South tinsel world boasts of legends, superstars, megastars and stars but there is one man who was a a landmark on the silver screen, and that is none other than `Viswa Nata Chakravarthi' S V Rangarao. The legend of southern film fraternity was recognised globally. Samarla Venkata Ranga Rao (SVR) (3 July 1918-18 July 1974) is an actor, director and producer. He had entered the film dhunia when it was dominated by one community of people. In his career span of 18 years from Varoodhini in 1946 to Yashoda Krishna in 1974, he was the one actor who scaled various peaks with versatality and elegance.
The thought of the legend reminds one of his potrayal of Ghatothgacha in Mayabazaar, Akbar in Anaarkali, Manthrika in Pathala Bhairavi, Duryodhana in Pandava Vanavasam....... and the list is endless. The glimses of the wonderful talents display was the fortune of south India. It is true what Gummadi Venkateswararao, also a veteran who was close to the legend remarked once, "Fortunate are we, to have SVR born in India but SVR is unfortunate to have been born here... If he had the fortune of being born in the West he might have been one of the top actors of all time in the world".
Such was the aura of this legend who cast his mystic spell over the audience in any of his portrayals. If the film University is supported by four pillars then the roof is SVR, say critics. Because be it Savithri, N T Rama Rao, Dilip Kumar or Shivaji Ganesan, there histrionics were undoubtedly great. But when an actor of the present era performs well, then we say he has reminded us of one of them. But as such there is none ever been compared to the legend to my knowledge. He has attained the unique place on this tinsel galaxy.
SVR had portrayed varied roles right from mythological to historical and socio entertainers and won the accolades of all critics. His short life span had ended due to a massive cardiac arrest leaving millions of his fans in sorrow. However the legend is still in our hearts and the characters he portrayed are yard sticks in acting, say his grieved fans.
When talent is unlimited awards are also not far of, say veterans. And true to this SVR was bestowed with the highest awards in his time from both the Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh governments. But the most spectacular that should be cherished by the legend should have been The National Rashtrapati Award for Best Actor in Annai (1962), Sarada (1962), Naanum Orupen (1963), Karpagam (1963) and Nartanasala (1963).
Wishesh salutes the legend of Indian Panorama on his ninty fourth birthday, today. Sir you have left your indelible footprints on acting and have been a preacher of teachers in your life. To this day we remember you and even the gen next had a glimpse of your `Maya Bazaar' remade in colour. The film was released globally, amidst pomp and grandeur. This was surely an achivement for the legend and tribute from the fraternity. (With inputs from internet- AW AarKay)
