The 36th death anniversary of legendary singer Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao was observed in a big way in Vijayawada. In the event organised by Ghantasala Sangeeta Kala Vedika of Vijayawada at Tummalapallivari Kshetrayya Kalakshetram, the bronze bust statue of Ghantasala was garlanded by Malladi Vishnu, M.L.A., and many others.
Addressing the meeting that followed, Vishnu paid rich tributes to the immortal singer whose songs are still favourites not only in the country but all over the world. During the Quit India Movement, Ghantasala's patriotic verses and songs inspired scores of freedom fighters, he said.
Mayor M.V. Ratna Bindu said it was the great fortune of the people of Andhra Pradesh that Ghantasala was born on their soil. Some of those who spoke about Ghantasala's musical brilliance included secretary of Ghantasala Sangeeta Kala Vedika B. Leela Kumar, M. Rama Rao and K. Srinivasa Rao.
In another meeting held at Gokaraju Laila Gangaraju Kala Vedika on the premises of Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao Government College of Music and Dance, glorious tributes were paid to the singer by Singamsetti Pedabramham, president of Ghantasala Sangeeta Kala Vedika. Following the meeting, a music concert was organised in which singers J. Jayakumar, S. Yasaswini, Ch. Venkateswara Rao, Suryakumari and Rajani rendered the famous songs of the singer. Instrumental support was lent by Venkateswara Rao (keyboard), Chinna (pads), Raju and Govind (tabla). Amanta sang and also compered the programme.
The Vijayawada Cultural Academy's programme featured songs of Ghantasala and Mohammad Rafi finely rendered by T.V. Subramanyam, Rehaman and Satyavani. Orchestral support was provided by D. Veerabhadra Rao, K. Ravibabu, Israel, Chittibabu and Sanjay.
