsaram Chadharangam'', Kallu etc. He garnered six Andhra Pradesh State

Nandi Awards The Nandi Awards are annual awards presented by the Government of Andhra Pradesh to recognise excellence in Telugu cinema, theatre, and television, as well as lifetime achievements in Indian cinema. The awards are named after the monolithic ...

. In 1997, he established the Gollapudi Srinivas Memorial Foundation, which presents the Gollapudi National Award, for the best first film of a director in

Indian cinema The cinema of India, consisting of motion pictures made by the Indian film industry, has had a large effect on world cinema since the second half of the 20th century. Indian cinema is made up of various film industries, each focused on p ...

. Rao was also known for his works in

All India Radio All India Radio (AIR), also known as Akashvani (), is India's state-owned public broadcasting, public radio broadcaster. Founded in 1936, it operates under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India), Ministry of Information and Broa ...

and Journalism, for over two decades. His play was included in the Master of Arts (Telugu literature) curriculum of

Osmania University Osmania University is a collegiate university, collegiate Public university, public State university (India), state university located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Mir Osman Ali Khan, the 7th Nizam of Hyderabad, issued a ''firman'' calling f ...

. This work was translated into all Indian languages by the National Book Trust, under the Aadaan Pradaan programme. The work was remade into a

Telugu film Telugu cinema, also known as Tollywood, is the segment of Indian cinema dedicated to the production of motion pictures in the Telugu language, widely spoken in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Based in Film Nagar, Hyderabad, Telug ...

in 1988 which won the

Nandi Award The Nandi Awards are annual awards presented by the Government of Andhra Pradesh to recognise excellence in Telugu cinema, theatre, and television, as well as lifetime achievements in Indian cinema. The awards are named after the monolithic s ...

for the Best Story in 1989. His 1975 play ''Kallu'', was also remade into a Telugu film Kallu, which also garnered

Nandi Award for Best Feature Film This is the list of winners of the Nandi Award for Best Feature Films since 1964. Best Feature Film - Gold Second Best Feature Film - Silver Third Best Feature Film - Bronze References See also * Cinema of Andhra Pradesh {{DEFAULTSORT:Na ...

. His play ''Oka Chettu – Rende Puvvulu'' was purchased by the Song and Drama Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for popular exhibition. A volume of essays on theatre, ''Telugu Nataka Rangam'', was prescribed as a textbook for the Department of Theatre Arts,

Andhra University Andhra University is a public university located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. It was established in 1926. It is graded as an A++ institution by NAAC receiving a score of 3.74 on a scale of 4. History King Vikram Deo Verma, the Mah ...

Visakhapatnam Visakhapatnam (; List of renamed places in India, formerly known as Vizagapatam, and also referred to as Vizag, Visakha, and Waltair) is the largest and most populous metropolitan city in the States and union territories of India, Indian stat ...

(1967). He published two research articles appearing in ''Andhra Vignana Sarvaswam'' (Telugu Encyclopedia) 11th volume: "History of the development in 'Thought' and 'Technique' of Telugu Play-writing" and "Amateur Theatre – its origin and growth in relation to the World Amateur Theatre movement. His Telugu play ''Vandemaataram'', the first one in Telugu about the

Sino-Indian War The Sino–Indian War, also known as the China–India War or the Indo–China War, was an armed conflict between China and India that took place from October to November 1962. It was a military escalation of the Sino–Indian border dispu ...

, was published by Andhra Pradesh State Information & Public Relations Department, (1963).

Early life

Maruti Rao was born in a Telugu-speaking

Brahmin Brahmin (; ) is a ''Varna (Hinduism), varna'' (theoretical social classes) within Hindu society. The other three varnas are the ''Kshatriya'' (rulers and warriors), ''Vaishya'' (traders, merchants, and farmers), and ''Shudra'' (labourers). Th ...

family on 14 April 1939, in Nandabalaga Village,

Vizianagaram District Vizianagaram district is one of the six districts in the Uttarandhra region of the States and union territories of India, Indian state of Andhra Pradesh with its headquarters located at Vizianagaram. The district was once the part of ancient Ka ...

, Andhra Pradesh, India and graduated from

, Andhra Pradesh in 1959 specializing in B.Sc. Mathematical Physics.

Literary activity

Maruti Rao has written and published several plays (9), playlets (18), novels (12), story volumes (4), essays (2), and children's stories (3). He wrote a weekly column, "Jeevana Kaalam" (The Living Times), a kaleidoscopic study of contemporary social and political issues for over 24 years. It was a very popular feature in one of the largest circulated Telugu dailies of Andhra Pradesh, ''Andhra Jyothy'', and the feature continued to appear in ''Vaartha'' (Daily). His column with an audio reading (his voice) is presented, in an internet magazine ''Koumudi''. His autobiography ''Amma Kadupu Challaga'', a 550-page compendium of his memoirs was released in India, USA and Australia. A travelogue ''Tanzania Teerthayatra'' was published by Koumudi in the US in 2008 in its collection. It is based on a 15-day safari with his friend Ganti Prasada Rao in the major national parks and historical places in Tanzania. The novel ''Pidikedu Aakaasham'' was released as an audio publication on 16 February 2009 while conferring the Lifetime Achievement Award by the ''Vanguri Foundation'' in Hyderabad.

Death

He died on 12 December 2019 in Chennai. The loss of Gollapudi Maruti Rao was mourned by several noted writers and members of the Telugu film fraternity.

Awards

;

* Best Story Writer – '' Aatma Gowravam'' (1965) * Best Story Writer – ''Kallu'' (1988) * Best Male Comedian – ''Tarangini'' (1983) * Best Character Actor – ''Ramayanamlo Bhagavatham'' (1985) * Best Dialogue Writer – '' Master Kapuram'' (1990) * Best Screenplay Writer – '' Prema Pusthakam'' (1993) *

for Best Actor (Television) (1996) ;

Awards * Best Script in the Inter-University Radio play contest conducted by All India Radio, for ''Anantam'' (1959) * Mahatma Gandhi Award for Creative Literature in an All India Contest, for ''Prasna''

Literary awards and honours

;Sangam Academy Awards * Sangam Academy Award for Best Play ''Kallu'' (1975) * Sarvaraya Dharmanidhi Puraskaram for the Best Humorous Writing (1983) ;Other awards * Gurazada Apparao Memorial Gold Medal by Vamsee Art Theatre (1985) * Telugu Velugu Award (1987) * Madras Telugu Academy Award for Best All-rounder (1996) * Paidi Lakshmayya Dharmanidhi Puraskaram (2002) * Pulikanti Krishna Reddy Puraskaram (2007) * Sarvaraya Memorial Puraskaram * Andhra Nataka Kala Parishad Award * Narasaraopeta Rangasthali Pratibha Puraskaram (2018) # First award recipient

Selected filmography

;Actor * '' Abdulla'' (1960) Hindi film debut * '' Intlo Ramayya Veedhilo Krishnayya'' (1982) – Subbarao * ''Idi Pellantara'' (1982) * ''Trisulam'' (1982) * '' Shivudu Shivudu Shivudu'' (1983) * ''Triveni Sangamam'' (1983) * '' Palletoori Monagadu'' (1983) * ''Chandirani'' (1983) * '' Abhilasha'' (1983) – Pydithalli * ''Raju Rani Jackie'' (1983) – Joker * '' Gudachari No.1'' (1983) – Veerasawmy * ''Mukku Pudaka'' (1983) * '' Aalaya Sikharam'' (1983) * ''

Jagan Jagan is an Indian actor and comedian A comedian (feminine comedienne) or comic is a person who seeks to entertainment, entertain an audience by making them laughter, laugh. This might be through jokes or amusing situations, or acting foo ...

'' (1984) – Maruti Rao * ''James Bond 999'' (1984) – Maruti * ''Merupu Daadi'' (1984) *''Ee Charitra Inkennallu'' (1984) – Criminal Lawyer Chakravarthy * '' Devanthakudu'' (1984) * ''Danavudu'' (1984) – Mastan * '' Padmavyuham'' (1984) – Jagannatham * ''Srimathi Kaavali'' (1984) * '' Challenge'' (1984) * ''Manishiko Charitra'' (1984) * ''Pralaya Simham'' (1984) – Varma * '' Swati'' (1984) * '' Sri Katna Leelalu'' (1985) – Seethapathi * '' Maa Inti Mahalakshmi'' (1985) – Lawyer P.K. Murthy * '' Punnami Ratri'' (1985) – Sakalalingeswara Rao * '' Maa Pallelo Gopaludu'' (1985) * ''Dongallo Dora'' (1985) * '' Donga'' (1985) * '' Musugu Donga'' (1985) – Govindam * '' Kotha Pelli Koothuru'' (1985) * ''Srivaru'' (1985) – Gangadhar Rao * ''Sravana Sandhya'' (1986) – Amrutha Rao * '' Swathi Muthyam'' (1986) * '' Captain Nagarjun'' (1986) * ''Mannemlo Monagadu'' (1986) * '' Punyasthree'' (1986) * '' Desoddharakudu'' (1986) * ''Iddaru Mithrulu'' (1986) – Koko aka Kodeekala Koteswara Rao * '' Kaliyuga Krishnudu'' (1986) – Sambaiah * ''Naa Pilupe Prabhanjanam'' (1986) – Salahala Rao * ''Konte Kapuram'' (1986) * ''Sakkanodu'' (1986) * '' Maa Voori Magadu'' (1987) – Vande Mataram Babai * ''Dongodochadu'' (1987) – Bhajagovindam * ''Sthree Sahasam'' (1987) – Harischandra Rao * '' Donga Mogudu'' (1987) * '' Bhargava Ramudu'' (1987) * '' Agni Putrudu'' (1987) * '' Kaboye Alludu'' (1987) * '' Srinivasa Kalyanam'' (1987) * '' Kirai Dada'' (1987) * '' Jebu Donga'' (1987) – Balaram * ''Ummadi Mogudu'' (1987) * '' Samsaram Oka Chadarangam'' (1987) – Appala Narasaiah * '' Bhale Mogudu'' (1987) * '' Madana Gopaludu'' (1987) * '' Yamudiki Mogudu'' (1988) – Kailasam * '' Murali Krishnudu'' (1988) * '' Varasudochadu'' (1988) * '' Inspector Pratap'' (1988) * '' Donga Pelli'' (1988) * '' Marana Mrudangam'' (1988) * ''Rowdy No 1'' (1988) * '' Bharya Bhartalu'' (1988) – Veerabhadraiah * ''Pelli Chesi Choodu'' (1988) – Parameswara Rao * '' Chikkadu Dorakadu'' (1988) * '' O Bharya Katha'' (1988) – Gopal Rao * ''Bharyabhartala Bandam'' (1988) * '' Agni Keratalu'' (1988) – Seshendra * '' Jamadagni'' (1988) * ''Kaliyuga Karnudu'' (1988) – Lawyer Bhanumurthy * '' Prema'' (1989) * '' Goonda Rajyam'' (1989) – Bangaraiah * ''Bhale Dampathulu'' (1989) * '' Swathi Chinukulu'' (1989) * '' Simha Swapnam'' (1989) * ''

Shiva Shiva (; , ), also known as Mahadeva (; , , Help:IPA/Sanskrit, ɐɦaːd̪eːʋɐh and Hara, is one of the Hindu deities, principal deities of Hinduism. He is the God in Hinduism, Supreme Being in Shaivism, one of the major traditions w ...

'' (1989) * '' Indrudu Chandrudu'' (1989) * '' Sarvabhomudu'' (1989) * ''Yama Pasam'' (1989) * '' Soggadi Kaapuram'' (1989) – Venugopal's ( Sobhan Babu) father-in-law * ''Dorikithe Dongalu'' (1989) – Pithambaram * '' Muthyamantha Muddu'' (1989) * '' Chettu Kinda Pleader'' (1989) – Sarabhayya * '' Vicky Daada'' (1989) – Amrutha Rao * ''

Neti Charitra Neti can refer to: * Neti (mythology), an underworld god in Mesopotamian mythology *Neti (Hatha Yoga) a Hatha Yoga technique for cleansing air passageways in the head **Neti pot Nasal irrigation (also called nasal lavage, nasal toilet, or nasal ...

'' (1990) – Vallabha Rao * ''Jayasimha'' (1990) – Kolla Simhadri Nayudu * '' Kodama Simham'' (1990) * '' Iddaru Iddare'' (1990) * ''Sahasa Putrudu'' (1990) * '' Police Bharya'' (1990) * '' Raja Vikramarka'' (1990) – Kanaka Rao * '' Assembly Rowdy'' (1991) * ''Srivari Chindulu'' (1991) * ''Jeevana Chadarangam'' (1991) * '' Aditya 369'' (1991) – Curator * ''Prema Entha Madhuram'' (1991) – Narayan Rao * '' Balarama Krishnulu'' (1992) – Villain * '' Sundara Kanda'' (1992) * ''Prema Drohi'' (1992) * ''Jagannatham & Sons'' (1992) * '' Sahasam'' (1992) * ''Golmaal Govindam'' (1992) * '' Prema Pusthakam'' (1993) * ''Illu Pelli'' (1993) * '' Chirunavvula Varamistava'' (1993) * '' Gharana Alludu'' (1994) – Bullabbai * ''Atha Kodalu'' (1994) * ''Bangaru Mogudu'' (1994) * '' Punya Bhoomi Naa Desam'' (1994) * ''

Muddula Priyudu ''Muddula Priyudu'' ( Adorable Lover) is a 1994 Indian Telugu-language romantic action film directed by K. Raghavendra Rao. Produced by K. Krishna Mohana Rao, the film stars Venkatesh, Ramya Krishna and Rambha, with music composed by M. M. ...

'' (1994) * ''Presidentgari Alludu'' (1994) – Somaraju * ''Subha Sankalpam'' (1995) – Chennakesava Rao * '' Vajram'' (1995) * ''Hello Neeku Naaku Pellanta'' (1996) * '' Hey Ram'' (2000, Tamil/Hindi film) – Govardhan * '' Murari'' (2001) – Chanti * '' Andamaina Manasulo'' (2008) * ''

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'' (2008) * ''

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'' (2010) * '' Inkosari'' (2010) * ''

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'' (2010) – Master * ''

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'' (2012) * '' Daruvu'' (2012) – Chief Minister * '' Uu Kodathara? Ulikki Padathara?'' (2012) – Venkat Rao * '' Sukumarudu'' (2013) * '' Rowdy Fellow'' (2014) * ''

Kanche ''Kanche'' () is a 2015 Indian Telugu language, Telugu-language Romance film, romantic war film written and directed by Krish (director), Krish. It stars Varun Tej, Pragya Jaiswal, and Nikitin Dheer. Produced by First Frame Entertainment, ''Ka ...

'' (2015) – Kondayya * ''

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'' (2015) * '' Inji Iduppazhagi'' (2015,

Tamil Tamil may refer to: People, culture and language * Tamils, an ethno-linguistic group native to India, Sri Lanka, and some other parts of Asia **Sri Lankan Tamils, Tamil people native to Sri Lanka ** Myanmar or Burmese Tamils, Tamil people of Ind ...

film) * ''

Brahmotsavam A brahmotsava (), also rendered mahotsava and tiruvila () is the principal festival of a Hindu temple. Commonly held in South India, the ''murti''s of a temple's deities are dressed in silk garments, decorated with ornaments, garlands, and other ...

'' (2016) * '' Manamantha'' (2016) * '' Ism'' (2016) * '' Prematho Mee Karthik'' (2017) * '' Sapthagiri LLB'' (2017) * '' Jodi'' (2019) ;Television * ''Intinti Ramayanam'' (1997) * '' Kanyasulkam'' (2015) ;Writer *'' Chelleli Kapuram'' (1971) *''Raitu Kutumbam'' (1972) *'' Dorababu'' (1974) *''

O Seeta Katha ''O Seeta Katha'' () is a 1974 Indian Telugu language, Telugu-language film directed by K. Viswanath. The film won the Nandi Award for Best Feature Film (Silver), and the Filmfare Best Film Award (Telugu). The film was later remade both in Malaya ...

'' (1974) *'' Annadammula Anubandham'' (1975) *'' Nindu Manishi'' (1978) *'' Maavari Manchitanam'' (1979) *'' Subhalekha'' (1982) *'' Kallu'' (1988) *'' Intlo Ramayya Veedhilo Krishnayya'' (1982) ;Director *'' Prema Pustakam'' (1993)

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Rao, Gollapudi Maruti Telugu male actors People from Vizianagaram Indian radio personalities Telugu-language writers Andhra University alumni 20th-century Indian dramatists and playwrights Indian male dramatists and playwrights Telugu-language dramatists and playwrights 1939 births 2019 deaths Nandi Award winners Male actors from Andhra Pradesh Screenwriters from Andhra Pradesh Indian male screenwriters Telugu screenwriters Male actors in Telugu cinema Indian male film actors Indian male stage actors 20th-century Indian male actors Male actors in Telugu theatre 20th-century Indian male writers People from Uttarandhra