# Pendyala (composer)

Pendyala Nageswara Rao (6 March 1917 – 31 August 1984), known mononymously by his surname Pendyala, was an Indian composer, multi-instrumentalist, conductor, music producer known for his works predominantly in Telugu cinema along with Tamil and Kannada films.

## Early life and career

He was born at Vanukuru near Vijayawada and later shifted to Katur. He was closely associated with Mikkilineni as they were students of Kapilavai Ramanatha Sastry.
His ancestors including his father Sitaramaiah were music exponents. Similarly Nageswara Rao also showed interest in music since childhood. He used to accompany his father playing Harmonium for dramas and learned techniques to play with it since the age of 13 years. He acted for the first time as Jambavati in Krishna Tulabharam play. He later played Rukmini, Narada characters in Tulabaram play along with Jonnavitula Sheshagiri, Rshyendramani, Lakshmirajyam and got the applause of the viewers.
During that period Kadaru Nagabhushanam seeing his talents, invited to him to work in his orchestra for Talli Prema (1941) film. He went to Madras and joined Rajarajeswari Films and worked as assistant director to Dinakar Rao and S V Venkataraman for that film. With the beginning of Second World War he returned home. Later he was invited by Gudavalli Ramabrahmam to work for Mayalokam as Harmonist under Gali Penchala Narasimha Rao. K. S. Prakash Rao gave him the independent music director change for his film Drohi, which brought him good fame. He has provided music for about 100 films some of them are memorable hits.
Pendyala is "Bhinna Sangeeta Sampradaya Vishesha Praveenajnudu" (Expert in Natakam Padya, Gadya aalaapana(Drama Poetry singing), Hari Katha, Burra Katha, Janapada/Lok Sangeet)) in addition to traditional Hindustani and Carnatic music styles. Pendyala Composition for Kalidasa Poem "Manikya Veena Mupaalalayanti" in 1960 film Mahakavi Kalidasu, and "Jayeebhava Vijayeebhava" from 1977 film Daana Veera Soora Karna are few examples to measure his calibre. Pendyala composed "Shringar Ras" (Romantic Duet) "Chitram Hai Bhalare Vichitram" Song for Character Duryodhana from Daana Veera Soora Karna film without hampering his Monarchy "Roudra Ras" for which he is known for. Rare combination made reality. Pendyala tune for "Evaro Vastaarani Edo Chestarani" song from film Bhoomi Kosam aimed at social message and equality philosophy, but in a different unique tone from regular mode. His Versatality is visible in song "Naa Peru Bikari Naa Daari Edaari" from 1976 film "Shri Rajeshwari Vilas Coffee Club" as with simple Harmonium he could elevate scene mood and character.
Pendyala would always follow norms, rules of Raga's basis time and situation of song in his film compositions. Similar to song "San Sanna Sanna Sanna, Jao Re O Pavan" from film Sampoorna Ramayana which was composed in Raga chandrakauns depicting isolation, loneliness (intended situation for Raga chandrakauns) of Sita at Ashoka vanam in Lanka,
Pendyala always respected Raga Lakshanam (Properties) in his compositions. Always used appropriate Raga's for his tunes. His Composition "Sivasankari Sivanandalahari" from film Jagadeka Veeruni Katha composed in Raga Darbari Kanada justifies time and situation for that raga which remained magnanimous all time hit in film compositions. Pendyala had kept faith in an Idiom "Raasi kante Vaasi mendu" (Reputation is important/better than numbers). People also had laid their belief in an Idiom "Gangi Govu Ksheeramu Garitadaina Chalunu" (Holy Cow Milk a Spoonful is Enough)

## Filmography

| Year | Film | Language | Director | Banner | Notes |
| 1948 | Drohi | Telugu | L. V. Prasad | | Debut film |
| 1950 | Modati Raatri | Telugu | K. S. Prakash Rao | Prakash Productions | |
| 1950 | Vaali – Sugreeva | Telugu | Jampanna | Asoka's | Gali Penchala Narasimha Rao, Master Venu, Ghantasala & S. Rajeswara Rao |
| 1951 | Deeksha | Telugu | K. S. Prakash Rao | Prakash Productions | |
| 1951 | Anni | Tamil | K. S. Prakash Rao | Prakash Productions | |
| 1953 | Kanna Talli | Telugu | K. S. Prakash Rao | Prakash Productions | Introduced P. Susheela |
| 1953 | Petrathai | Tamil | K. S. Prakash Rao | Prakash Productions | Remake of Kanna Talli |
| 1954 | Baalanandam | Telugu | K. S. Prakash Rao | Prakash Productions | |
| 1954 | Jyothy | Telugu | Sridhar & Tilak | Navayuga Pictures | |
| 1954 | Menarikam | Telugu | Jampana | Nandhi Productions | |
| 1954 | Kudumbam | Tamil | Jampana | Nandhi Productions | |
| 1955 | Ante Kavali | Telugu | K. S. Prakash Rao | Prakash Productions | |
| 1955 | Donga Ramudu | Telugu | K. V. Reddy | Annapurna Studios | |
| 1956 | Thiruttu Raman | Tamil | K. V. Reddy | Annapurna Studios | |
| 1956 | Melukolupu | Telugu | K. S. Prakash Rao | Prakash Productions | |
| 1956 | Marumalarchi | Tamil | K. S. Prakash Rao | Prakash Productions | |
| 1956 | Muddu Bidda | Telugu | K. B. Tilak | Anupama Films | |
| 1957 | Akka Chellelu | Telugu | Sarvabhowma-Amanulla | Sharwani | |
| 1957 | Bhagya Rekha | Telugu | B. N. Reddy | Ponnaluri Brothers Pvt Ltd | |
| 1957 | Rayara Sose | Kannada | R. Ramamurthy & K. S. Murthy | Sri Panduranga Productions | with R. Diwakara |
| 1957 | M.L.A. | Telugu | K. B. Tilak | Anupama Chitra | |
| 1957 | M.L.A. | Tamil | K. B. Tilak | Anupama Chitra | |
| 1957 | Soubhagyavathi | Tamil | Jampana | Nandhi Pictures | with M. S. Gnanamani |
| 1958 | Atha Okinti Kodale | Telugu | K. B. Tilak | Anupama Films | |
| 1958 | Ganga Gouri Samvadam | Telugu | V. N. Reddy | Vijayagopal Production | |
| 1958 | Shree Krishna Gaarudi | Kannada | Hunsur Krishnamurthy | Nandi Pictures | |
| 1958 | Sri Krishna Garudi | Telugu | Hunsur Krishnamurthy | Nandi Pictures | |
| 1958 | Sree Ramanjaneya Yuddham | Telugu | Acharya | Kasinadh Productions | |
| 1958 | Veettukku Vandha Varalakshmi | Tamil | B. N. Reddy | Ponnaluri Brothers Pvt Ltd | |
| 1959 | Jayabheri | Telugu | P. Pullaiah | Sarada Productions | |
| 1959 | Kalaivaanan | Tamil | P. Pullaiah | Sarada Productions | |
| 1959 | Naan Valartha Thangai | Tamil | Ch. Narayanamurthy | Saravanabhava Unity Pictures | |
| 1959 | Soubhagyavati | Telugu | Jampana | Nandhi Pictures | |
| 1960 | Bhakta Sabari | Telugu | Ch. Narayanamurthy | Sukhibhava Films | |
| 1960 | Bhakta Sabari | Tamil | Ch. Narayanamurthy | Sukhibhava Films | |
| 1960 | Bhakta Sabari | Kannada | Ch. Narayanamurthy | Sukhibhava Films | |
| 1960 | Bhatti Vikramarka | Telugu | Jampana | Nandhi Productions | |
| 1960 | Patti Vikramathithan | Tamil | Jampana | Nandhi Productions | |
| 1960 | Mahakavi Kalidasu | Telugu | Kamalakara Kameswara Rao | Sarani Productions | |
| 1960 | Sri Venkateswara Mahatyam | Telugu | P. Pullaiah | Padmasri Pictures | Silver Jubilee Musical film |
| 1960 | Srinivasa Kalyanam | Tamil | P. Pullaiah | Padmasri Pictures | |
| 1961 | Bava Maradallu | Telugu | P. A. Padmanaba Rao | Krishna Chitra | |
| 1961 | Jagadeka Veeruni Katha | Telugu | K. V. Reddy | Vijaya Productions | |
| 1961 | Jagathalaprathapan | Tamil | K. V. Reddy | Vijaya Productions | |
| 1961 | Jagadekaveerana Kathe | Kannada | K. V. Reddy | Vijaya Productions | |
| 1961 | Krishna Prema | Telugu | Adurthi Subbarao | Mahendra Pictures | |
| 1961 | Mamiyarum Oru Veetu Marumagale | Tamil | K. B. Tilak | Anupama Films | |
| 1961 | Vagdanam | Telugu | Acharya Aatreya | Kavitha Chitra | |
| 1961 | Velugu Needalu | Telugu | Adurthi Subba Rao | Annapurna Studios | |
| 1961 | Thooya Ullam | Tamil | Adurthi Subba Rao | Annapurna Studios | |
| 1962 | Chitti Tammudu | Telugu | K. B. Tilak | Poorna Pictures | Film based on Oliver Twist |
| 1962 | Mahamantri Timmarusu | Telugu | Kamalakara Kameswara Rao | Vauhini Studios | |
| 1963 | Anuragam | Telugu | G. Ramineedu | | |
| 1963 | Eedu Jodu | Telugu | K. B. Tilak | Anupama Films | |
| 1963 | Paruvu-Prathishta | Telugu | M. Appa Rao | Valta Productions | |
| 1963 | Sri Krishnarjuna Yudham | Telugu | K. V. Reddy | Jayanthi Pictures | |
| 1963 | Sri Krishnarjuna Yudham | Tamil | K. V. Reddy | Jayanthi Pictures | |
| 1964 | Ramudu Bheemudu | Telugu | Tapi Chanakya | Suresh Productions | |
| 1964 | Sabhash Suri | Telugu | I. N. Murthy | R. R. Pictures | |
| 1965 | Prachanda Bhairavi | Telugu | C. S. R. Rao | | |
| 1965 | Prameelarjuneeyam | Telugu | M. Mallikarjuna Rao | S. R. Movies | |
| 1965 | Satya Harishchandra | Kannada | K. V. Reddy | Vijaya Productions | |
| 1965 | Satya Harishchandra | Telugu | K. V. Reddy | Vijaya Productions | |
| 1965 | Uyyala Jampala | Telugu | K. B. Tilak | Anupama Chitra | |
| 1966 | Srikakula Andhra Maha Vishnu Katha | Telugu | A. K. Sekhar | Sri Sambhu Films | |
| 1966 | Sri Krishna Tulabharam | Telugu | Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao | Suresh Productions | |
| 1968 | Bandipotu Dongalu | Telugu | K. S. Prakash Rao | Madhavi Pictures | |
| 1968 | Bhagya Chakram | Telugu | K. V. Reddy | Jayanthi Pictures | |
| 1968 | Gramadevatalu | Telugu | C. S. Rao | Sudhni Pictures | |
| 1968 | Panthalu Pattimpulu | Telugu | K. B. Tilak | Sri Sambhu Films | |
| 1968 | Papa Kosam | Telugu | G. V. R. Seshagiri Rao | Vijaya Suresh Combines | |
| 1968 | Uma Chandi Gowri Shankarula Katha | Telugu | K. V. Reddy | Vijaya Productions | |
| 1970 | Maa Nanna Nirdhoshi | Telugu | K. V. Nandana Rao | Mahalakshmi Movies | |
| 1970 | Pelli Sambandham | Telugu | K. Varaprasad Rao | Praveena Pictures | |
| 1971 | Manasu Mangalyam | Telugu | K. Pratyagatma | Uttama Chitra | |
| 1971 | Ananda Nilayam | Telugu | B. S. Narayana | Mercury Cine Productions | |
| 1971 | Naa Tammudu | Telugu | K. S. Prakash Rao | S. B. R. Pictures | |
| 1971 | Sri Krishna Satya | Telugu | K. V. Reddy | R. K. Brothers | |
| 1971 | Sri Krishna Vijayamu | Telugu | Kamalakara Kameswara Rao | Kaumudi Art Pictures | |
| 1972 | Mathru Murthy? | Telugu | Manapuram Apparao | Vishwajyoti Pictures | |
| 1972 | Sampurna Theerthayatra | Telugu | | Rupesh Films | |
| 1974 | Bhoomi Kosam | Telugu | K. B. Tilak | Anupama | |
| 1974 | Deeksha | Telugu | K. Pratyagatma | Sri Padmaja Films | |
| 1974 | Dhanavanthulu Gunavanthulu | Telugu | K. Varaprasad Rao | Devi Arts | |
| 1974 | Kode Nagu | Telugu | K. S. Prakash Rao | Kowmudi Pictures | |
| 1976 | Kolleti Kapuram | Telugu | K. B. Tilak | SH Movies | |
| 1976 | Sri Rajeswari Vilas Coffee Club | Telugu | Chakrapani & Bapu | Vijaya Productions | |
| 1976 | Suprabhatam | Telugu | K. S. Prakash Rao | Model Productions | |
| 1976 | Vemulawada Bheemakavi | Telugu | D. Yoganand | Ramakrishna Studios | |
| 1977 | Daana Veera Soora Karna | Telugu | N. T. Rama Rao | Ramakrishna Studios | |
| 1977 | Chanakya Chandragupta | Telugu | N. T. Rama Rao | Ramakrishna Studios | |
| 1977 | Koyilamma Kusindi | Telugu | Y. R. Babu | Balaji Art Pictures | |
| 1978 | Sati Savitri | Telugu | B. A. Subba Rao | Lalitha Siva Jyothi Studios | |
| 1978 | Sri Rama Pattabhishekam | Telugu | N. T. Rama Rao | Ramakrishna Studios | |
| 1979 | Gali Vaana | Telugu | Aadhiraju Anandmohan | Surendra Arts | |
| 1979 | Sri Tirupati Venkateswara Kalyanam | Telugu | N. T. Rama Rao | Ramakrishna Studios | |
| 1979 | Priya Bandhavi | Telugu | Dorai | Sripati Films | |
| 1980 | Kotha Vennela | Telugu | Jayashyam | Mayur Enterprises | |
| 1980 | Srushti Rahasyalu | Telugu | Pratap | Sri Venkata Sai Pictures | |
| 1982 | Dharma Vaddi | Telugu | K. B. Tilak | Rupachitra Kalamandir | |
| 1982 | Puramdara Dasu | Telugu | R. Ramamurthy | | with K. Subrahmanyam |
| 1985 | Kalaaranjani | Telugu | K. Babu Rao | | |
| 1987 | Prema Deepalu | Telugu | C. S. Bose | | |