T. V. Raju

Thotakura Venkata Raju (25 October 1921 – 20 February 1973), popularly known as T. V. Raju, was an Indian music composer who predominantly worked in Telugu cinema. Known for his versatility and significant contributions to both mythological and social drama films, Raju established himself as one of the leading music directors of his time.

He worked as an assistant composer to P. Adinarayana Rao in the film Palletoori Pilla (1950). He acted in a small role in the same film. His debut film as independent music director was Tingu Ranga (1952) directed by B. A. Subba Rao. His music in the films Panduranga Mahatyam (1957), Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam (1966) and Sri Krishnavataram (1967) is memorable. T. V. Raju also proved his mettle as versatile music composer in social drama genre movies similar to 1961 film Taxi Ramudu. Satyam assisted him for many films. His association with "NAT Combines" production house, N. T. Rama Rao films yielded many hits. He even made Mohammed Rafi sing a song for 1969 film Bhale Thammudu.

Totakura Venkata Raju was born on 25 October 1921 in Raghudevapuram near Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh.^[1][2] Raju displayed an early interest in music. Coming from a family with a strong inclination toward the arts, he pursued his musical training in Rajahmundry before moving to Madras (now Chennai) to establish a career in the film industry.^[1][3]

In Madras, Raju worked as an assistant to leading music directors of the time. He shared living space with N. T. Rama Rao, Tatineni Prakash Rao, and M. A. Rahman, all of whom were aspiring to make their mark in cinema. Raju's first major opportunity came when he worked as an associate music director for the film Palleturi Pilla (1950), composed by Adinarayana Rao.^[1]

T. V. Raju's first break as a full-fledged music composer came with the film Tinguranga, produced by B. A. Subba Rao. His long-standing collaboration with N. T. Rama Rao began with the film Pichi Pullayya, produced under the National Art Theatre (NAT) banner. This partnership grew stronger with Raju composing music for numerous films featuring Rama Rao, including Todudongalu and Jayasimha (1955). The success of Jayasimha marked a turning point in Raju's career, cementing his position as a leading music director.^[1]

Raju's work is especially remembered for the music in films like Panduranga Mahatyam (1957), Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam (1966), and Sri Krishnavataram (1967), which remain classics in Telugu cinema. He also showcased his talent in social dramas, with films like Taxi Ramudu (1961). His ability to blend classical and contemporary music made him a versatile composer.^[1]

One of Raju's notable achievements was bringing renowned Bollywood playback singer Mohammed Rafi to sing for the Telugu film Bhale Thammudu (1969), further cementing his influence in the industry. Music director Satyam worked as his assistant for many films, contributing to his success.^[1]

T. V. Raju composed music for over 60 films in Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada, with a significant number of them starring N. T. Rama Rao. Some of his notable films with NTR include Panduranga Mahatyam, Rajanandini, Rechukka Pagatichukka, Indrajit, Taxi Ramudu, Savati Koduku, Mangamma Sapatham, Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam, Pidugu Ramudu, Ummadi Kutumbam, Sri Krishnavataram, Bhale Thammudu, Baghdad Gajadonga, and Kathanayakudu.^[1]

Raju's compositions for Rama Rao's productions, including films like Srimad Virat Veerabrahmendra Swamy Charitra and Bhale Thammudu, were highly successful and showcased his versatility as a composer. He was known for blending northern Indian musical styles with his own distinct touch, creating memorable melodies that resonated with audiences.^[1]

In addition to his work as a composer, Raju also appeared in small roles in films, such as a spy in Palleturi Pilla (1950) and a devotee in the song "Krishna Mukunda Murari" from Panduranga Mahatyam (1957).

Some of the most memorable songs composed by T. V. Raju include "E Nati Ee Haayi," "Jayakrishna Mukunda Murari" from Panduranga Mahatyam, "Swagatam Suswagatam" from Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam, "Nee Charana Kamalalu" from Sri Krishnavataram, "Telugu Jaati Manadi" from Talla Pellama, and "Neeti Dharmamu" from Kodalu Diddina Kaapuram. These songs continue to be cherished by Telugu music lovers.^[1]

T. V. Raju’s contribution to Telugu cinema remains unparalleled, particularly for his collaboration with N. T. Rama Rao, for whom he composed music for around 38 films. Despite his success, Raju maintained close ties with his mentor, Adinarayana Rao, and even worked as an associate composer on Suvarna Sundari, a film scored by Adinarayana Rao.

Raju's family continued his musical legacy, with his son Venkata Satyasuryanarayana Raju working as a guitarist in the film industry, and another son, Somaraju, being part of the famous music duo Raj–Koti. T. V. Raju's music is still celebrated today for its unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles.

In his personal life, Raju married Savitri, and the couple had two sons. Their elder son, Venkata Satya Suryanarayana Raju, became a guitarist, while their younger son, Thotakura Somaraju, better known as Raj from the composer duo Raj–Koti, achieved fame as a music director in Telugu cinema.

T. V. Raju had a close friendship with N. T. Rama Rao, with whom he shared living quarters during their early struggles in the film industry.

T. V. Raju passed away on 20 February 1973 at the age of 51, leaving behind a rich legacy as a prolific music composer in South Indian cinema. His contributions to the Telugu film industry, especially his work in mythological and social drama genres, continue to be celebrated.

• T. V. Raju at IMDb

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