Telugu Film’s First Playback Singer Dies

Hyderabad: Raavu Balasaraswathi Devi, one of the first-generation playback singers in the Telugu film industry, passed away in Hyderabad on Wednesday. She was 97 years old and took her last breath at her residence.

Balasaraswathi Devi initially started her career as an actress at the age of eight in 1936, with the movie ‘Bhaktha Kuchela’. The practice of one person lending his or her voice for another person also called a playback singer  started with her. In 1943, she lent her voice to actress Kamala Kotnis for the song “Thinne Meedha Sinnoda” in the movie ‘Bhagya Lakshmi’.

Her entry into the film world inspired many women to join the film industry. “Her journey into the cinema was an encouragement for many newcomers. She helped the industry grow successfully.”

She appeared in several classics, including Bhaktha Kuchela (1936), Balayogini (1937), and Thiruneelakantar (1939). She also portrayed Tukaram’s daughter in the 1938 film Tukaram.

Raavu Balasaraswathi Devi is veteran Telugu actress Jayasudha’s elder aunt. “When I was a child. She was a superstar in our family. She was disciplined and cheerful. Wherever she is, the whole atmosphere turns so positive and laughter,” she said.

“I learnt how to be strong from her. Her positivity could be one of the reasons for her not having any ailments. Even when she was 96 years old last year, she used to spend her time singing,” she explained.

Vijaya Durga, the first female anchor of Hyderabad Doordarshan Kendra, said, “I had a great opportunity to meet her three times when Doordarshan took her interviews. As I was interviewing her and she was full of energy. She also sang at our studio,” she said.