Vangapandu Prasada Rao facts for kids
Vangapandu Prasada Rao (born 1943 – died August 4, 2020) was a talented Indian artist. People in the northern coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh knew him as 'Vangapandu'. He was a poet, wrote song lyrics, and was also an actor. He was famous for his many skills: writing songs, singing them, dancing, and acting. He took part in movements that worked for the rights of ordinary people. His revolutionary songs like Yantrametta Nadusthuvundante and Jajjenaka Janare became very popular.
Early Life
Vangapandu Prasada Rao was born in 1943. His village was Pedabondappali in the Parvathipuram area of Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh. His parents were Jagannadham and Chinathalli. He passed away in the early morning of August 4, 2020.
His Amazing Career
In 1972, Vangapandu helped start a cultural group called Jana Natya Mandali. He founded it with Gaddar and B. Narsing Rao. This group used art, like songs and plays, to share messages about social change.
Over 30 years, Vangapandu wrote more than 400 songs. Twelve of his songs were translated into 10 different Indian languages. These included Tamil, Bengali, Kannada, and Hindi, as well as many local tribal languages. A professor even translated his song Yentrametta Nadusthuvundante into English. This song was liked in both the United States and England.
He performed more than 2,000 times. He performed not only in Andhra Pradesh but also in other parts of India. He was often invited by groups working for people's causes. He also taught young people how to sing and dance to his songs.
Personal Life
Vangapandu Prasada Rao was married. He had two sons and one daughter. His daughter, Vangapandu Usha, is also a well-known singer. She is involved in the cultural activities of a political party.
Popular Songs
- Emi pilloi yeldamosthava
- Jajjenaka janare
- Nampally station Kada (This song was written by Adrusta Deepak)
- Yentrametta nadusthuvundante
Awards and Recognition
In 2008, Vangapandu Prasada Rao received the Bollimantha Sivarama Krishna Memorial Award. This award was given to him in Tenali.
