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{{short description|Indian music composer, lyricist}}
{{short description|Indian music composer, lyricist}}
{{EngvarB|date=May 2014}}
{{In line citation|date=November 2021}}{{EngvarB|date=May 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
|name = Hamsalekha
| name             = Hamsalekha
|image =Hamsalekha.jpg
| image           = Hamsalekha.jpg
|caption =  
| caption         =  
|native_name      =  
| native_name      =  
|native_name_lang =
| native_name_lang =  
|image_size =
| image_size       =  
|background =
| background       =  
|birth_name = Gangaraju <!-- Please do not change this "birth name" because Gangaraju was his real name and not Govindaraju, which was his father's name. --->
| birth_name       = Gangaraju <!-- Please do not change this "birth name" because Gangaraju was his real name and not Govindaraju, which was his father's name. --->
|birth_place = Tulasikatte, Akkipete, [[Bangalore]]<ref name="Raju"/>  
| birth_place     = Tulasikatte, Akkipete, [[Bangalore]]<ref name="Raju"/>
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1951|06|23}}
| birth_date       = {{birth date and age|1951|06|23|}}
|origin = [[Mandya]], [[Karnataka State|Karnataka]],    [[India]]
| origin           = [[Mandya]], [[Karnataka State|Karnataka]],    [[India]]
|instrument = [[Electronic keyboard|Keyboard]]s, vocals, guitar, piano, [[Pump organ|harmonium]], percussion, other
| instrument       = [[Electronic keyboard|Keyboard]]s, vocals, guitar, piano, [[Pump organ|harmonium]], percussion, other
|genre = [[Film score]]<br />[[Film soundtrack|Soundtrack]]<br />Theatre<br />[[World music]]
| genre           = [[Film score]]<br />[[Film soundtrack|Soundtrack]]<br />Theatre<br />[[World music]]
|occupation = [[Film composer]], [[Musical instrument|instrumentalist]], [[Lyricist]], [[Writer]]
| occupation       = Music composer, lyricist, screenplay writer, dialogue writer
| website          = {{URL|www.hamsalekhadesi.com}}
| website          = {{URL|www.hamsalekhadesi.com}}
|years_active = 1981&ndash;present
| years_active     = 1981&ndash;present
}}
}}
'''Gangaraju''' (born 23 June 1951), popularly known by his stage name '''Hamsalekha''', is an Indian [[Film score|film composer]] and a [[songwriter]] who works in [[Cinema of South India|South Indian cinema]], predominantly in the [[Kannada film industry]] since the late 1980s. He is also a screenplay writer, dialogue writer, instrumentalist and a conductor, composed and written for over 500 feature films.
'''Gangaraju''' (born June 23, 1951), professionally known as '''Hamsalekha''', is an Indian [[Film score|film composer]] and a [[songwriter]] who works in [[Cinema of South India|South Indian cinema]], predominantly in the [[Kannada film industry]] since the late 1980s. He is also a screenplay writer, dialogue writer, instrumentalist and a conductor, composed and written for over 500 feature films.{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}} Also regarded as one of the greatest music composers of all time in history.{{According to whom|date=June 2022}}
 
Hamsalekha is usually referred to by the title ''Naadha Brahma'' (English: The Supreme God of Music) who is considered to be the major cause for the change in the music composing and lyric writing style which would appeal much to the younger generation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chitraloka.com/news/1472-hamsalekha-60.html|title=Hamsalekha 60|publisher=Chitraloka|date=23 June 2011}}</ref> He integrated folk and introduced western musical sensibilities into the mainstream cinema. He is also accredited for introducing many musical talents (singers, composers and lyricists) to the industry.


Hamsalekha has won one [[National Film Awards]] and six [[Filmfare Awards South|Filmfare Awards]] in the Best Music Director Category; seven [[Karnataka State Film Awards]] - four for music direction and three for lyrics - and is a recipient of an honorary doctorate from [[Bangalore University]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/dr-hamsalekha-now-kannada-news-107448|title=Dr. Hamsalekha now|publisher=Indiaglitz|date=14 May 2014}}</ref>
Hamsalekha has won one [[National Film Awards]] and six [[Filmfare Awards South|Filmfare Awards]] in the Best Music Director Category; seven [[Karnataka State Film Awards]] - four for music direction and three for lyrics - and is a recipient of an honorary doctorate from [[Bangalore University]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/dr-hamsalekha-now-kannada-news-107448|title=Dr. Hamsalekha now|publisher=Indiaglitz|date=14 May 2014}}</ref>


==Early career==
==Early career==
Hamsalekha was born as Gangaraju in 1951, to K. H. Govindaraju and Rajamma in Tulasikatte, near Akkipete in [[Bangalore]].<ref name="Raju">{{Cite news|url=https://vijaykarnataka.com/lavalavk/weekly-magazine/music-is-my-life-hamsalekha/articleshow/49782257.cms|title=ಸಂಗೀತವೇ ನನ್ನ ಜೀವ, ಜೀವಾಳ|trans-title=Music is my life, force|language=Kannada|work=Vijaya Karnataka|date=15 November 2015|access-date=6 March 2021}}</ref> After his studies, he was employed in his father's printing press and subsequently joined his brother Balakrishna's orchestra group.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wiki.indiancine.ma/wiki/Hamsalekha|title=Hamsalekha - Indian cinema|publisher= Indian cinema wiki|access-date=21 February 2015}}</ref> He had a huge flair for writing poetry and forming a tune for his works. He renamed himself as "Hamsalekhani" since he always used to write with a "Swan"(Kannada : Hamsa) brand pen given by Lavani Neelakantappa his then Guru. Later, his teacher modified his name as "Hamsalekha".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bangaloremirror.com/entertainment/south-masala/Hamsalekha-to-don-directors-hat/articleshow/31682813.cms|title=Hamsalekha to don director’s hat|publisher=Bangalore Mirror|date=2014}}</ref>  He was introduced into feature films by director M. N. Prasad, who provided an opportunity to write a song for the film ''Triveni'' (1973). The song "Neena Bhagavantha" was his first release picturised on actor [[Udaykumar]].  His debut film as a musician was the 1981 unreleased film ''Rahuchandra''. Officially, his cinema career started as a dialogue and lyric writer for the film ''[[Naanu Nanna Hendthi]]'' (1985). Later his popularity peaked only after his association with actor-director [[V. Ravichandran|Ravichandran]]. ''[[Premaloka]]'', released in 1987, brought them together for a collaboration that would endure for over 12 years.
Hamsalekha was born as Gangaraju in 1951, to K. H. Govindaraju and Rajamma in Tulasikatte, near Akkipete in [[Bangalore]].<ref name="Raju">{{Cite news|url=https://vijaykarnataka.com/lavalavk/weekly-magazine/music-is-my-life-hamsalekha/articleshow/49782257.cms|title=ಸಂಗೀತವೇ ನನ್ನ ಜೀವ, ಜೀವಾಳ|trans-title=Music is my life, force|language=Kannada|work=Vijaya Karnataka|date=15 November 2015|access-date=6 March 2021}}</ref> After his studies, he was employed in his father's printing press and subsequently joined his brother Balakrishna's orchestra group.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wiki.indiancine.ma/wiki/Hamsalekha|title=Hamsalekha - Indian cinema|publisher= Indian cinema wiki|access-date=21 February 2015}}</ref> Lavani Neelakantappa his teacher modified his name as "Hamsalekha".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bangaloremirror.com/entertainment/south-masala/Hamsalekha-to-don-directors-hat/articleshow/31682813.cms|title=Hamsalekha to don director's hat|publisher=Bangalore Mirror|date=2014}}</ref>  He was introduced into feature films by director M. N. Prasad, who provided an opportunity to write a song for the film ''Triveni'' (1973). {{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}The song "Neena Bhagavantha" was his first release picturised on actor [[Udaykumar]].  His debut film as a musician was the 1981 unreleased film ''Rahuchandra''. Officially, his cinema career started as a dialogue and lyric writer for the film ''[[Naanu Nanna Hendthi]]'' (1985). {{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}Later his popularity peaked only after his association with actor-director [[V. Ravichandran|Ravichandran]]. ''[[Premaloka]]'', released in 1987.{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Hamsalekha is married to [[Latha Hamsalekha]] who was a playback singer in the 1990s. The couple have a son named Alankar and two daughters named Tejaswini and Nandini. Alankar is associated with films as an actor and musician. Few of his released and unreleased movies are ''Sugghi'', ''Tapori'' and ''Roja''. Tejaswini is associated with film direction, acting and directing plays, she has done her master's in theater from Bangalore University and directed many plays in association with her father Hamsalekha. Nandini began her playback singing career with the film ''[[Sixer (2007 film)|Sixer]]'' (2006).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/nandini-debut-in-item-song-kannada-news-27851|title=Nandini debut in item song|publisher=Indiaglitz|date=19 December 2006}}</ref>
Hamsalekha is married to [[Latha Hamsalekha]] who was a playback singer in the 1990s. The couple have a son named Alankar and two daughters named Tejaswini and Nandini. Alankar is associated with films as an actor and musician. Few of his released and unreleased movies are ''Sugghi'', ''Tapori'' and ''Roja''.{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}} Tejaswini is associated with film direction, acting and directing plays, she has done her master's in theater from Bangalore University and directed many plays in association with her father Hamsalekha. Nandini began her playback singing career with the film ''[[Sixer (2007 film)|Sixer]]'' (2006).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/nandini-debut-in-item-song-kannada-news-27851|title=Nandini debut in item song|publisher=Indiaglitz|date=19 December 2006}}</ref>


==Notable works==
==Notable works==
After working on ''[[Premaloka]]'', Hamsalekha became one of the most prolific music directors in Kannada film, with many hits. He made occasional use of many genres of music, including Western, pop, rock, [[hip hop music|hip hop]], [[Indian classical music|Indian classical]], folk, [[ghazal]]s, [[Sufi music|Sufi]], and [[item song]]s. "Chandakinta Chanda", a ghazal he composed for the film ''[[Sparsha (film)|Sparsha]]'', was a major hit. He has created songs ranging from the philosophical ("Le Le Marula" in ''[[Shaapa]]'', a film whose story he wrote himself) to the naughty ("Kaayi Kaayi Nuggekaayi Mahimege" in ''Halli Maestru''), the patriotic ("Huttidhare Kannada Nadalli Hutta Bekku" in [[Rajkumar (actor)|Rajkumar]]'s ''[[Aakasmika]]'', a song which has become an unofficial anthem of [[Karnataka]]) and love songs ("Ele Hombisile..." in ''[[Halunda Tavaru]]''). He composed the background score for one movie using a single instrument and made the music for ''Kona Eedaite'' with no instruments at all. His music in the film ''[[Hagalu Vesha]]'' had a rustic and folk feel without the use of synthetic sounds. His music in the 2010 movie ''[[Naanu Nanna Kanasu]]'' was appreciated by critics as well as audiences.{{Citation needed|date=February 2012}} He also composed for the National Award-winning movie ''[[Puttakkana Highway]]'' in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.topnews.in/puttakkana-highway-honest-and-objective-2329477 |title='Puttakkana Highway' - honest and objective &#124; TopNews |publisher=Topnews.in |date=22 May 2011 |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref>
After working on ''[[Premaloka]]'', Hamsalekha became one of the most prolific music directors in Kannada film, with many hits. He made occasional use of many genres of music, including Western, pop, rock, [[hip hop music|hip hop]], [[Indian classical music|Indian classical]],{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}} folk, [[ghazal]]s, [[Sufi music|Sufi]], and [[item song]]s. {{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}"Chandakinta Chanda", a ghazal he composed for the film ''[[Sparsha (film)|Sparsha]]'', was a major hit. He has created songs ranging from the philosophical ("Le Le Marula" in ''[[Shaapa]]'', a film whose story he wrote himself) to the naughty ("Kaayi Kaayi Nuggekaayi Mahimege" in ''Halli Maestru''), the patriotic ("Huttidhare Kannada Nadalli Hutta Bekku" in [[Dr. Rajkumar|Rajkumar]]'s ''[[Aakasmika]]'', a song which has become an unofficial anthem of [[Karnataka]]) {{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}and love songs ("Ele Hombisile..." in ''[[Halunda Tavaru]]''). He composed the background score for one movie using a single instrument and made the music for ''Kona Eedaite'' with no instruments at all. His music in the film ''[[Hagalu Vesha]]'' had a rustic and folk feel without the use of synthetic sounds. His music in the 2010 movie ''[[Naanu Nanna Kanasu]]'' was appreciated by critics as well as audiences.{{Citation needed|date=February 2012}} He also composed for the National Award-winning movie ''[[Puttakkana Highway]]'' in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.topnews.in/puttakkana-highway-honest-and-objective-2329477 |title='Puttakkana Highway' - honest and objective &#124; TopNews |publisher=Topnews.in |date=22 May 2011 |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref>


The melodic structure of his songs demand considerable vocal virtuosity, and have found expressive platform amongst some of India's respected vocalists and playback singers, such as [[Rajkumar (actor)|Dr. Rajkumar]], [[P. B. Sreenivas]], [[S. Janaki]], [[Vani Jairam]], [[P. Susheela]], [[K. J. Yesudas]], [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], [[Mano (singer)|Mano]], [[Swarnalatha]], [[K. S. Chithra]], [[Kavita Krishnamurthy]], [[Anuradha Paudwal]], [[Sadhana Sargam]], [[B. R. Chaya]], [[Manjula Gururaj]], [[Chandrika Gururaj]], [[L. N. Shastry]], [[Rajesh Krishnan]], [[Ramesh Chandra (singer)|Ramesh Chandra]], [[Hemanth Kumar]], [[Sangeetha Katti]], [[Nanditha]], [[Sowmya Raoh]], [[B. Jayashree]], [[Sonu Nigam]], [[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]], [[Udit Narayan]], [[Kumar Sanu]] and [[Shreya Ghoshal]] with majority of the songs recorded by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki and K. S. Chithra. He recorded some of the rare and distinct voices like [[M. Balamuralikrishna]] for a song in ''[[Muthina Haara]]'' (1990), [[C. Ashwath]] for ''[[Hoovu Hannu]]'' (1993) and [[Pankaj Udhas]] for ''[[Sparsha (film)|Sparsha]]'' (2001).
The melodic structure of his songs demand considerable vocal virtuosity, and have found expressive platform amongst some of India's respected vocalists and playback singers, such as [[Dr. Rajkumar]], [[P. B. Sreenivas]], [[S. Janaki]], [[Vani Jairam]], [[P. Susheela]], [[K. J. Yesudas]], [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], [[Mano (singer)|Mano]], [[Swarnalatha]], [[K. S. Chithra]], [[Kavita Krishnamurthy]], [[Anuradha Paudwal]], [[Sadhana Sargam]], [[B. R. Chaya]], [[Manjula Gururaj]], [[Chandrika Gururaj]], [[L. N. Shastry]], [[Rajesh Krishnan]], [[Ramesh Chandra (singer)|Ramesh Chandra]], [[Hemanth Kumar]], [[Sangeetha Katti]], [[Rathnamala Prakash]], [[Nanditha]], [[Sowmya Raoh]], [[B. Jayashree]], [[Sonu Nigam]], [[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]], [[Udit Narayan]], [[Kumar Sanu]] and [[Shreya Ghoshal]] with majority of the songs recorded by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki and K. S. Chithra. He recorded some of the rare and distinct voices like [[M. Balamuralikrishna]] for a song in ''[[Muthina Haara]]'' (1990), [[C. Ashwath]] for ''[[Hoovu Hannu]]'' (1993) and [[Pankaj Udhas]] for ''[[Sparsha (film)|Sparsha]]'' (2001).{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}


==Non-film music==
==Non-film music==
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==Mentoring==
==Mentoring==
Hamsalekha has mentored several notable singers, music directors, lyricist, directors in [[Kannada]] movie industry
Hamsalekha has mentored several notable singers, music directors, lyricist, directors in [[Kannada]] movie industry{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}
* [[Rajesh Krishnan]], Indian Playback Singer
* [[Rajesh Krishnan]], Indian Playback Singer
* [[Chetan Sosca]], Playback Singer
* [[Chetan Sosca]], Playback Singer
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* [[V. Manohar]], Music composer, lyricist and director
* [[V. Manohar]], Music composer, lyricist and director
* [[V. Sridhar]], Music composer
* [[V. Sridhar]], Music composer
==Establishment of Musical university==
* Established in 2001.
* Interaction with folklore experts of state.
*Seminars on music and Literature.
*Educative camps of folklore culture.
*Fine tuning of folklore music collection.
*Presentation of "LAHIRI", a Desi Sing-n-Dance
*Format of original Folk tripadi.
*Celebrating "Ruthugala Habba", every month with innovative folk formats.
*Invention of "DESI NOTATION", a unique music script for folk music.
*Establishment of Desi Music School.
*Establishment of Desi High School and College.
==Desi Vidhya Samsthe==
Hamsalekha Desi Vidya Samsthe was established in 2004–2005 as a free educational institution for SC/ST and underprivileged children for 8th, 9th and 10th standard in English medium.{{Clarify|date=February 2012}} Teaching was given using Dance, Drama and Singing. Started{{Clarify|date=February 2012|post-text=(who did?)}} an Arts College in 2007–2008 to provide [[Desi]] degree courses. Land has been allocated near [[Channapatna]] for a Desi Degree Residential College. Hamsalekha also runs a music class, where he encourages and mentors talented young singers.


==Desi Music Trust==
==Desi Music Trust==
Hamsalekha laid the foundation stone for Desi Music University on the day of [[Kannada Rajyotsava]] on 1 November 2010. The university will be built with {{INR}} 1.20&nbsp;billion on {{convert|50|acre|m2}} of land in Mudhigere village near Channapatna in [[Karnataka]]. The Dravidian University of [[Andhra Pradesh]] has given recognition to this Hamsalekha College of Performing Arts.<ref>{{cite web |author=Super Admin |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/top-stories/2009/hamsalekha-college-rs120cr-090709.html |title=Musician Hamsalekha &#124; Desi Music University &#124; College Art Exhibition &#124; Research Centre |publisher=Entertainment.oneindia.in |date=9 July 2009 |access-date=14 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710071959/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/top-stories/2009/hamsalekha-college-rs120cr-090709.html |archive-date=10 July 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
Hamsalekha laid the foundation stone for Desi Music University on the day of [[Kannada Rajyotsava]] on 1 November 2010. {{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}The university will be built with {{INR}} 1.20&nbsp;billion on {{convert|50|acre|m2}} of land in Mudhigere village near Channapatna in [[Karnataka]].{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}} The Dravidian University of [[Andhra Pradesh]] has given recognition to this Hamsalekha College of Performing Arts.<ref>{{cite web |author=Super Admin |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/top-stories/2009/hamsalekha-college-rs120cr-090709.html |title=Musician Hamsalekha &#124; Desi Music University &#124; College Art Exhibition &#124; Research Centre |publisher=Entertainment.oneindia.in |date=9 July 2009 |access-date=14 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710071959/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/top-stories/2009/hamsalekha-college-rs120cr-090709.html |archive-date=10 July 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>


==Awards==
==Awards==
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'''[[Honorary doctorate]]:'''
'''[[Honorary doctorate]]:'''
He has been conferred the honorary doctorate award by the [[Bangalore University|Bengaluru University]] in the year 2014 for his meritorious service to the Indian Music Industry.<ref>http://karnataka.indiaeveryday.in/news-dr-hamsalekha-now-1481-6925228.htm</ref><ref>http://kannada.oneindia.in/news/bangalore/bangalore-university-to-confer-doctorate-on-kiran-mazumdar-hamsalekha-084147.html</ref><ref>http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bangalore/BU-Hon-Degrees-for-Shaw-5-Others/2014/05/11/article2218329.ece</ref>
He has been conferred the honorary doctorate award by the [[Bangalore University|Bengaluru University]] in the year 2014 for his meritorious service to the Indian Music Industry.<ref>http://karnataka.indiaeveryday.in/news-dr-hamsalekha-now-1481-6925228.htm {{Bare URL inline|date=April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kannada.oneindia.in/news/bangalore/bangalore-university-to-confer-doctorate-on-kiran-mazumdar-hamsalekha-084147.html|title=ನಾದಬ್ರಹ್ಮ ಹಂಸಲೇಖ, ಕಿರಣ್ ಷಾಗೆ ಬೆಂವಿವಿ ಡಾಕ್ಟರೇಟ್|date=13 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bangalore/BU-Hon-Degrees-for-Shaw-5-Others/2014/05/11/article2218329.ece|title=BU Hon Degrees for Shaw, 5 Others}}</ref>


'''[[Filmfare Awards South]]:'''
'''[[Filmfare Awards South]]:'''
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* 1994 - [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director (Kannada)]] - Film: ''[[Halunda Tavaru]]''
* 1994 - [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director (Kannada)]] - Film: ''[[Halunda Tavaru]]''
* 1993 - [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director (Kannada)]] - film: ''[[Aakasmika]]''
* 1993 - [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director (Kannada)]] - film: ''[[Aakasmika]]''
* 1991 - [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director (Kannada)]] - Film: ''[[Ramachaari]]''<ref>https://archive.today/20170208062511/https://archive.org/details/39thAnnualFilmfareKannadaBestDirectorFilmMusic</ref>
* 1991 - [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director (Kannada)]] - Film: ''[[Ramachaari]]''<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://archive.org/details/39thAnnualFilmfareKannadaBestDirectorFilmMusic |title=39th Annual Filmfare Kannada Best Director Film Music : Santosh : Fre… |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170208062511/https://archive.org/details/39thAnnualFilmfareKannadaBestDirectorFilmMusic |archive-date=8 February 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


'''[[Karnataka State Film Awards]]:'''
'''[[Karnataka State Film Awards]]:'''
;For music direction:
;For music direction
* 2005 -  ''[[Nenapirali]]''
* 2005 -  ''[[Nenapirali]]''
* 1995 - ''[[Sangeetha Sagara Ganayogi Panchakshara Gavai]]''
* 1995 - ''[[Sangeetha Sagara Ganayogi Panchakshara Gavai]]''
* 1994 - ''[[Halunda Tavaru]]''
* 1994 - ''[[Halunda Tavaru]]''


;For lyrics:
;For lyrics
*2001 - ''[[Sri Manjunatha]]''
*2001 - ''[[Sri Manjunatha (film)|Sri Manjunatha]]''
*1994 - ''[[Haalunda Thavaru]]''
*1994 - ''[[Haalunda Thavaru]]''


'''Other awards:'''
'''Other awards:'''
*2012 - [[Dr. Rajkumar Award|Dr. Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award]] from Karnataka State Government<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130518070059/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-14/news-interviews/37712086_1_second-best-film-basanth-kumar-patil-sunil-kumar-desai ]</ref>
*2012 - [[Dr. Rajkumar Award|Dr. Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award]] from Karnataka State Government<ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-14/news-interviews/37712086_1_second-best-film-basanth-kumar-patil-sunil-kumar-desai |title=Archived copy |website=articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518070059/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-14/news-interviews/37712086_1_second-best-film-basanth-kumar-patil-sunil-kumar-desai |archive-date=18 May 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
*2005 - Rajyostava Award (Suvarna Rajyostava)
*2005 - Rajyostava Award (Suvarna Rajyostava)
*2001 - [[Nandi Award]] - ''[[Sri Manjunatha]]''
*2020 - [[S. Janaki]] National Award
*2001 - [[Nandi Award]] - ''[[Sri Manjunatha (film)|Sri Manjunatha]]''
*2004 - Hello Gandhinagara Award Best Music Director<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.viggy.com/english/current_hello_gandhinagar_award.asp|title=Hello Gandhinagar readers choice cine awards|publisher=viggy.com}}</ref>
*2004 - Hello Gandhinagara Award Best Music Director<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.viggy.com/english/current_hello_gandhinagar_award.asp|title=Hello Gandhinagar readers choice cine awards|publisher=viggy.com}}</ref>
*2005 - ''[[Kempegowda Award|Kempegowda Prashasti]]''
*2005 - ''[[Kempegowda Award|Kempegowda Prashasti]]''
*2005 - Sunfeast Udaya film award for the best lyrics - ''[[Nenapirali]]''
*2005 - Sunfeast Udaya film award for the best lyrics - ''[[Nenapirali]]''
==Trivia==
*''[[Shanti (film)|Shanthi]]'', a film by Baraguru Ramachandrappa with music by Hamsalekha, was mentioned in the [[Guinness Book of Records]] as the film with only one character.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kollywoodtoday.com/news/kannada-movie-in-guinness-book/ |title=Kannada movie in Guinness Book |publisher=Kollywood Today |date=11 November 2007 |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref>
*''[[Mukhaputa]]'', a movie directed by [[Roopa Iyer]], featured music and an onscreen appearance by Hamsalekha.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://trak.in/news/kannada-film-mukhaputa-wins-top-honours-at-ireland-film-fest/5439/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=17 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091009232044/http://trak.in/news/kannada-film-mukhaputa-wins-top-honours-at-ireland-film-fest/5439/ |archive-date=9 October 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==
Line 134: Line 121:


===Telugu films===
===Telugu films===
* 2001: ''[[Sri Manjunatha]]''
* 2001: ''[[Sri Manjunatha (film)|Sri Manjunatha]]''
* 2000: ''Nannu Preminchave''
* 1997: ''[[Omkaram]]''
* 1997: ''[[Omkaram]]''
* 1993: ''[[Ankuram]]''
* 1993: ''[[Ankuram]]''
Line 149: Line 135:
* 1990: ''[[Velai Kidaichuduchu]]''
* 1990: ''[[Velai Kidaichuduchu]]''
* 1989: ''[[Idhu Unga Kudumbam]]''
* 1989: ''[[Idhu Unga Kudumbam]]''
* 1989: ''Jaadiketta Moodi''
* 1988: ''[[Kodi Parakuthu]]''
* 1988: ''[[Kodi Parakuthu]]''
* 1987: ''[[Paruva Ragam]]''
* 1987: ''[[Paruva Ragam]]''
* 1988: ''[[Puthiya Vaanam]]''
* 1988: ''[[Puthiya Vaanam]]''
==Trivia==
*''[[Shanti (film)|Shanthi]]'', a film by Baraguru Ramachandrappa with music by Hamsalekha, was mentioned in the [[Guinness Book of Records]] as the film with only one character.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kollywoodtoday.com/news/kannada-movie-in-guinness-book/ |title=Kannada movie in Guinness Book |publisher=Kollywood Today |date=11 November 2007 |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref>
*''[[Mukhaputa]]'', a movie directed by [[Roopa Iyer]], featured music and an onscreen appearance by Hamsalekha.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://trak.in/news/kannada-film-mukhaputa-wins-top-honours-at-ireland-film-fest/5439/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=17 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091009232044/http://trak.in/news/kannada-film-mukhaputa-wins-top-honours-at-ireland-film-fest/5439/ |archive-date=9 October 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Kannada film score composers]]
[[Category:Kannada film score composers]]
[[Category:Kannada-language lyricists]]
[[Category:Kannada-language lyricists]]
[[Category:Indian film score composers]]
[[Category:Indian male playback singers]]
[[Category:Indian male film singers]]
[[Category:Indian male songwriters]]
[[Category:Indian male songwriters]]
[[Category:Musicians from Mysore]]
[[Category:Musicians from Mysore]]
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[[Category:Recipients of the Rajyotsava Award 2006]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Rajyotsava Award 2006]]
[[Category:Indian male film score composers]]
[[Category:Indian male film score composers]]
[[Category:20th-century male singers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male singers]]
[[Category:21st-century male singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian male singers]]

Latest revision as of 12:00, 25 June 2022


Template:In line citation

Hamsalekha
Background information
Birth nameGangaraju
Born (1951-06-23) June 23, 1951 (age 75)
Tulasikatte, Akkipete, Bangalore[1]
OriginMandya, Karnataka, India
GenresFilm score
Soundtrack
Theatre
World music
Occupation(s)Music composer, lyricist, screenplay writer, dialogue writer
InstrumentsKeyboards, vocals, guitar, piano, harmonium, percussion, other
Years active1981–present
Websitewww.hamsalekhadesi.com

Gangaraju (born June 23, 1951), professionally known as Hamsalekha, is an Indian film composer and a songwriter who works in South Indian cinema, predominantly in the Kannada film industry since the late 1980s. He is also a screenplay writer, dialogue writer, instrumentalist and a conductor, composed and written for over 500 feature films.[citation needed] Also regarded as one of the greatest music composers of all time in history.[according to whom?]

Hamsalekha has won one National Film Awards and six Filmfare Awards in the Best Music Director Category; seven Karnataka State Film Awards - four for music direction and three for lyrics - and is a recipient of an honorary doctorate from Bangalore University.[2]

Early career[edit | edit source]

Hamsalekha was born as Gangaraju in 1951, to K. H. Govindaraju and Rajamma in Tulasikatte, near Akkipete in Bangalore.[1] After his studies, he was employed in his father's printing press and subsequently joined his brother Balakrishna's orchestra group.[3] Lavani Neelakantappa his teacher modified his name as "Hamsalekha".[4] He was introduced into feature films by director M. N. Prasad, who provided an opportunity to write a song for the film Triveni (1973). [citation needed]The song "Neena Bhagavantha" was his first release picturised on actor Udaykumar. His debut film as a musician was the 1981 unreleased film Rahuchandra. Officially, his cinema career started as a dialogue and lyric writer for the film Naanu Nanna Hendthi (1985). [citation needed]Later his popularity peaked only after his association with actor-director Ravichandran. Premaloka, released in 1987.[citation needed]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Hamsalekha is married to Latha Hamsalekha who was a playback singer in the 1990s. The couple have a son named Alankar and two daughters named Tejaswini and Nandini. Alankar is associated with films as an actor and musician. Few of his released and unreleased movies are Sugghi, Tapori and Roja.[citation needed] Tejaswini is associated with film direction, acting and directing plays, she has done her master's in theater from Bangalore University and directed many plays in association with her father Hamsalekha. Nandini began her playback singing career with the film Sixer (2006).[5]

Notable works[edit | edit source]

After working on Premaloka, Hamsalekha became one of the most prolific music directors in Kannada film, with many hits. He made occasional use of many genres of music, including Western, pop, rock, hip hop, Indian classical,[citation needed] folk, ghazals, Sufi, and item songs. [citation needed]"Chandakinta Chanda", a ghazal he composed for the film Sparsha, was a major hit. He has created songs ranging from the philosophical ("Le Le Marula" in Shaapa, a film whose story he wrote himself) to the naughty ("Kaayi Kaayi Nuggekaayi Mahimege" in Halli Maestru), the patriotic ("Huttidhare Kannada Nadalli Hutta Bekku" in Rajkumar's Aakasmika, a song which has become an unofficial anthem of Karnataka) [citation needed]and love songs ("Ele Hombisile..." in Halunda Tavaru). He composed the background score for one movie using a single instrument and made the music for Kona Eedaite with no instruments at all. His music in the film Hagalu Vesha had a rustic and folk feel without the use of synthetic sounds. His music in the 2010 movie Naanu Nanna Kanasu was appreciated by critics as well as audiences.[citation needed] He also composed for the National Award-winning movie Puttakkana Highway in 2011.[6]

The melodic structure of his songs demand considerable vocal virtuosity, and have found expressive platform amongst some of India's respected vocalists and playback singers, such as Dr. Rajkumar, P. B. Sreenivas, S. Janaki, Vani Jairam, P. Susheela, K. J. Yesudas, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Mano, Swarnalatha, K. S. Chithra, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Anuradha Paudwal, Sadhana Sargam, B. R. Chaya, Manjula Gururaj, Chandrika Gururaj, L. N. Shastry, Rajesh Krishnan, Ramesh Chandra, Hemanth Kumar, Sangeetha Katti, Rathnamala Prakash, Nanditha, Sowmya Raoh, B. Jayashree, Sonu Nigam, Hariharan, Udit Narayan, Kumar Sanu and Shreya Ghoshal with majority of the songs recorded by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki and K. S. Chithra. He recorded some of the rare and distinct voices like M. Balamuralikrishna for a song in Muthina Haara (1990), C. Ashwath for Hoovu Hannu (1993) and Pankaj Udhas for Sparsha (2001).[citation needed]

Non-film music[edit | edit source]

Hamsalekha has written music for stage plays and private albums.[7]

As a writer[edit | edit source]

Hamsalekha has written stories, screenplays and dialogues for several movies.

Story[edit | edit source]

Screenplay[edit | edit source]

Dialogues[edit | edit source]

Mentoring[edit | edit source]

Hamsalekha has mentored several notable singers, music directors, lyricist, directors in Kannada movie industry[citation needed]

Desi Music Trust[edit | edit source]

Hamsalekha laid the foundation stone for Desi Music University on the day of Kannada Rajyotsava on 1 November 2010. [citation needed]The university will be built with ₹ 1.20 billion on 50 acres (200,000 m2) of land in Mudhigere village near Channapatna in Karnataka.[citation needed] The Dravidian University of Andhra Pradesh has given recognition to this Hamsalekha College of Performing Arts.[8]

Awards[edit | edit source]

Hamsalekha has received many awards over the past three decades.

National Film Awards:

Honorary doctorate: He has been conferred the honorary doctorate award by the Bengaluru University in the year 2014 for his meritorious service to the Indian Music Industry.[9][10][11]

Filmfare Awards South:

Karnataka State Film Awards:

For music direction
For lyrics

Other awards:

Trivia[edit | edit source]

Discography[edit | edit source]

Main article: Hamsalekha discography

Telugu films[edit | edit source]

Tamil films[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "ಸಂಗೀತವೇ ನನ್ನ ಜೀವ, ಜೀವಾಳ" [Music is my life, force]. Vijaya Karnataka (in Kannada). 15 November 2015. Retrieved 6 March 2021.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  2. ↑ "Dr. Hamsalekha now". Indiaglitz. 14 May 2014.
  3. ↑ "Hamsalekha - Indian cinema". Indian cinema wiki. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
  4. ↑ "Hamsalekha to don director's hat". Bangalore Mirror. 2014.
  5. ↑ "Nandini debut in item song". Indiaglitz. 19 December 2006.
  6. ↑ "'Puttakkana Highway' - honest and objective | TopNews". Topnews.in. 22 May 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  7. ↑ "Kannada/Movie Songs - Movies containing Music Director: Hamsalekha - Free Indian Music, Listen to Free Bollywood, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Carnatic, Hindustani, Devotional Music". MusicIndiaOnline. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  8. ↑ Super Admin (9 July 2009). "Musician Hamsalekha | Desi Music University | College Art Exhibition | Research Centre". Entertainment.oneindia.in. Retrieved 14 February 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  9. ↑ http://karnataka.indiaeveryday.in/news-dr-hamsalekha-now-1481-6925228.htm [bare URL]
  10. ↑ "ನಾದಬ್ರಹ್ಮ ಹಂಸಲೇಖ, ಕಿರಣ್ ಷಾಗೆ ಬೆಂವಿವಿ ಡಾಕ್ಟರೇಟ್". 13 May 2014.
  11. ↑ "BU Hon Degrees for Shaw, 5 Others".
  12. ↑ "39th Annual Filmfare Kannada Best Director Film Music : Santosh : Fre…".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  13. ↑ "Archived copy". articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Archived from the original on 18 May 2013. Retrieved 17 January 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  14. ↑ "Hello Gandhinagar readers choice cine awards". viggy.com.
  15. ↑ "Kannada movie in Guinness Book". Kollywood Today. 11 November 2007. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  16. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 9 October 2009. Retrieved 17 November 2009.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:FilmfareAwardBestKannadaMusicDirector

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