Although written nearly a hundred years ago, the Yenki Nayudubava songs by Nanduri Subba Rao hold a very special place in Telugu literature. Now, popular music composer, actor and director R. P. Patnaik is all set to give them a fresh lease of life.
“These songs were written around 1917-18 in Chennai by Nanduri Subba Rao garu. But even after a hundred years, they still captivate the minds and hearts of people. Subba Rao garu created two characters — Yenki and Nayudubava, which people believed were two living persons. The songs bring out the romance, love and the small differences between the couple and now, I am bringing back those songs in the form of a music video album,” states Patnaik. Interestingly, the song lyrics have a North Andhra accent where each word holds deep meaning. Titled Yenki Paata, R. P. ’s brother Gautam will be the producer while popular music organisation Aditya will release the album. “I am giving the male voice and for the female voice, I have roped in Sruthi, the great-granddaughter of Nanduri Subba Rao garu,” says R. P. , adding, “It’s going to be a tribute to Nanduri garu and I am making these songs so that the coming generations know about it.” Containing 78 songs, the album features Kolkata girl Antasheela Ghosh and Prashanth of Pranam Khareedu fame as the lead pair. “She got selected out of nearly 200 girls,” says R.P., who has already composed 25 songs. “It’s election time, so I am releasing some glimpses on April 11. Later, we will release a proper video,” adds R. P. who has composed for more than 75 films in south Indian languages.
