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{{Use Indian English|date=May 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2018}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name            = K. Chakravarthi
| name            = K. Chakravarthy
| birth_name      = Kommineni Appa Rao
| birth_name      = Kommineni Appa Rao
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'''Kommineni Appa Rao''' (8 September 1936 – 3 February 2002), known professionally as '''K. Chakravarthi,''' was an Indian [[Film composer|music director]] who primarily worked in [[Telugu cinema]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Sudhish Kamath  |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/music/article583910.ece |title=Arts / Music : Baton and beat |work=The Hindu |date=20 August 2010 |access-date=3 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newsofap.com/art-386-music-director-chakravarthy-profile-biography.html|title=Music Director Chakravarthy profile & biography -|date=26 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126141430/http://www.newsofap.com/art-386-music-director-chakravarthy-profile-biography.html|archive-date=26 November 2010}}</ref> He made his debut with in 1971 with ''Mooga Prema'' and went on compose music for over 949 films, predominantly in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] language (884 films), followed by [[Kannada]] (60 films).<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2021-02-03|title=స్వర సామ్రాట్ చక్రవర్తిని తలుచుకునే క్షణమిది|url=https://www.andhrajyothy.com/telugunews/music-director-chakravarthy-death-anniversary-special-2021020210003155|url-status=live|website=andhrajyothy|language=te}}</ref> He won two [[Nandi Awards]].
'''K. Chakravarthy''' (born Kommineni Appa Rao; 8 September 1936 – 3 February 2002) was an Indian [[Film composer|music director]] and actor who primarily worked in [[Telugu cinema]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Sudhish Kamath  |url=https://www.thehindu.com/arts/music/article583910.ece |title=Arts / Music : Baton and beat |work=The Hindu |date=20 August 2010 |access-date=3 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newsofap.com/art-386-music-director-chakravarthy-profile-biography.html|title=Music Director Chakravarthy profile & biography -|date=26 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126141430/http://www.newsofap.com/art-386-music-director-chakravarthy-profile-biography.html|archive-date=26 November 2010}}</ref> He made his debut in 1971 with ''Mooga Prema'' and went on compose music for over 1000 films, predominantly in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] language (884 films), followed by [[Kannada]] (60 films).<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2021-02-03|title=స్వర సామ్రాట్ చక్రవర్తిని తలుచుకునే క్షణమిది|url=https://www.andhrajyothy.com/telugunews/music-director-chakravarthy-death-anniversary-special-2021020210003155|website=andhrajyothy|language=te}}</ref> He won two [[Nandi Awards]].


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Chakravarthi was born as Kommineni Appa Rao on 8 September 1936 in [[Ponnekallu]], [[Guntur District]] of present-day [[Andhra Pradesh]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-03|title=నేడు చక్రవర్తి వర్ధంతి|url=https://www.tnilive.com/2021/02/03/remembering-kommineni-apparao-aka-chakravarthy-on-his-death-anniversary/|access-date=2021-08-25|website=Telugu News International - TNILIVE|language=en-US}}</ref> He had three sons, including [[Sri Kommineni]] who was also a [[film composer|music director]] and a playback singer.<ref>{{Cite web|title=సంగీత దర్శకుడు చక్రవర్తి ఇంట్లో స్థలవివాదం|url=https://m.andhrajyothy.com/telugunews/abnarchievestoryv-184769|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-25|website=Andhra Jyothi}}</ref>
Chakravarthi was born as Kommineni Appa Rao on 8 September 1936 in [[Ponnekallu]], [[Guntur district]] of present-day [[Andhra Pradesh]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-03|title=నేడు చక్రవర్తి వర్ధంతి|url=https://www.tnilive.com/2021/02/03/remembering-kommineni-apparao-aka-chakravarthy-on-his-death-anniversary/|access-date=2021-08-25|website=Telugu News International - TNILIVE|language=en-US}}</ref> He had three sons, including [[Sri Kommineni]] who was also a [[film composer|music director]] and a playback singer.<ref>{{Cite web|title=సంగీత దర్శకుడు చక్రవర్తి ఇంట్లో స్థలవివాదం|url=https://m.andhrajyothy.com/telugunews/abnarchievestoryv-184769|access-date=2021-08-25|website=Andhra Jyothi|archive-date=25 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825051448/https://m.andhrajyothy.com/telugunews/abnarchievestoryv-184769|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
Chakravarthi learned classical vocal from [[Mahavadi Venkatappaiah]]. He formed a music troupe called Vinod Orchestra in [[Guntur]] and organised light music concerts. Those days, [[Mangapati]] of [[HMV]] identified his talent and invited him to [[Madras]]. HMV released two private records, which includes "Kanna Nenoka Kala".
Chakravarthi learned classical vocal from [[Mahavadi Venkatappaiah]]. He formed a music troupe called Vinod Orchestra in [[Guntur]] and organised light music concerts. Those days, [[Mangapati]] of [[Saregama|His Master's Voice]] identified his talent and invited him to [[Madras]]. His Master's Voice released two private records, which includes "Kanna Nenoka Kala".


===Film career===
===Film career===
His first film in Telugu, ''Mooga Prema'' was released in 1971;It was his Friend K.Chatterjee keeping faith in his talent renamed him as "Chakravarthy" from "Apparao' so that he will do justice to that Royal category in his profession.Ultimately his creativity soared to new heights with more than 5000 song compositions to his credit.Another version—before this film he composed background music for a Hindi movie, in that movie titles his name was wrongly mentioned as Chakravarthi, actually it is Apparao; then he continued as Chakravarthy. ''Mooga Prema'' film was not a good hit at the box-office, ''Saradha'' (1973) gave him a good hit, but after this film also he was not well recognized.
His first Telugu film, ''[[Mooga Prema]]'', was released in 1971. It was his friend, [[K. Chatterjee]], who kept faith in his talent and rechristened him as "Chakravarthy" from "Apparao", so that he will do justice to the Royal category in his profession. Ultimately, his creativity soared to new heights with more than 5000 song compositions to his credit. Before this film, he composed background music for a Hindi movie, in the titles of which, his name was wrongly mentioned as Chakravarthi, while it was actually Apparao then. Hence he decided to continue as Chakravarthy. ''Mooga Prema'' film was not a good hit at the box-office, ''[[Saradha (film)|Saradha]]'' (1973), gave him a good hit, but even after this film, he was not well recognized.


In 1977, ''[[Yamagola]]'' was released and this was the great turning point of his career. In this ''[[N. T. Rama Rao]]'' movie directed by ''[[Tatineni Rama Rao]]'' ,he introduced a new trend with ''[[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]]'' by making him sing with voice modulation close to actor's voice.With ''[[V. Madhusudhan Rao]]'' 1978 film ''[[Mallepoovu]]'' he became an architect for musical extravaganza.He abstained from reproducing Dada ''[[S. D. Burman]]'' tunes for base Hindi film ''[[Pyaasa]]'' thus proving his mettle as an able composer and silenced critics from assigning him a mass,commercial,fast beat composer tag.  His music score for movie ''[[Khaidi (1983 film)]]'' provided much needed commercial break in career for actor ''[[Chiranjeevi]]'' and Director ''[[A. Kodandarami Reddy]]'' . His music for ''[[Neti Bharatam]]''  and      ''[[Pratighatana]]'' proved vital for actress ''[[Vijayashanti]]'' stardom. He rendered nice popular compositions in ''[[Dasari Narayana Rao]]'' favourite ragas ''[[Shivaranjani]]'' , ''[[Bhupalam]]'' for films ''[[Balipeetam]]'', ''[[Premabhishekam (1981 film)]]'' , ''[[Srivari Muchatlu]]'' directed by him. Eventually he contributed for ''[[Akkineni Nageswara Rao]]'' career growth as well. His score for ''[[Pasivadi Pranam]]'' with electronic orchestration was a boom,much needed relief for actor Chiranejevi after some slack period.
He is primarily known for his association with director [[K. Raghavendra Rao]], scoring hit music for his films with [[N. T. Rama Rao]]. Since the release of ''[[Driver Ramudu]]'' (1979), their association yielded numerous commercial hits both in terms of music and collections. Most of his compositions predominantly featured the [[Kalyani (raga)|Kalyani raga]] as it was predominantly used owing to directors liking of the time.
 
In 1977, ''[[Yamagola]]'' was released and this was the great turning point of his career. In this ''[[N. T. Rama Rao]]'' movie directed by ''[[T. Rama Rao]]'', he introduced a new trend with ''[[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]]'' by making him sing with voice modulation close to the actor's voice. He composed "Aadave andaala surabhamini" song for movie ''[[Yamagola]]'' in "[[Raga]]" "[[Jaijaivanti]]" using his own style fast tempo making it a commercial success. With ''[[V. Madhusudhana Rao]]'' 1978 film ''[[Mallepoovu]]'', he became an architect for musical extravaganza. He abstained from reproducing Dada's ''[[S. D. Burman]]'' tunes for the Hindi film ''[[Pyaasa]]'', thus proving his mettle as an able composer and silencing critics from assigning him as a mass, commercial, and fast beat composer tag.  His music score for the movie ''[[Khaidi (1983 film)]]'' provided much needed commercial break in the career for the actor ''[[Chiranjeevi]]'' and Director ''[[A. Kodandarami Reddy]]''. His music for ''[[Neti Bharatam]]''  and      ''[[Pratighatana]]'' proved vital for actress ''[[Vijayashanti]]'' stardom. He rendered nice popular compositions in ''[[Dasari Narayana Rao]]'' favourite ragas ''[[Shivaranjani]]'' and ''[[Bhupalam]]'' for the films ''[[Balipeetam]]'', ''[[Premabhishekam (1981 film)]]'' and ''[[Srivari Muchatlu]]'' directed by him. Eventually, he contributed for ''[[Akkineni Nageswara Rao]]'' career growth as well. He composed music score for the film "Pasivadi Pranam" with electronic orchestration.
   
   
His lack of exposure to musical stalwarts in ''[[Gharana]]'' and Calcutta, Mumbai film industry has never been a hurdle for his growth as a successful composer. He very well knew about his limitations and excelled based on his intuitions and exemplary natural creativity. Critics agreed upon this, as he was hardly spending 30 minutes to compose a song.During his peak of career he was recording more than 5 songs in a day working 16 hrs per day.   
He very well knew about his limitations and excelled based on his intuitions and exemplary natural creativity. Critics agreed upon this, as he was hardly spending 30 minutes to compose a song. During the peak of his career, he was recording more than 5 songs per day and worked for 16 hrs each day.   
He realized his potential in folk music and intelligently blended it with classical ragas.Proved the fact that music is boundless and it is mass entertainment,not just pundits makes any art worthy.Established unique style of his own. He was humble and down to earth and always respected,proclaimed ''[[K. V. Mahadevan]]'' as genius in contemporary musicians.He was conducting music for him in his early days of career before 1970.
He realized his potential in folk music and intelligently blended it with classical ragas. He proved the fact that music is boundless and it is also mass entertainment, and not just pundits make any art worthy. He established unique style of his own. He was humble and down to earth and always respected and proclaimed ''[[K. V. Mahadevan]]'' as genius in contemporary musicians. He was composing music for him in the early days of his career, before 1970.
   
   
His main assistants Krishna-Chakra duo remained loyal to him throughout his career though once in a while they had their own scores.
His main assistants, Krishna-Chakra duo remained loyal to him throughout his career, though once in a while they had their own scores.
''[[Raj-Koti]]'' duo assisted him for several years.  
''[[Raj-Koti]]'' duo assisted him for several years.  
''[[M. M. Keeravani]]'' was his assistant. He introduced several singers with talent to industry.''[[S. P. Sailaja]]'' , ''[[Vandemataram Srinivas]]'' are notable singers introduced by him.
''[[M. M. Keeravani]]'' was also his assistant. He introduced several singers with talent to the industry. ''[[S. P. Sailaja]]'' with song "Nampalli tesan kadi raja lingo" from film "[[Erra Mallelu]]", ''[[Vandemataram Srinivas]]'' are notable singers introduced by him.
Famous music director ''[[Nartanasala]]'' fame ''[[Susarla Dakshinamurthi]]'' worked some time with his team


He was a dubbing artiste and lent his voice in 600 movies. He also penned lyrics for a few songs. He was also a singer and acted in a few films.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chakravarthy - King of Melody|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/research/anal/anal-chakravarthy.html|website=www.idlebrain.com}}</ref>
He was a dubbing artist and lent his voice in 600 movies. He also penned lyrics for a few songs. He was also a singer and acted in a few films. He was one of the main reasons why Ilaiyaraja couldn't dominate Tollywood in the 80s.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chakravarthy - King of Melody|url=https://www.idlebrain.com/research/anal/anal-chakravarthy.html|website=www.idlebrain.com}}</ref>


== Death ==
== Death ==
Chakravarthy died on 3 February 2002 due to age related ailments.<ref name=":0" />
Chakravarthy died on 3 February 2002, due to age related ailments.<ref name=":0" />


==Filmography==
==Filmography==
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Films_scored_by_K._Chakravarthy
{{Colbegin}}
 
*''Mooga Prema'' (1971)
*''[[Mooga Prema]]'' (1971)
*''Sharada'' (1973)
*''[[Saradha]]'' (1973)
*''Evariki Vaare Yamuna Teere'' (1974)
*''[[Evariki Vaare Yamuna Teere]]'' (1974)
*''[[Babu (1975 film)|Babu]]'' (1975)
*''[[Babu (1975 film)|Babu]]'' (1975)
*''[[Cheekati velugulu]]'' (1975)
*''Cheekati Velugulu'' (1975)
*''[[Jebu Donga]]''-Sobhan Babu (1975)
*''[[Teerpu]]'' (1975)
*''[[Jebu Donga (1975 film)|Jebu Donga]]'' (1975)
*''[[Balipeetam]]'' (1975)
*''[[Balipeetam]]'' (1975)
*''[[Yavvanam Katesindi]]'' (1976)
*''[[Jyothi (1976 film)|Jyoti]]'' (1976)
*''[[Jyothi (1976 film)|Jyoti]]'' (1976)
*''Kalpana-Telugu Movie'' (1977)
*''Raja''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Raaja (1976) |url=https://indiancine.ma/RTZ |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref> (1976)
*''Kalpana'' (1977)
*''[[Aame Katha]]'' (1977)
*''[[Aame Katha]]'' (1977)
*''[[Yamagola]] (1977)''
*''[[Yamagola]]'' (1977)
*''[[Devathalara Deevinchandi]]'' (1977)
*''[[Maa Iddari Katha]]'' (1977)
*''[[Mallepoovu]]'' (1978)
*''[[Mallepoovu]]'' (1978)
*''Mugguru Muggure'' (1978)
*''[[Simha Garjana]]'' (1978)
*''[[Padaharella Vayasu]]'' (1978)
*''[[Padaharella Vayasu]]'' (1978)
*''[[Pranam Khareedu]]'' (1978)
*''[[Pranam Khareedu]]'' (1978)
*''[[Athani Kante Ghanudu]]'' (1978)
*''[[Tayaramma Bangarayya]]'' (1979)
*''[[Vetagadu]]'' (1979)
*''[[Vetagadu]]'' (1979)
*''[[Balina Guri]]'' (1979) (Kannada)
*''[[Driver Ramudu]]'' (1979)
*''[[Driver Ramudu]]'' (1979)
*''[[Yedanthasthula Meda]]'' (1980)
*''[[Challenge Ramudu]]'' (1980)
*''[[Gharana Donga]]'' (1980)
*''[[Aatagadu]]'' (1980)
*''[[Superman (1980 film)|Superman]]'' (1980)
*''Mosagadu'' (1980)
*''Mosagadu'' (1980)
*''[[Ram Robert Rahim]]'' (1980)
*''Gopala Rao Gari Ammayi'' (1980)
*''[[Yedanthasthula Meda]]'' (1980)
*''[[Yedanthasthula Meda]]'' (1980)
*''[[Buchi Babu (film)|Buchi Babu]]'' (1980)
*''[[Buchi Babu (film)|Buchi Babu]]'' (1980)
*''[[Rowdy Ramudu Konte Krishnudu]]'' (1980)
*''[[Nippulanti Nijam]]'' (1980)
*''[[Nippulanti Nijam]]'' (1980)
*''[[Pandanti Jeevitam-Telugu movie]]'' (1980)
*''[[Pandanti Jeevitam]]'' (1980)
*''[[Sarada Ramudu]]'' (1980)
*''[[Sardar Papa Rayudu]]'' (1980)
*''[[Gaja Donga]]'' (1981)
*''[[Jeevitha Ratham]]'' (1981)
*''[[Jagamondi]]'' (1981)
*''[[Kirayi Rowdylu]]'' (1981)
*''[[Premabhishekam (1981 film)|Premabhishekam]]'' (1981)
*''[[Premabhishekam (1981 film)|Premabhishekam]]'' (1981)
*''[[Viswaroopam (1981 film)]]'' (1981)
*''[[Viswaroopam (1981 film)|Viswaroopam]]'' (1981)
*''[[Satyam Sivam]]'' (1981)
*''[[Erra Mallelu]]'' (1981)
*''[[Erra Mallelu]]'' (1981)
*''[[Nyayam kavali]]'' (1981)
*''[[Nyayam kavali]]'' (1981)
*''[[Prema Kanuka]]'' (1981)
*''[[Prema Kanuka]]'' (1981)
*''[[Varalabbai]]'' (1981)
*''[[Varalabbai]]'' (1981)
*''[[Illalu-Sobhanbabu]]'' (1981)
*''Illalu'' (1981)
*''[[Srivari Muchatlu]]'' (1981)
*''[[Srivari Muchatlu]]'' (1981)
*''[[Ooruki Monagadu]]'' (1981)
*''[[Ooruki Monagadu]]'' (1981)
*''[[Pakkinti Ammayi]]'' (1981)
*''[[Pakkinti Ammayi (1981 film)|Pakkinti Ammayi]]'' (1981)
*''[[Maha Purushudu]]'' (1981)
*''[[Maha Purushudu]]'' (1981)
*''[[Kondaveeti Simham]]''(1982)
*''[[Kondaveeti Simham]]'' (1982)
*''[[Justice Chowdary]]''(1982)
*''[[Justice Chowdary]]'' (1982)
*''[[Devatha]]'' (1982)
*''[[Devatha]]'' (1982)
*''[[Nyaya Ellide]]'' (1982) (Kannada)
*''[[Iddaru Kodukulu]]'' (1982)
*''[[Pagadai Panirendu]]'' (1982) (Tamil)
*''[[Pagadai Panirendu]]'' (1982) (Tamil)
*''[[Idi Pellantara]]'' (1982)
*''[[Idi Pellantara]]'' (1982)
*''[[Prema Murthulu-Telugu movie]]'' (1982)
*''[[Prema Murthulu]]'' (1982)
*''[[Yuvaraju (1982 film)|Yuvaraju]]'' (1982)
*''[[Yuvaraju (1982 film)|Yuvaraju]]'' (1982)
*''[[Gopala Krishnudu]]'' (1982)
*''[[Gopala Krishnudu]]'' (1982)
*''[[Vamsha Gouravam-Telugu Movie]]'' (1982)
*''[[Vamsha Gouravam]]'' (1982)
*''[[Prathikaram-Telugu movie]]'' (1982)
*''Adrusthavantha'' (1982) (Kannada)
*''[[Prathikaram-Telugu movie|Prathikaram]]'' (1982)
*''[[Naa Desam]]'' (1982)
*''[[Raaga Deepam]]'' (1982)
*''[[Raaga Deepam]]'' (1982)
*''[[Maga Maharaju]]''(1983)
*''[[Maga Maharaju]]'' (1983)
*''Keralida Hennu'' (1983)
*''[[Ramarajyamlo Bheemaraju]]'' (1983)
*''[[Kirayi Kotigadu]]'' (1983)
*''[[Adavi Simhalu]]'' (1983)
*''[[Neti Bharatam]]'' (1983)
*''[[Neti Bharatam]]'' (1983)
*''[[Khaidi (1983 film)|Khaidi]]'' (1983) (Telugu)
*''[[Shakthi (film)|Shakthi]]'' (1983)
*''[[Gedda Maga]]'' (1983) (Kannada)
*''[[Khaidi (1983 film)|Khaidi]]'' (1983)
*''[[Sivudu Sivudu Sivudu]]'' (1983)
*''[[Sivudu Sivudu Sivudu]]'' (1983)
*''[[Sri Ranga Neethulu]]'' (1983)
*''[[Sri Ranga Neethulu]]'' (1983)
*''[[Ramudu Kadu Krishnudu]]'' (1983)
*''[[Ramudu Kadu Krishnudu]]'' (1983)
*''[[Maga Maharaju]]'' (1983)
*''[[Maga Maharaju]]'' (1983)
*''[[Amarajeevi]]''(1983)
*''[[Amarajeevi (1983 film)|Amarajeevi]]'' (1983)
*''[[Sangharshana]]'' (1983)
*''[[Bobbili Brahmanna]]'' (1984)
*''[[Swati (1984 film)|Swati]]'' (1984)
*''[[Swati (1984 film)|Swati]]'' (1984)
*''[[Jagan (film)|Jagan]]'' (1984)
*''Sukha Samsarakke Hanneradu Sutragalu'' (1984) (Kannada)
*''[[Agni Gundam]]'' (1984)
*''[[Agni Gundam]]'' (1984)
*''[[Illalu Priyuralu]]'' (1984)
*''[[Illalu Priyuralu]]'' (1984)
*''[[Koteeswarudu]]''(1984)
*''[[Khaidi (1984 film)|Khaidi]]'' (Kannada)
*''[[Tandava Krishnudu]]''(1984)
*''[[Yuddham (1984 film)|Yuddham]]'' (1984)
*''[[Koteeswarudu]]'' (1984)
*''Sardar''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sardar (1984) |url=https://indiancine.ma/ZDL |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref> (1984)
*''[[Tandava Krishnudu]]'' (1984)
*''[[Anubandham (1984 film)|Anubandham]]'' (1984)
*''[[Anubandham (1984 film)|Anubandham]]'' (1984)
*''[[Goonda]]'' (1984)
*''[[Indiana Bharatha]]'' (1984) (Kannada)
*''[[Goonda (film)|Goonda]]'' (1984)
*''[[Kathanayakudu (1984 film)|Kathanayakudu]]'' (1984)
*''[[Kathanayakudu (1984 film)|Kathanayakudu]]'' (1984)
*''[[Bava Maradallu-Sobhanbabu movie]]'' (1984)
*''Danavudu'' (1984)
*''Dandayaatra'' (1984)
*''[[Bava Maradallu]]'' (1984)
*''[[Chiranjeevi (1985 film)|Chiranjeevi]]'' (1985)
*''[[Sri Katna Leelalu]]'' (1985)
*''[[America Alludu]]'' (1985)
*''[[Pratighatana]]'' (1985)
*''[[Pratighatana]]'' (1985)
*''[[Bharyabhartala Bandham]]'' (1985)
*''[[Ooriki Soggadu]]'' (1985)
*''[[Dampatyam]]'' (1985)
*''[[Devaalayam]]'' (1985)
*''[[Devaalayam]]'' (1985)
*''[[Vande Mataram]]'' (1985)
*''[[Vande Mataram (1985 film)|Vande Mataram]]'' (1985)
*''[[Chattamtho Poratam]]'' (1985)
*''[[Chattamtho Poratam]]'' (1985)
*''[[Sravanthi]]'' (1985)
*''[[Sravanthi (film)|Sravanthi]]'' (1985)
*''[[Pattabhishekam (1985 film)|Pattabhishekam]]'' (1985)
*''[[Pattabhishekam (1985 film)|Pattabhishekam]]'' (1985)
*''[[Donga (film)|Donga]]'' (1985)
*''[[Donga (film)|Donga]]'' (1985)
*''[[Mangalya Balam-Sobhanbabu movie]]'' (1985)
*''Mangalya Balam'' (1985)
*''[[Puli (1985 film)|Puli]]'' (1985)
*''[[Rakta Sindhuram]]'' (1985)
*''[[Adavi Donga]]'' (1985)
*''[[Adavi Donga]]'' (1985)
*''[[Agni Parvatam]]''(1985)
*''[[Agni Parvatam]]'' (1985)
*''[[Mugguru Mithrulu]]''(1985)
*''[[Mugguru Mithrulu]]'' (1985)
*''[[Maharaju-Sobhanbabu Telugu movie]]'' (1985)
*''[[Maharaju]]'' (1985)
*''[[పల్నాటి సింహం]]''Palnati Simham (1985)
*''Palnati Simham'' (1985)
*''[[వజ్రాయుధం]]'' Vajrayudham (1985)
*''[[Vijetha (1985 film)|Vijetha]]'' (1985)
*''[[Vikram (1986 Telugu film)|Vikram]]''-Nagarjuna Debut Film (1986)
*''Vajrayudham'' (1985)
*''[[Kaliyuga Pandavulu]]''-Venkatesh Debut(1986)
*''[[Krishna Garadi]]'' (1986)
*''[[Vikram (1986 Telugu film)|Vikram]]'' (1986)
*''[[Punyasthree]]'' (1986)
*''[[Khaidi Rudrayya]]'' (1986)
*''[[Veta (1986 film)|Veta]]'' (1986)
*''[[Kaliyuga Pandavulu]]'' (1986)
*''[[Repati Pourulu]]'' (1986)
*''[[Repati Pourulu]]'' (1986)
*''[[Aranya Kaanda]]'' (1986)
*''[[Aranya Kaanda]]'' (1986)
*''[[Sravana Meghalu]]'' (1986)
*''[[Sravana Meghalu]]'' (1986)
*''[[Ide Naa Samadhanam]]''<ref>{{Cite web |last=FilmiClub |title=Ide Naa Samadhanam (1986) Complete Cast & Crew |url=https://www.filmiclub.com/movie/ide-naa-samadhanam-1986-telugu-movie/cast-crew |access-date=2023-04-21 |website=FilmiClub |language=en-US}}</ref> (1986)
*''[[Kaliyuga Krishnudu]]'' (1986)
*''[[Kaliyuga Krishnudu]]'' (1986)
*''[[Chantabbai]]'' (1986)
*''[[Chantabbai]]'' (1986)
*''[[Kondaveeti Raja]]'' (1986)
*''[[Kondaveeti Raja]]'' (1986)
*''[[Jeevana Poratam]]'' (1986)
*''[[Jeevana Poratam]]'' (1986)
*''[[Nippulanti Manishi]]'' (1986)
*''[[Desoddharakudu|Deshoddharakudu]]'' (1986)
*''[[Sravana Sandhya-Sobhanbabu movie]]'' (1986)
*''[[Nippulanti Manishi (1986 film)|Nippulanti Manishi]]'' (1986)
*''Sravana Sandhya'' (1986)
*''[[Apoorva Sahodarulu]]'' (1986)
*''[[Brahma Rudrulu]]'' (1986)
*''[[Chanakya Sapatham]]'' (1986)
*''[[Donga Mogudu]]'' (1987)
*''[[Punnami Chandrudu]]'' (1987)   
*''[[Thandri Kodukula Challenge]]'' (1987)
*''[[Prajaswamyam]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Prajaswamyam (1987) |url=https://indiancine.ma/ADCA |access-date=2023-04-20 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref> (1987)
*''[[Kaboye Alludu]]'' (1987)
*''[[Ajeyudu]]'' (1987)
*''[[Dongodochadu]]'' (1987)
*''[[Bhargava Ramudu]]'' (1987)
*''[[President Gari Abbai]]'' (1987)
*''[[Bharatamlo Arjunudu]]'' (1987)
*''[[Sahasa Samrat]]'' (1987)
* ''Lorry Driver'' (1987) (Kannada)
*''[[Muddayi]]'' (1987)
*''[[Agni Putrudu]]'' (1987)
*''[[Ummadi Mogudu]]'' (1987)
*''[[Samsaram Oka Chadarangam]]'' (1987)
*''[[Samsaram Oka Chadarangam]]'' (1987)
*''[[Sardar Krishnama Naidu]]'' (1987)
*''[[Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1987 film)| Satyam Shivam Sundaram]]'' (1987) (Kannada)
*''[[Makutamleni Maharaju]]'' (1987)
*''[[Makutamleni Maharaju]]'' (1987)
*''[[Chakravarthy (1987 film)|Chakravarthy]]'' (1987)
*''[[Chakravarthy (1987 film)|Chakravarthy]]'' (1987)
*''[[Jebu Donga]]'' (1987)
*''[[Donga Mogudu]]'' (1987)
*''[[Pasivadi Pranam]]'' (1987)
*''[[Pasivadi Pranam]]'' (1987)
*''[[Vijetha Vikram]]'' (1987)
*''[[Athiratha Maharatha]]'' (1987) (Kannada)
*''[[Bhanumati Gari Mogudu]]'' (1987)
*''[[Jebu Donga (1987 film)|Jebu Donga]]'' (1987)
*''Sakthi'' (1988) (Kannada)
*''[[Donga Ramudu (1988 film)|Donga Ramudu]]'' (1988)
*''Nava Bharatha'' (1988) (Kannada)
*''[[Chinababu]]'' (1988)
*''[[Chinababu]]'' (1988)
*''[[Chuttalabbayi]]'' (1988)
*''Chattamtho Chadarangam'' (1988)
*''[[Station Master (1988 film)|Station Master]]'' (1988)
*''[[Brahma Puthrudu]]'' (1988)
*''[[Aswaddhama]]'' (1988)
*''[[Tiragabadda Telugubidda]]'' (1988)
*''[[Agni Keratalu]]'' (1988)
*''[[Manchi Donga]]'' (1988)
*''[[Manchi Donga]]'' (1988)
*''[[Donga Pelli]]'' (1988)
*''[[Donga Pelli]]'' (1988)
*''[[Shakthi (1988 film)|Shakthi]]'' (1988)(Kannada)
*''[[Yuddha Bhoomi]]'' (1988)
*''[[Ramudu Bheemudu (1988 film)|Ramudu Bheemudu]]'' (1988)
*''[[Shakthi (1988 film)|Shakthi]]'' (1988) (Kannada)
*''[[Vijay (1989 film)|Vijay]]'' (1989)
*''Soggadi Kapuram'' (1989)
*''[[Manmathe Raja]]'' (1989) (Kannada)
*''Dorikithe Dongalu'' (1989)
*''[[Parthudu]]'' (1989)
*''[[Attaku Yamudu Ammayiki Mogudu]]'' (1989)
*''[[Attaku Yamudu Ammayiki Mogudu]]'' (1989)
*''[[Sarvabhoumudu]]'' (1989)
*''Muthinantha Manushya'' (1989) (Kannada)
*''Mamathala Kovela'' (1989)
*''[[Bandhuvulostunnaru Jagratha]]'' (1989)
*''Yamapasam'' (1989)
*''[[Simha Swapnam]]'' (1989)
*''[[Bhale Donga]]'' (1989)
*''[[Gudachari 117]]'' (1989)
*''[[Ontari Poratam]]'' (1989)
*''[[Prananiki Pranam]]'' (1990)
*''[[Neti Dowrjanyam]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Neti Dowrjanyam (1990) Telugu Movie: Watch Full HD Movie Online |url=https://www.airtelxstream.in/movies/neti-dowrjanyam/EROSNOW_MOVIE_6849002 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=AirtelxStream|language=en}}</ref> (1990)
*''[[Aayudham (1990 film)|Aayudham]]'' (1990)
*''[[Aggiramudu]]'' (1990)
*''Chevvilo Puvvu'' (1990)
*''Jayasimha'' (1990)
*''[[Lorry Driver]]'' (1990)
*''[[Lorry Driver]]'' (1990)
*''[[Talli Tandrulu]]'' (1991)
*''[[Amma Rajinama]]'' (1991)
*''[[Amma Rajinama]]'' (1991)
*''Golmaal Govindam'' (1992)
*''Golmaal Govindam'' (1992)
*''Bharatham'' (1992)
*''[[Pellam Chebite Vinali]]'' (1992)
*''[[Pellam Chebite Vinali]]'' (1992)
*''[[Hendthi Helidare Helabeku]]'' (1992) (Kannada)
*''[[Hendthi Helidare Helabeku]]'' (1992) (Kannada)
*''[[Raja]] (1999) (Telugu) (Cameo role as a Music Director)
*''Illu Pelli'' (1993)
*''[[Ammoru]]'' (1995)
*''[[Raja (1999 Indian film)|Raja]]'' (1999) (Cameo role as a music director)
*''[[Lahiri Lahiri Lahirilo]]'' (2002) (Actor- Character 'Punju Raju')
*''[[Pratibimbalu]]'' (2022)
{{colend}}


==Awards==
==Awards==
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[[Category:20th-century Indian composers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian composers]]
[[Category:People from Guntur district]]
[[Category:People from Guntur district]]
[[Category:Films scored by K. Chakravarthy]]

Latest revision as of 02:38, 17 March 2026


K. Chakravarthy
Birth nameKommineni Appa Rao
Born(1936-09-08)8 September 1936
Ponnekallu, Madras Presidency, British India
Died3 February 2002(2002-02-03) (aged 65)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Occupation(s)Music director
Years active1971–1999

K. Chakravarthy (born Kommineni Appa Rao; 8 September 1936 – 3 February 2002) was an Indian music director and actor who primarily worked in Telugu cinema.[1][2] He made his debut in 1971 with Mooga Prema and went on compose music for over 1000 films, predominantly in Telugu language (884 films), followed by Kannada (60 films).[3] He won two Nandi Awards.

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Chakravarthi was born as Kommineni Appa Rao on 8 September 1936 in Ponnekallu, Guntur district of present-day Andhra Pradesh.[4] He had three sons, including Sri Kommineni who was also a music director and a playback singer.[5]

Career[edit | edit source]

Chakravarthi learned classical vocal from Mahavadi Venkatappaiah. He formed a music troupe called Vinod Orchestra in Guntur and organised light music concerts. Those days, Mangapati of His Master's Voice identified his talent and invited him to Madras. His Master's Voice released two private records, which includes "Kanna Nenoka Kala".

Film career[edit | edit source]

His first Telugu film, Mooga Prema, was released in 1971. It was his friend, K. Chatterjee, who kept faith in his talent and rechristened him as "Chakravarthy" from "Apparao", so that he will do justice to the Royal category in his profession. Ultimately, his creativity soared to new heights with more than 5000 song compositions to his credit. Before this film, he composed background music for a Hindi movie, in the titles of which, his name was wrongly mentioned as Chakravarthi, while it was actually Apparao then. Hence he decided to continue as Chakravarthy. Mooga Prema film was not a good hit at the box-office, Saradha (1973), gave him a good hit, but even after this film, he was not well recognized.

He is primarily known for his association with director K. Raghavendra Rao, scoring hit music for his films with N. T. Rama Rao. Since the release of Driver Ramudu (1979), their association yielded numerous commercial hits both in terms of music and collections. Most of his compositions predominantly featured the Kalyani raga as it was predominantly used owing to directors liking of the time.

In 1977, Yamagola was released and this was the great turning point of his career. In this N. T. Rama Rao movie directed by T. Rama Rao, he introduced a new trend with S. P. Balasubrahmanyam by making him sing with voice modulation close to the actor's voice. He composed "Aadave andaala surabhamini" song for movie Yamagola in "Raga" "Jaijaivanti" using his own style fast tempo making it a commercial success. With V. Madhusudhana Rao 1978 film Mallepoovu, he became an architect for musical extravaganza. He abstained from reproducing Dada's S. D. Burman tunes for the Hindi film Pyaasa, thus proving his mettle as an able composer and silencing critics from assigning him as a mass, commercial, and fast beat composer tag. His music score for the movie Khaidi (1983 film) provided much needed commercial break in the career for the actor Chiranjeevi and Director A. Kodandarami Reddy. His music for Neti Bharatam and Pratighatana proved vital for actress Vijayashanti stardom. He rendered nice popular compositions in Dasari Narayana Rao favourite ragas Shivaranjani and Bhupalam for the films Balipeetam, Premabhishekam (1981 film) and Srivari Muchatlu directed by him. Eventually, he contributed for Akkineni Nageswara Rao career growth as well. He composed music score for the film "Pasivadi Pranam" with electronic orchestration.

He very well knew about his limitations and excelled based on his intuitions and exemplary natural creativity. Critics agreed upon this, as he was hardly spending 30 minutes to compose a song. During the peak of his career, he was recording more than 5 songs per day and worked for 16 hrs each day. He realized his potential in folk music and intelligently blended it with classical ragas. He proved the fact that music is boundless and it is also mass entertainment, and not just pundits make any art worthy. He established unique style of his own. He was humble and down to earth and always respected and proclaimed K. V. Mahadevan as genius in contemporary musicians. He was composing music for him in the early days of his career, before 1970.

His main assistants, Krishna-Chakra duo remained loyal to him throughout his career, though once in a while they had their own scores. Raj-Koti duo assisted him for several years. M. M. Keeravani was also his assistant. He introduced several singers with talent to the industry. S. P. Sailaja with song "Nampalli tesan kadi raja lingo" from film "Erra Mallelu", Vandemataram Srinivas are notable singers introduced by him.

He was a dubbing artist and lent his voice in 600 movies. He also penned lyrics for a few songs. He was also a singer and acted in a few films. He was one of the main reasons why Ilaiyaraja couldn't dominate Tollywood in the 80s.[6]

Death[edit | edit source]

Chakravarthy died on 3 February 2002, due to age related ailments.[3]

Filmography[edit | edit source]

Awards[edit | edit source]

Nandi Awards[12]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Sudhish Kamath (20 August 2010). "Arts / Music : Baton and beat". The Hindu. Retrieved 3 January 2012.
  2. ↑ "Music Director Chakravarthy profile & biography -". 26 November 2010. Archived from the original on 26 November 2010.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "స్వర సామ్రాట్ చక్రవర్తిని తలుచుకునే క్షణమిది". andhrajyothy (in తెలుగు). 3 February 2021.
  4. ↑ "నేడు చక్రవర్తి వర్ధంతి". Telugu News International - TNILIVE. 3 February 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  5. ↑ "సంగీత దర్శకుడు చక్రవర్తి ఇంట్లో స్థలవివాదం". Andhra Jyothi. Archived from the original on 25 August 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  6. ↑ "Chakravarthy - King of Melody". www.idlebrain.com.
  7. ↑ "Raaja (1976)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  8. ↑ "Sardar (1984)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
  9. ↑ FilmiClub. "Ide Naa Samadhanam (1986) Complete Cast & Crew". FilmiClub. Retrieved 21 April 2023.
  10. ↑ "Prajaswamyam (1987)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
  11. ↑ "Neti Dowrjanyam (1990) Telugu Movie: Watch Full HD Movie Online". AirtelxStream. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
  12. ↑ "నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964–2008)" [A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008)] (PDF). Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh. Retrieved 21 August 2020.(in Telugu)

Template:Nandi Award for Best Music Director

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