It was a perfect weekend for the family members, friends and near and dear ones of eminent composer and scholar Balantrapu Rajanikanta Rao who celebrated his 100th birthday on a glittering note here on Saturday.
Amid galaxy of VIPs and well wishers, the ‘birthday boy’ Rajanikanta Rao, popularly known as Rajani, quietly created history of sorts.
Guests and dignitaries presented flowers, bouquets, garlands and shawls to Mr. Rao who also reciprocated by presenting shawls to a few of his friends with whom he had worked. A Kuchipudi dance ballet titled ‘Viswarupam’, presented by a nine-member troupe, enthralled the audience.
Incidentally, the song was composed by Mr. Rao. “It is a rare distinction for us to perform at this grand occasion,” Bhagavatula Venkatrama Sharma, who led the troupe, said. Before the felicitation ceremony, Vedic scholars rendered ‘slokas’ and blessed him long life.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Speaker Mandali Buddha Prasad eulogised the services of Mr. Rao in the field of literature and music.
On behalf of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, he extended the birthday greetings to him. “We will shortly organise a programme to celebrate Rajani’s birthday on a grand note,” he said.
Former Chief Secretary Mohan Kanda recalled Mr. Rao contributions to literature and music fields. Violinist Annavarapu Ramaswami, legendary singer Raavu Balasaraswathi, former chairman of the Press Academy Potturi Venkateswara Rao and other dignitaries were present.
We will shortly organise a programme to celebrate Rajani’s birthday on a grand note
Mandali Buddha Prasad
Deputy Speaker
