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{{Short description|Poet}}
{{For|the surname|Veturi (surname)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2017}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Veturi
| birth_name = Veturi Sundararama Murthy
|image=Veturi resized.JPG
| caption =
| birth_date = {{Birth date|df=yes|1936|1|29}}
| birth_place = [[Pedakallepalli]],<ref>[http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOI&BaseHref=TOIH/2010/05/23&PageLabel=1&EntityId=Pc00112&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T Veturi Passes Away – The Times of India ]</ref><ref>[http://www.merinews.com/article/lyricist-veturi-sundararama-murthy-dies-big-loss-for-telugu-film-industry/15814665.shtml Big loss to Telugu [Film] Industry – Merinews]</ref> [[Madras Presidency]], [[British India]] (present-day [[Andhra Pradesh]], India)
| death_date = {{Death date and age|df=yes|2010|5|22|1936|1|29}}
| death_place = [[Hyderabad]], Andhra Pradesh, India (present-day [[Telangana]])
| residence =
| other_names =
| occupation = Poet, lyricist, songwriter
| height =
| spouse = Seeta Mahalakshmi
| children = 3<ref name="eenadu.net"/>
| website =
| native_place =
}}
'''Veturi Sundararama Murthy''' (29 January 1936 – 22 May 2010) was an Indian poet and lyricist who is popular for writing [[Telugu language|Telugu]] songs. His career in the [[Telugu cinema]] spanned more than four decades.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/05/24/stories/2010052456250400.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107044820/http://www.hindu.com/2010/05/24/stories/2010052456250400.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-11-07 |work=[[The Hindu]] |title=News Archives |date=2010-05-24 |access-date=2015-09-16}}</ref> He was highly admired and cherished for his deep and meaningful lyrics in Telugu songs. He was considered an inspiration by many lyricists.

==Early life==
Veturi was born to Chandrasekhar Sastry and Kamalamba in [[Pedakallepalli]], near [[Challapalli]], [[Krishna district|Krishna]] into a [[Telugu brahmin]] family. Veturi was a nephew of the Telugu Research Scholar [[Veturi Prabhakara Sastri]]. His grandfather Veturi Sundara Sastry was also a poet.{{citation needed|date=August 2015}}

===Education===
Veturi completed his schooling in Diviseema, [[Jaggayyapeta]], near [[Vijayawada]] in Krishna district, and SSLC in his grandmother's village. Later, Veturi went to Chennai for his intermediate studies and came back to [[Vijayawada]] where he completed his degree in S.R.R. Government College. He was a student of legendary [[Viswanatha Satyanarayana]] at this college.

==Career as a journalist==
Veturi joined ''[[Andhra Prabha]]'' as a journalist in 1952, after his education.<ref>{{YouTube|xOC62FQj8vY}}</ref> He learned the basics of editing a news [[Article (publishing)|article]] from his senior at [[Andhra Prabha]], [[Narla Venkateswara Rao]], whom he considers his first teacher. In 1959, he joined a weekly called [[Andhra Patrika]], where [[Bapu (director)|Bapu]] and [[Mullapudi Venkata Ramana]] were his colleagues.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/05/24/stories/2010052458090600.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100530131136/http://www.hindu.com/2010/05/24/stories/2010052458090600.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 May 2010 |title='AIR gave Veturi the break' – ANDHRA PRADESH |date=24 May 2010 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=2015-09-16}}</ref> He was the in-charge of the Cinema section at ''Andhra Patrika''. He also worked for the [[Pradesh Congress Committee|Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee]]'s official daily newspaper, called ''Andhra Janata'', as an editor.

In 1962, he became the first and only Telugu journalist to interview the then Prime Minister, [[Jawaharlal Nehru]], who came to inaugurate [[Srisailam Dam|Srisailam]] [[Hydroelectricity]] project. He covered the speeches of national leaders like [[Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan]]. In 1964, he worked as an [[Legislative Assembly|assembly]] reporter.

His articles are said to be very catchy and witty. For instance, he referred to the meeting of [[Member of the Legislative Assembly|MLA]]'s in Hotel Dwaraka, near the [[Andhra Pradesh State Assembly]] as "Adigo Dwaraka- Evigo Alamandalu" ("This is Dwaraka and here are the cattle") ({{lang-te|అదిగో ద్వారక}}). His writing style caught the attention of the film industry due to his prowess in using traditional poetic rules related to [[alliteration]] and [[rhyme]] for describing [[Current affairs (news format)|current affairs]].

==Career as a lyricist==

===Entry into films===

Veturi had contacts with the [[Cinema of Andhra Pradesh|Telugu film industry]] during his days as a journalist. He used to meet veteran [[Lyricist|lyric writer]] [[Daasaradhi Krishnamacharyulu|Dasarathi]] often. Legendary director [[Chittor V. Nagaiah]] offered him a role in his film, ''[[Naa Illu]]''.<ref>[http://www.eenadu.net/archives/archive-23-5-2010/ncineshow.asp?qry=cinefront1 ]{{dead link|date=September 2015}}</ref> However, two days before the shooting began, Veturi decided not to act as he felt that he was not fit for acting, and wrote a letter of apology to [[Chittor V. Nagaiah|Nagaiah]] for rejecting his offer. Sri.[[N.T. Rama Rao]], has invited him to join the film industry] as a lyricist. In 1974, he wrote his first song, "Bharatanaari Charitamu" ({{lang-te|భారతనారి చరితము}}), in the form of [[Harikatha]], for ''[[O Seeta Katha]]'' under the direction of the legendary director, [[K. Viswanath|K Viswanath]].

===1970s===

In 1977, actor [[N. T. Rama Rao|Sr. N.T.R]]'s ''[[Adavi Ramudu (1977 film)|Adavi Ramudu]]'' showcased Veturi's talent for penning inspirational and romantic lyrics. The album was an instant hit among various audiences. In 1978, [[K. Viswanath|K Viswanath]]'s ''[[Siri Siri Muvva]]'' proved his prowess in expressing diverse emotions with poetry. [[Aatreya (playwright)|Aathreya]], the leading lyricist in those days, was known to take days for writing a song. Veturi became the first choice for directors and producers too because of his ability to write a song to the director's taste in a few minutes. He went on to pen more than 5,000 songs in his career. He wrote more mass numbers for movies like ''Vetagadu'' and ''Driver Ramudu'', and classics for movies like ''[[Sankarabharanam (1980 film)|Sankarabharanam]]'' and [[Sagara Sangamam]]. In particular, ''[[Sankarabharanam (1980 film)|Sankarabharanam]]'' stood as a landmark in the [[Cinema of Andhra Pradesh|Telugu film industry]].

===1980s===

After the surge of his popularity during the 1970s, he went on to work with a variety of directors and actors in the 1980s. He wrote classics for directors like [[Singeetam Srinivasa Rao]], [[Dasari Narayana Rao]], [[Bapu (director)|Bapu]], [[Jandhyala]], [[Vamsy]] and mass numbers for directors like [[Kovelamudi Raghavendra Rao|Raghavendra Rao]], [[A. Kodandarami Reddy]], [[Vijaya Bapineedu]]. He delivered a number of hits for senior actors like [[N. T. Rama Rao|Sr. N.T.R]], [[Akkineni Nageswara Rao]], [[Shobhan Babu]], [[Krishnam Raju]], [[Ghattamaneni Krishna]] and upcoming stars like [[Chiranjeevi]], [[Nandamuri Balakrishna]], [[Nagarjuna (actor)|Nagarjuna]], [[Daggubati Venkatesh]]. This golden period in his career saw memorable albums like ''[[Saptapadi (1981 film)|Saptapadi]]'', ''Subhodayam'', ''[[Subhalekha]]'', ''[[Sagara Sangamam]]'', ''[[Meghasandesam]]'', ''Mudda Mandaram'', ''Malle Pandiri'', ''Nalugu Stambhalata'', ''[[Rendu Jalla Seeta]]'', ''[[Amarajeevi]]'', ''[[Sreevariki Prema Lekha]]'', ''[[Ananda Bhairavi (Telugu film)|Ananda Bhairavi]]'', ''Srivari Sobhanam'', ''Mogudu Pellalu'', ''[[Chantabbai]]'', ''[[Sitaara]]'', ''[[Anveshana]]'', ''[[Alapana]]'', ''[[Mayuri (film)|Mayuri]]'', ''Amavasya Chandrudu'', ''Janaki Ramudu'' and ''[[Geethanjali (1989 film)|Geetaanjali]]''.

===1990s===

During the late 1980s, Veturi's mass numbers garnered a lot of response from the public resulting in directors demanding more and more of them. However, Veturi still maintained his balance between classics and mass-numbers with movies like ''[[Jagadeka Veerudu Atiloka Sundari]]'', ''Sarigamalu'', ''Sitaramayya Gaari Manavaralu'', ''[[Matru Devo Bhava]]'', and ''[[Mechanic Alludu]]''. Veturi was given the opportunity to dub many [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Malayalam]] and [[Hindi]] movies. Some of his dubbed albums, for instance ''Iruvar'' and ''[[Devaraagam]]'', received wide acclaim.

===2000s===

During this period, Veturi created classics like ''[[Gangotri (film)|Gangotri]]'' and ''[[Swarabhishekam]]''. His association with young directors like [[Sekhar Kammula]] and [[Gunasekhar]] produced some memorable albums, like ''[[Anand (2004 film)|Anand]]'', ''[[Godavari (film)|Godavari]]'', ''[[Varudu]]'', ''[[Arjun (2004 film)|Arjun]]'', ''[[Kaadhal|Premishte]]'' (Dubbed version of Kaadhal) and ''[[Leader (2010 film)|Leader]]''.

==Relations with other artists==
{{Peacock|section|date=October 2015}}
Veturi had cordial relationships with the prominent figures of the industry. He worked with all classes of directors, producers, music directors and actors, ranging from stars to debutants. In his book ''Kommakommako Sannayi'', he describes his relationship with some of the [[Composer|music directors]], singers, lyricists, actors and directors he worked with. He was a teacher-like figure for many artists in the industry.

Many people{{weasel inline|date=October 2015}} consider him the most complete lyricist in the history of [[Cinema of Andhra Pradesh|Telugu cinema]]. Even his competitors called him [[guru]]. Fellow lyricist [[Sirivennela Sitaramasastri|Sirivennela]] praised him as a source of inspiration.<ref name="idlebrain.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/inter_sirivennela2.html |title=Telugu Cinema Etc |publisher=Idlebrain.com |date=4 March 2002 |access-date=2015-09-16}}</ref> He identified Veturi as the one who broadened the horizons of [[Telugu language|Telugu]] music.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.manasirivennela.com/veturi.html |title=Veturi|work=Mana Sirivennela |access-date=2016-02-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515005414/http://www.manasirivennela.com/veturi.html |archive-date=15 May 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> [[Sirivennela Sitaramasastri|Sirivennela]] wrote an article in a Telugu monthly magazine, ''Haasam'', explaining the breadth and depth of Veturi's poetry. Being a competitor, he ended the article saying: ''"aakaaSaannaakramiMchina aayana bhaavanaapaadaaniki, bhoogOLaanni aakramiMchina aayana bhaashaapaadaaniki bhaktithO aMjali ghaTistoo "naa mooDO paadaanni nee nettina peDataa" aMTunna aayana taaMDava paadaaniki bhayaMtO namaskaristoo, mummaaru mokkutoo"''({{lang-te|"ఆకాశాన్నాక్రమించిన ఆయన భావనాపాదానికి, భూగోళాన్ని ఆక్రమించిన ఆయన భాషాపాదానికి భక్తితో అంజలి ఘటిస్తూ "నా మూడో పాదాన్ని నీ నెత్తిన పెడతా" అంటున్న ఆయన తాండవ పాదానికి భయంతో నమస్కరిస్తూ, ముమ్మారు మొక్కుతూ"}}) which roughly translates to "I pray unto your two feet with devotion: one who has occupied the sky of imagination, one which has occupied the earth called language; and with terror, I pray salute the third foot which he says he would keep on my head".<ref name="Haasam patrika">{{cite web|url=http://www.manasirivennela.com/veturi.html |title=New Page 1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515005414/http://www.manasirivennela.com/veturi.html |date=15 May 2012|archive-date=15 May 2012|work=Mana Sirivennela}}</ref> This is in reference to [[Vamana]], an [[Avatar]] of [[Vishnu]].

Veteran director [[K. Viswanath]] referred to him as brother.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?ID=ENTEN20100141922&keyword=bollywood&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717205209/http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?ID=ENTEN20100141922&keyword=bollywood&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA | url-status=dead | archive-date=2012-07-17 |title = Telugu film industry pays tributes to lyricist Veturi}}</ref> Director [[Sekhar Kammula]] referred to him as his [[guru]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/05/09/stories/2010050961660600.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100514101155/http://www.hindu.com/2010/05/09/stories/2010050961660600.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 May 2010 |title='Films have an obligation to society' – ANDHRA PRADESH |date=9 May 2010 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=2015-09-16}}</ref> Actor, writer and director [[Tanikella Bharani]] referred to him as a manifestation of [[Saraswati]] in male form.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://telugu.greatandhra.com/cinema/20-05-2010/or_23.php|title=Tanikella about Veturi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100526143743/http://telugu.greatandhra.com/cinema/20-05-2010/or_23.php |date=26 May 2010 |work=Greatandhra|archive-date=26 May 2010}}</ref> Acclaimed director Mani Ratnam, who worked with him for ''[[Geethanjali (1989 film)|Geetaanjali]]'', praised him as one of the best he has come across.

Veturi was very flexible with remunerations while working with young and upcoming artists, which made him very approachable and close to almost every director and producer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/sekharkammula-veturi.html |title=Sekhar Kammula on Veturi- Telugu cinema |publisher=Idlebrain.com |date=30 May 2010 |access-date=2015-09-16}}</ref>

==Awards and honors==
Veturi received several national and regional awards for his contributions to literature and films. He has been conferred an honorary Doctorate in the 23rd convocation of [[Acharya Nagarjuna University]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/26/stories/2007072656110600.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107044939/http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/26/stories/2007072656110600.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 November 2012 |title=Honorary doctorate for Veturi, two others – ANDHRA PRADESH |date=26 July 2007 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=2015-09-16}}</ref> In 2007, he received the Jandhyala Memorial Award.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/15/stories/2007011516690300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106041336/http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/15/stories/2007011516690300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 November 2012 |title=Veturi given Jandhyala award – ANDHRA PRADESH |date=15 January 2007 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=2015-09-16}}</ref>
[[File:Veturi, Tummalapalli Kshetrayya Kalakshetram Vijayawada.JPG|thumb|bust of Veturi at Tummalapalli Kshetrayya Kalakshetram Vijayawada]]

===National Awards===

He got the [[National Film Award for Best Lyrics]] for the song "Ralipoye Puvva" ({{lang-te|రాలిపోయె పువ్వా}}) in the film [[Matrudevobhava]],<ref>[https://archive.today/20120718190451/http://sify.com/movies/telugu/fullstory.php?id=14942740 sify.com]</ref> making him the second Telugu film lyricist to achieve the distinction after the revolutionary poet, [[Srirangam Srinivasarao|Sri Sri]]. In 2006, he declared that he would return the National Award if Telugu is not given the status of Classical Language by the [[Government of India]].<ref name="The Hindu">[https://web.archive.org/web/20080101125626/http://www.hindu.com/2006/02/03/stories/2006020311020400.htm The Hindu: Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News: Going all out for 'classical' tag]</ref> In 2008, the [[Government of India]] declared [[Telugu language|Telugu]] as a classical language.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid%3D44340 |title=Declaration of Telugu and Kannada as classical languages |work=PIB |access-date=2013-02-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216124306/http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=44340 |archive-date=16 December 2008 |df=dmy }}</ref>

===Filmfare Awards===

He received [[Filmfare Best Lyricist Award (Telugu)|filmfare award]] for the song, ''Uppongele Godavari'' ({{lang-te|ఉప్పొంగెలే గోదావరి}}) in the 2006 movie, [[Godavari (film)|Godavari]]. In 2008, he received the [[Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (South)|Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/article/48703.html |title=56th Filmfare awards Tollywood winners – Telugu Movie News |publisher=Indiaglitz.com |date=1 August 2009 |access-date=2015-09-16}}</ref>

===Nandi Awards===

He received the Nandi award for best lyrics, from the Government of Andhra Pradesh, six times. They are listed here.

{| class="wikitable"

|-
! Year !! Song !! Movie
|-
| 1977 || Maanasa Veenaa Madhu Geetam (Telugu: మానసవీణ మధుగీతం) || [[Panthulamma]]
|-
| 1979 || Sankara Naadasareeraparaa (Telugu: శంకరా నాదశరీరాపర) || [[Sankarabharanam (1980 film)|Sankarabharanam]]
|-
| 1984 || Brundavani Vundi (Telugu: బృందావని ఉంది) || [[Kanchana Ganga]]
|-
| 1985 || Ee Duryodhana Dushaasana (Telugu: ఈ దుర్యోధనదుశ్శాశన) || [[Pratighatana]]
|-
| 1991 || Pavuraniki Panjaraniki (Telugu: పావురానికి పంజరానికి) || [[Chanti (1992 film)|Chanti]]
|-
| 1992 || All Songs || [[Rajeswari Kalyanam]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ipr.ap.nic.in/New_Links/Film.pdf|title=నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964–2008)|trans-title=A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008)|publisher=[[Andhra Pradesh (magazine)|Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh]]|access-date=21 August 2020}}(in [[Telugu language|Telugu]])</ref>
|}

===Manaswini Awards===

He received two Manaswini awards.<ref name="telugucinema.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/starsprofile/tribute_veturi.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101231000138/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/starsprofile/tribute_veturi.php |date=31 December 2010|archive-date=31 December 2010|title=Lyricist Veturi passed away|work=Telugu Cinema }}</ref>
#Song: ''Venuvai vachchaanu'' ({{lang-te|వేణువై వచ్చాను}}), Movie: ''[[Matrudevobhava]]'', Year: 1993.
#Song: ''Aakaashaana suryudundadu'' ({{lang-te|ఆకాశాన సూర్యుడుండడు}}), Movie: ''Sundarakanda'', Year: 1992.

==Filmography==
He wrote thousands of songs as a lyricist for many successful Telugu films. He has also acted in very few films in cameo roles. He acted as a fake swamiji in a film, which succeeded in producing good comedy. He also penned Dialogues along with writer Jandhyala for the movie ''[[Siri Siri Muvva]]''.

===1970s===
* ''[[O Seeta Katha]]'' (1974) (lyrics: ''Bhaaratanaarii Charitamu'' ([[Harikatha]]))
* ''[[Adavi Ramudu (1977 film)|Adavi Ramudu]]'' (1977) (lyrics: ''Krushi Vunte Manushulu Rushulautaru'')
* ''[[Pantulamma]]'' (1977) (lyrics: ''Maanasa Veenaa Madhu Geetam'')
* ''[[Siri Siri Muvva]]'' (1978) (lyrics: ''Andaaniki Andam'', ''Eavari Kevaru Ee Lokamlo'', ''Gajje Gallumantuntae'', ''Jhummandhi Nadam Sayyandi Padam'', ''Maa Voori Devudamma'', ''Odupunna Pilupu'', ''Raa Digi Raa Divi Ninchi'')
* ''[[Gorintaku (1979 film)|Gorintaku]]'' (1979) (lyrics: ''Komma Kommako Sannayi'')
* ''[[Sankarabharanam (1980 film)|Sankarabharanam]]'' (1979) (lyrics: ''Sankara Nadasareena Para'')

===1980s===
* [[Saptapadi (1981 film)|Saptapadi]] (1981)
* ''[[Manchu Pallaki]]'' (1982) (lyrics)
* ''[[Subhalekha]]'' (1982) (lyrics: ''Raagaala Pallakilo Koyilamma Raaledu Eevela Endukammaa?'')
* ''[[Khaidi]]'' (1983)
* ''[[Manthri Gari Viyyankudu]]'' (1983) (lyrics: ''Manasa Sirasa née namame padeda ee vela'', ''Coconut manaku dosti okate asti raa, jabaru dasti cheste nasti raa'', ''Chi chi po papa oppulakumma '', ''Koluvainade urki korivayinade maa kobbarikayala subbarayude '', ''Emanani née cheli padudane '', ''Sala sala nanu kavinchanela '')
* ''[[Meghasandesham]]'' (1983) (lyrics: ''Aakaasa Desaana Aashada Masaana'')
* ''[[Mundadugu]]'' (1983)
* ''[[Sitaara]]'' (1983)
* ''[[Rustum]]'' (1984)
* ''[[Agni Parvatam]]'' (1985) (lyrics: ''Agni Parvatam'', Ee Gaalilo'')
* ''[[Anveshana]]'' (1985) (writer: ''Edalo Laya'', ''Keeravani'', ''Ekanta Vela'', ''Ilalo Kalise'')
* ''[[Chantabbai]]'' (1986)
* ''[[Padamati Sandhya Ragam]]'' (1986)
* ''[[Pratighatana]]'' (1986) (lyrics: ''Ee Duryodhana Dussaasana Durvineeta Lokamlo'')
* ''[[Aakhari Poratam]]'' (1988) (lyrics: ''Tella Cheeraku'', ''Eppudu Eppudu'')
* ''[[Marana Mrudangam]]'' (1988)
* ''[[Geethanjali (1989 film)|Geetaanjali]]'' (1989) (lyrics: ''Jallanta Kavvinta Kaavaalile'', ''Nandikonda Vaagullona'', ''Jagada Jagada Jagadam'', ''Om Namah Nayana Shrutulaku'', ''O Paapaa Laalii!'', ''Aamani Paadave Haayigaa'')

===1990s===
* ''[[Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari]]'' (1990) (lyrics: ''Abba Nee Teeyani Debba'', ''dhinakkuta chamakkuro'', ''mana bhaaratamlo'', ''amdalalo ahomahodayam'', ''jai chiranjiiva, jagadekaveera'', ''priyatama nanu palakrinchu pranayama'', ''yamaho ni yama yama andam'')
* ''[[Chanti (1991 film)|Chanti]]'' (1991) (lyrics: ''Pavuraniki Panjaraniki'', ''idi tailam petti'', ''jabiliki vennalaki puttina punnamile'', ''o prema na prema'', ''ennenno andalu'')
* ''[[Gang Leader]]'' (1991) (lyrics: ''paalabugga'', ''vayasu vayasu'')
* ''[[Nirnayam (1991 film)|Nirnayam]]'' (1991) (lyrics: ''Mila Mila Merisenu Tara')
* ''[[Dharma kshetram (1992 film)|Dharma Kshetram]]'' (1992) (lyrics: ''Koramenu Komalam Sora Shobanam and more songs from this film')
* ''President Gari Pellam'' (1992) (lyrics: ''Nuvvu Malle Teega'', ''Paruvala Kodi'', ''Manduri Ambothu'', ''Aa Oddu Ee Oddu'', ''Umma Kavali'', ''Kandirrega Nadumu Daani'')
* ''[[Sundarakanda (1992 film)|Sundarakanda]]'' (1992) (lyrics: ''AakaaSaana SuuryuDunDaDu SandevELakE'', ''kokilamma kotha pata paadindi'', ''sundarakaamdaku sandade sandadi'', ''inka inka'', ''ulikipadaku'', ''arey mava illaliki'')
* ''[[Govinda Govinda]]'' (1993) (lyrics: ''O Naveena'','andama anduma'', ''indira mandira sundara taara'', ''premante idena'')
* ''[[Matru Devo Bhava]]'' (1993) (lyrics: ''Raalipoye Puvva Neeku Raagalenduke'', ''venuvai vachanu bhuvananiki'', ''kanniti kaluvalu'', ''raagam anuragam'')
* ''[[Mechanic Alludu]]'' (1993)
* ''[[Super Police]]'' (1994)
* ''Ramudochhadu'' (1996) (lyrics: ''Maa Palle Repallanta'', ''Gumma Gumma Muddu Gumma'', ''Vareva'', ''Guvva Koose Puvvu Poose'', ''srumgaara kaavyaala'')
* ''Iddaru''(1997)
* ''Annamayya''(1997)
* ''[[Ravoyi Chandamama]]'' (1999) (lyrics: ''Nanda Nandana'', ''Jagadajam Jawani'', ''Swapna Venuvedo'', ''Mallepuvva'', ''Leta Leta'', ''Love to Live'', ''Jhummani Jhummani'')
* ''[[Adbhutam (Telugu)|Adbhutam]]'' (1999) (lyrics: lyrics ''Nityam ekanta kshaname adiga'')
* ''Chudalani Unadhi''(1998) "Yamaha Nagari" Lyrics

===2000s===
* ''[[Badri (2000 film)|Badri]]'' (2000) (writer: ''Vevela Mainala Ganam'' ''Chali Pidugullo'')<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ragalahari.com/devotionaldetail.asp?mvname=Badri |title=Badri |work=Ragalahari |access-date=2012-03-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613233000/http://www.ragalahari.com/devotionaldetail.asp?mvname=Badri |archive-date=13 June 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
* ''[[Annayya (2000 film)|Annayya]]'' (2000) (writer: ''Himaseemallo'', ''Gusagusale'', ''Vaana vallappa'')
* ''sakhi'' (2000, Dubbed version) (lyrics: ''sakhiya celiya'', ''alai pongera kanna'', ''kaay love chedugudu'', ''kalalai poyenu na premalu'', ''snehituda snehituda'', ''September maasam September maasam'', ''ede ede vayyari varudu'')
* ''[[Bava Nachadu]]'' (2001) (lyrics: ''Akka Bava Nachada'')
* ''[[Mrigaraju]]'' (2001) (writer: ''Ramaiah Paadaletti'', ''Satamanamannadile'', ''Yelaley Yelalamma'')
* ''[[Indra (2002 film)|Indra]]'' (2002) (writer: ''Ammadu Appachi'')
* ''[[Tagore (film)|Tagore]]'' (2003) (writer: ''Manmadha Manmadha'')
* ''[[Simhadri (2003 film)|Simhadri]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Anand (2004 film)|Anand]]'' (2004) (writer: ''Vacche Vacche'', ''Yamunatheeram'', ''Nuvvena'', ''Charumati I Love You'', ''Telisi Telisi'', ''Yedalogaanam'')
* ''[[Arjun (2004 film)|Arjun]]'' (2004) (lyrics: ''Madhura Madhura Meenakshi'')
* ''[[Arya (2004 film)|Arya]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Aaytha Ezhuthu|Yuva]]'' (2004, Dubbed version)
* ''[[Kaadhal|Premisthe]]'' (2004, Dubbed version)
* ''[[Chatrapathi (2005 film)|Chatrapati]]'' (2005)
*[[Ghajini (2005 film)]] (lyrics: Rangola Ola, Oku Maru Kalisina)
* ''[[Godavari (film)|Godavari]]'' (2006) (lyrics: ''Uppongele Godavari'')
* ''[[Sainikudu]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Madhumasam]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Happy Days (2007 film)|Happy Days]]'' (2007)
* ''Dashavataram'' (2008, Dubbed version)
* ''[[Kantri]]'' (2008) (lyrics: ''Vayasunamy'')
* ''[[Sundarakanda (2008 film)|Sundarakanda]]'' (2008) (lyricist)
* ''[[Malli Malli]]'' (2009) (lyricist)
* ''[[Bendu Apparao R.M.P]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Varudu]]'' (2010) (lyrics: ''All songs'')
* ''[[Leader (2010 film)|Leader]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Simha (film)|Simha]]'' (2010) (lyrics: Kanulara Chudhamu)
* ''Villain'' (2010) (dubbed version of ''[[Raavanan]]'')
* ''[[Badrinath (film)|Badrinath]]'' (2011) (lyrics: ''omkareshwari'')
* ''Surya S/o Krishnan'' (2008) (dubbed version of ''[[Vaaranam Aayiram]]'')
* ''[[Abhi (2011 film)|Abhi]]''(2011)("lyrics: Vangathota malupu kada")
* [[Bus Stop (2012 film)|Bus Stop]] (2012) ("Lyrics: "Rekkalocchina Prema" and "Pattuko Pattuko")

==Books==

===''Sirikaakolanu Chinnadi''===

This book was originally a "musical play" telecasted on the All India Radio. The story describes the culture and people during the time of the king [[Krishna Deva Raya]] through the story of a Devadasi.<ref>AVKF review on this book. Available at: http://www.avkf.org/BookLink/display_author_books.php?author_id=211</ref> The original play has music by the great music director [[Pendyala Nageswara Rao]]. One can see the beauty of the Telugu language in this book.
Veturi was introduced to the director [[K. Viswanath]] through this book and later their combination was a big hit. [[N.T.Rama Rao]] was so impressed by the story of this book that he wanted to make it as a movie. It is believed that there were some discussions on the script but the movie was never produced.

===''Kommako Kommako Sannaayi''===

A book titled ''komma kommakO sannAyi'' was published by "Veturi Sahitii Samiti". This book contains 27 articles written by Veturi celebrating his association with some famous personalities in the Telugu film industry. It also contains descriptions of some of his songs. The personalities covered include the following:
# '''Music directors:''' Pendyala Nageswara Rao, [[S. Rajeswara Rao]], [[K. V. Mahadevan]], Adi Narayana Rao, Ramesh Naidu, Rajan – Nagendra, Chakravarty, Ilayaraja, MM Keeravaani & A.R.Rahman
# '''Singers:''' [[S.P. Balasubrahmanyam|S._P._Balasubrahmanyam]]
# '''Lyricists:''' Daita Gopalam, Samudrala (Sr), Atreya, Dasarathi,
# '''Actors:''' Nagayya, Jagayya, [[N. T. Rama Rao]] & Relangi
# '''Directors and producers:''' Nagi Reddy, Jandhyala, Bapu – Ramana

Many of these articles were originally published in a Telugu magazine called ''Haasam''. Veturi's prowess in the Telugu language & literature and his vast knowledge of Carnatic music can be seen in this book. Veturi often quotes many of his own lyrics in this book and those examples offer a glimpse of his genius. In particular, his explanation of the song ''Swararaaga gangaa pravaahamE'' (Movie: ''Sarigamalu'') is a masterpiece.

==Personal life==
Veturi was married to Seeta Maha Lakshmi and has three sons: Ravi Prakash, Chandrasekhar and Nanda Kishore.<ref name="eenadu.net">{{cite web|url=http://www.eenadu.net/archives/archive-24-5-2010/story.asp?qry1=1&reccount=25 |title=Veturi |work=Eenadu |access-date=29 May 2010 }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

==Controversies==
In March 2010, Veturi openly criticized the [[Film nagar|Film Nagar Cooperative Society]] officials for not handing over the 1000 sq.yard land that was allotted to him about 28 years ago.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/filmnagar-society-denies-veturi-land-121|title=Filmnagar society denies Veturi's land |work=Deccan Chronicle |access-date=1 June 2010 }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> He alleged that several juniors and ineligible people were given plots ahead of him. He was allegedly offered a double bedroom flat for 1.5 million.<ref>{{YouTube|l0kizR_2kl8}}</ref>

After his death, noted singer [[Mano (singer)|Mano]] and senior actor Vijay Chandar demanded the government to give the land to his family.<ref name="expressbuzz.com">{{cite web|url=http://expressbuzz.com/cities/hyderabad/his-work-would-please-even-gods-k-viswanath/175929.html|title=His work would please even gods |work=Express Buzz |access-date=31 May 2010 }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

==Death==
Veturi died of a [[pulmonary hemorrhage]] at a private hospital in [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]] on 22 May 2010, aged 74, at about 9:30 p.m. local time. He was admitted to the hospital two days earlier and was kept in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) there as his health was deteriorating.<ref name="Lyricist Veturi no more |Deccan Chronicle 2010-05-23">{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/lyricist-veturi-no-more-095|title=Lyricist Veturi no more|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100630123842/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/lyricist-veturi-no-more-095 |date=30 June 2010 |archive-date=30 June 2010|work=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref>

K. Viswanath, who introduced Veturi to the film industry, stated that "his works would please even the gods".<ref name="expressbuzz.com"/> Director [[Sekhar Kammula]], who worked with him to deliver some critically acclaimed songs, wrote a four-page article in the daily ''[[Sakshi (magazine)|Sakshi]]'' describing Veturi's death as his "personal loss".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sakshi.com/main/WeeklyDetails.aspx?Newsid%3D55218%26Categoryid%3D11%26subcatid%3D25 |title=Veturi died |work=Sakshi |access-date=31 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306213558/http://www.sakshi.com/main/WeeklyDetails.aspx?Newsid=55218&Categoryid=11&subcatid=25 |archive-date=6 March 2012 }}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.telugujunction.com/profile/viewprofile/profile_id/5281 List of Veturi Movies]
* [http://www.bharatstudent.com/cafebharat/event_photos_2-Telugu-Events-Veturi_Condolences___Film_Celebrities-photo-galleries-2,8,6693.php Tollywood Celebrities Pays Tribute Veturi Sundararama Murthy]
* Lyricist Sirivennela's [https://web.archive.org/web/20120515005414/http://www.manasirivennela.com/veturi.html article] on Veturi, originally published in the magazine ''Haasam''
* Srinivas Kanchibhotla's [http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/realstars/veturi.html article] on Veturi in Idlebrain
* Sekhar kammula's extensive article on veturi [http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/sekharkammula-veturi.html] on Idlebrain

{{National Film Award Best Lyrics}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Veturi}}
[[Category:1936 births]]
[[Category:2010 deaths]]
[[Category:Telugu-language lyricists]]
[[Category:Telugu people]]
[[Category:Telugu poets]]
[[Category:Deaths from pulmonary hemorrhage]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards South winners]]
[[Category:People from Krishna district]]
[[Category:Film musicians from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Poets from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian composers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian composers]]
[[Category:Indian lyricists]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian poets]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian poets]]
[[Category:Best Lyrics National Film Award winners]]

Veturi - Revision history

Himanshuucharan: correct information for clarity and updated info for consistency

imported>Chprem: /* Nandi Awards */