M. Ranga Rao composed some of the best Kannada film songs
The contribution of Telugu land to South Indian film music is enormous. s. Janaki, P. Sushila, Vani Jayaram, PB Srinivos, SP Balasubramaniam, Ghantasala – List of singers from this region who became household names. Similarly, composers like GK Venkatesh, SV Venkataraman, Satyam, M. Ranga Rao and others made significant contributions to southern film music.
The story of M. Ranga Rao, who composed music for nearly 100 Kannada films, is interesting and moving. With a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, he got a job in HAL, Bengaluru. He moved from Kakinada to Bangalore with his wife. The situation was so dire that he did not even have a bus pass. Ranga Rao used to cycle to work every day. NS Sridhar Murthy, historian of film music, in his essay on the composer, writes about how it took a toll on his health. He quit his job, but very soon SV Venkataraman, the composer who composed the music of M S Subbulakshmi. Meera, asked him to play veena for a telugu film renunciation. Without thinking twice, Ranga Rao took charge. Little did he know that his music would immortalize him.
as a musician
He made a stellar debut as a composer in the film nakkarade heaven (1967). Songs such as ‘Balondu Bhavgethe’ and ‘Kanasido Nanasido’ had a modern, youthful appeal, and used instruments such as accordion and piano, along with flute and tabla. The background score was stylish, with techniques such as scale changing used to subtle effect. The next year, he worked hanelle chiguridaga And established himself as a musician with a melodious personality. The songs of this film mesmerize the music lovers: ‘Bara Olidu Bara’ is a beautiful lullaby sung by P. Sushila; And ‘hoowoo cheluvella’ is very popular; Its tabla portions impeccably oppose the melodic movement. He won him the State Award for Best Music Director.
Ranga Rao had an exceptional range, and could compose a wide variety of songs. From his ‘Balle Prema Geete’ VolcanoThe Ghazal has the vocals sung by the iconic actor Rajkumar. The orchestra is grand and innovative. The opening passage, with violin and rhythm as melodic and percussion instrumental only by the guitar, is magical. ‘Akasha Kelgeke Bantu’ Samyada Gombe There is another unusual song – the combination of melody and spoken word creates a unique texture.
Nakkarade heaven. From
Ranga Rao composed some of his best songs for Rajkumar, for example, ‘Ninade Balige Jyoti’. He also made his own musical arrangements, and the use of several instruments in the song’s background score created an unforgettable effect. ‘Hayada e Sanje’ and ‘Ravi Neenu Agasadinda’ (upbeat opening violin passage and stylized rhythm section) are masterpieces. Ranga Rao reveals a completely different side of himself in ‘Kaviratna Kalidas’. From a rustic ‘belly moodito’ and a traditional Kanda verse style ‘Manikya Veena’ to ‘Priyatam’ – his versatility shines through. You can see Jagjit Singh was his favourite. His songs ‘Kannera Dhare’ (‘Someone Pass Aaya’) and ‘Anuraga Geetayalli’ (‘Connected Together’) are some examples.
He used all the top voices of his time, but also gave prominence to Bangalore Latha, a musician from Bangalore. In a way, it can be said that Bhavgeet Roop borrowed many elements from Ranga Rao’s music. For example, one sees the sound of songs like ‘Nanage Antha Anandavo’ in the album. Maavu Bevu, which came much later. In addition, songs such as ‘Teredide Mane’ have their roots in the Bhagati tradition.
The songs from his devotional albums have become cult numbers, perhaps till date there is nothing that can better or equal it. He composed albums like Bhakti Ganamrita:, mookambika geetegalu, Thursday Bandaga and composed songs praising the philosophy of Ramana Maharishi.
NS Sridhar Murthy writes, Ranga Rao, at the young age of 57, was a very hardworking musician, who often slept in the studio and ate frugal meals.
How can a Veena player and HAL Inspector do such a good job? How did he understand the musical trends of the time and formulate ideas for the future? These are questions that cannot be easily answered. Ranga Rao, like many others, was far from the phenomenon of Bombay or Madras, but his music bears the colors of all the top musicians of his time. He drew ideas from everywhere and made them his own.
NS Journalist based in Bangalore
writes on art and cultureI.
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