5th April 2005

P.Suseela garu, an epitome of music, is one of the greatest singers Indian Film Industry had ever had. Very few are blessed with music and sweet voice together in a nutshell, and Suseela is one of that rarest classes. A song is not complete just with good tune and momentous lyrics. It is imperative that the song is supported by excellent voice with good articulation. It is needless to mention that Suseela garu made an indelible impression on the hearts of all of her fans, with her exceptional rendition.

'vinipinchani raagaale kanipinchani andaale' - a subtle soothing song, rendered by Gaana Kokila Suseela, awakens the silent thoughts in ones mind, that take a stroll in the clouds of different world . That is the power of her voice. Born on September 13th, 1935 in Vijayanagaram, Suseela expressed immense interest in music since her childhood. She was endowed with inherent talent in music as a child itself. Subsequently, she was given proper training in carnatic music and later that helped her in giving numerous melodious songs to the world. She stood undisputable for decades with her decent hit songs in film industry.

Suseela was first recognized by ace music director Sri Pendyala Nageswara Rao through All India Radio. Later, she sang a verse for the first time in 'Sri Lakshamamma Katha' in 1950, under the music direction of Sri C.R.Subbaraman /Sri Susarla Dakshina Murthy. That unlocked the gate for her to move into the film playback threshold. She got her full length recognition with 'Nuvvu kaavali nee navvu kaavali' in 'Kanna Talli'. That was a duet with Ghantasala garu and she never had to look back since then. Though she had competition with great singers like Leela and Jikki during her initial days, she was successful in carving a niche with numerous songs to her credit. Her duets with Ghantasala garu remain still so fresh and young, and will surely hang about in next generations to come. Her songs with Sri S.P.Balasubramanyam, Sri Ramakrishna and others were extremely popular in those days. Her combination with music directors like Sri Saluri Rajeswara Rao, Sri Pendyala Nageswara Rao, Sri K.V.Mahadevan, Sri Susarla Dakshinamurthy, Sri.M.S.Viswanathan, Sri Satyam, Sri Ramesh Naidu etal resulted in thousands of fine songs, which have been a feast to music lovers for many years.

She received national awards for Siri Siri Muvva ('jhummandi naadam'), Megha Sandesam ('aakulo aakunai'), MLA Yedukondalu ('ento beeda veedu gopaludu') for the years 1977, 1982 and 1983 respectively. Apart from conferring many state awards, the Andhra Pradesh State government has felicitated Suseela garu with the prestigious 'Sri Raghupathi Venkayya' award in 2004. With her immense talent, Suseela has been equally recognized in all South Indian states. She received many prominent awards and titles from Tamilnadu and Kerala states too. Though a Telugu by birth, she became popular in Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam likewise. Her impeccable pronunciation made her songs immaculate in her telugu and non-telugu songs, that fetched her fans through out the world.

Suseela garu rendered thousands of solo songs with her gorgeous voice. Each song of hers is a milestone in her career. She received good applause from the public when she sang equally well for child artistes along with the heroines. Recall songs from 'Bhaktha Prahlada', 'Balaraju Katha' or the songs & verses from 'Lava Kusa', they are amazing. When you listen to 'mee nagu momu naa kanulaara'(Badi panthulu), you envision an old devoted house-wife. Her voice suited any artiste, of any age.

The following songs are samples that illustrate the beauty of her voice.

• 'paadavela radhika, pranaya sudha geethika' (Iddaru Mitrulu)
• 'yemani padedano ee vela, manasa veena mounamuga nidurinchina vela' (Bharya Bharthalu),
• 'yemandoi sreevaru oka chinna maata' (Manchi Manasulu),
• 'nee chelimi nede koritini' (Aradhana),
• 'vinipinchani raagale, kanipinchani andaale' (Chaduvukunna Ammayilu),
• 'ninu veedani needanu nene'(Anthasthulu),
• 'paadamani nannadagavalena' (Dr.Chakravarthy),
• 'mokka jonna thotalo murisina cheekatlalo'(Adrushtavanthulu)
• 'idi mallela velayani idi vennela maasamani'(Sukha Dukhaalu),
• 'amma choodali ninnu naannanu choodali'(Paapam pasivaadu),
• 'vasthadu naa raju ee roju'(Alluri Seeta Rama Raju),
• 'repalle vechenu venuvu vechenu'(Sarada),
• 'radha ku neevera praanam'(Tulabhaaram),
• 'mutyamantha pasupu mukhamentho chaaya'(Mutyala Muggu),
• 'nidurinche thotaloki paata okati vachindi'(Mutyala Muggu),
• 'aakasa pandirilo neeku naaku pellanta'(Sri Rajeswari Vilas Coffee Club)
• 'paadanaa telugu paata'(America Ammayi),
• 'ye teega puvvuno ye komma thetino'(Maro Charithra),
• 'aakulo aakunai, poovulo poovunai'(Megha Sandesam),
• 'vatapatra saaiki varahaala laali'(Swathi Mutyam)
  

  and many more.

Be it a lullaby, or a romantic melody, or a devotional hymn, or an inspirational song, Suseela's voice suited the best. Her expression in each and every song proved the height of splendor that has been added to the song. She gave life to thousands of lyrics that ran through her voice. The terms 'Suseela' and 'sweet voice' have become synonymous in almost every telugu household. That is the magnitude of 'Gaana Kokila' Suseela.

As long as telugu song exists, Suseela garu will reside in the hearts of crores of music lovers. There can be many singers flowing in and out of the film world, but there can never be another 'Suseela'. May God bless her with good health and happiness for ever.

By Jyothi V Nallamothu
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