Indukuri Ramakrishnam Raju (31 August 1934 – 14 August 1994), commonly known by his pen name Rajasri, was an Indian lyricist, screenwriter, film director, and music composer in Telugu cinema. He worked on nearly 1000 films, with a significant portion being dubbed films. Rajasri was especially known for writing Telugu lyrics for many films dubbed from Tamil during the 1980s and early 1990s. Due to his contributions to dubbed films, he earned the title "Anuvaada Brahma" ().
Early life Rajasri was born as Indukuri Ramakrishnam Raju to Indukuri Appalaraju and Narayanamma on 31 August 1934 in Vizianagaram. Right from early childhood he started writing stories and metrical poetry. He completed his BSc (physics) from Maharajah's College in Vizianagaram. He learned typewriting. He worked as a typist-cum-personal-assistant in Srikakulam District Board.
Career Rajasri resigned his job and moved to Madras. He started assisting writer Pinisetty Sriramamurthy.20th Century Telugu Luminaries, Potti Sriramulu Telugu University, Hyderabad, 2005 The first film he worked for as a lyricist was Aada Pettanam (1954), produced by Kadaru Nagabhushanam and Kannamba. He also worked as an assistant director for Kadaru Nagabhusnam for the films like Aada Pettanam, Anna-Thammudu, Paruvu-Pratishta, Santha, Nithya Kalyanam Paccha Thoranam, Veera Bhaskarudu, and Sri Krishna Maaya.
Rajasri worked with L. V. Prasad in the story department of Prasad Productions for the films like Sasural (1961), Khilona (1970), Thayilla Pillai etc. He wrote lyrics for films like Rama Sundari. He worked with Chalam for some memorable films like Sambarala Rambabu (1970), Bullemma Bullodu, Devudamma, Thulaabhaaram (1974), Ramude Devudu, Ooriki Upakaari etc. He also wrote some memorable songs in these films.
Rajasri has worked with director Mani Ratnam for films like Mouna Ragam (1986), Naayakudu (1987), Gharshana (1988), Anjali (1990), Dalapathi (1991), Roja (1992), and Donga Donga (1993). Mani Ratnam got the dialogues written by Rajasri for his straight Telugu film Geethanjali (1989).
Rajasri has also composed music for a few films like Mama Kodalu (1993) and Venkanna Babu (1992) directed by Dasari Narayana Rao.
Death He died in his sleep while working for the film Premikudu on 14 August 1994, in Chennai.
His son Rajasri Sudhakar is also a dialogue writer and lyricist. Sudhakar has penned dialogues and songs for films like Krrish, Jodha Akbar, Krrish 3, Dhoom 2, Dangal, Dabangg 3 and Vikranth Rona that were dubbed into Telugu.
Discography
As lyricist for straight films
Year Movie Music Director Song(s) Ref(s) 1964 Sri Simhachala Kshetra Mahima T. V. Raju "Simhachalamu", "Jayahe", "Deva O Deva", "Andala O Sundara", "Babu Veerana", "Oppula Kuppa", "Ravoyi Raja" 1966 Bheemanjaneya Yuddham T. V. Raju "Jaya Jaya Janaki Rama" 1968 Pelli Roju M. S. Sreeram "Pellivaaramandi", "Jeevithana Maruvalemu" 1969 Satthekaalapu Sattheyya M. S. Viswanathan "Prajalantha Kolichedi" 1970 Sambarala Rambabu V. Kumar "Mama Chandamama (male)", "Mama Chandamama (female)", "Jeevitamante Antuleni Oka Poratam", "Poruginti Meenakshammanu Chusara?" 1971 Mattilo Manikyam Sathyam "Eddubandi Chudu" 1972 Bullemma Bullodu Sathyam "Budigi Budigi Ninne Ninne", "Kursindi Vaana", "Raajaa Pilupu Needenuraa", "Nee Papam Pandenu Nedu Nee Bharatham Padatha Chudu", "Diyyare Tinguranga Chusuko Mava" Hantakulu Devantakulu Sathyam "Adugulu Kadhipi", "Chinnoda Nalo", "Lakki Lakki Aata", "Hare Rama Hare Krishna" Korada Rani Sathyam "Thaginodu Mata" Mathrumoorthy Pendyala Nageswara Rao "Yeda Moham Peda Moham", "Nee Needaga Nannu Kadaladanee" 1973 Devudamma Sathyam "Ekkado Doorana" 1974 Kannavaari Kalalu V. Kumar "Sorry So Sorry", "Andaalu Kanuvindu", "Chelichoopulona", "Madhuvolakabose" Nija Roopalu S. Hanumantha Rao "Raja Rajasri" Tulabharam Sathyam "Radhaku Neeve Ra Pranam", " E Uru E Peru" 1975 Chaduvu Samskaram Ramesh Naidu "Love Is Blind Prema Guddidi" 1976 Maa Daivam K. V. Mahadevan "Okey Kulam Okey" Adrushtavanturaalu Sathyam "Rammu Taagali" 1978 Patnavasam J. V. Raghavulu "Kavali.. Em Kavali" Allari Pillalu Sathyam "Na Rasi Kanya Rasi.. Ne Rasi Midhuna Rasi" 1979 Maa Voori Devata K. Chakravarthy "Muddabanti Puvvu" 1980 Seetha Ramulu Sathyam "Bunga Moothi" Pilla Zamindar K. Chakravarthy "Monnane Mothaga", "Geru Maarchu", "Vayasemo Aravai", "Andhaalolike Nandakishorudu", "Naa Peru Baalaraju", "Sambho Sankara Mahadeva" Yedanthasthula Meda K. Chakravarthy "Aratipandu Valachi Pedithe", "Idhi Megha Sandhesamo" Sujata Ramesh Naidu "Adadi Aravindam" Sardar Paparayudu K. Chakravarthy "Hello Temper..vijaya Super" Ragilina Paga K. Chakravarthy "Kathilanti Kannepillalu" 1981 Viswaroopam K. Chakravarthy "Kanulu Chaalavu" Bangaru Koduku K. Chakravarthy "Papa O Chantipapa", "Gilli Gilli Cheppana", "Meluko Sriranga" Sangeetha S. P. Balasubrahmanyam "Akasaniki Ravi Kiranam Arani Harati", "Chebuta Katha Chebuta" Swapna Sathyam "Ide Na Modati Premalekha", "Andala Rasiga Posi", "Sreerastu Abbayi" Jeevita Radham K. Chakravarthy "Chigurakulalo Oka Chilakamma" Swargam K. Chakravarthy "Veyyana - Thalam Veyyana", "Kondapalli Bomma" 1982 Swayamvaram Sathyam "Nenikkada", "Harivillu", "Aakasam Yenduko", "Ikkada Ekkada" 1983 Roshagadu Sathyam "Atchatla Mutchatla", "Chinnadani Konachoopu", "Nenante Choodu Nene", "Yavvanam Neeku Swagatham" Simhapuri Simham J. V. Raghavulu "Chilipithanam Theegalle" Khaidi K. Chakravarthy "Idemitabba" Sri Ranga Neethulu K. Chakravarthy "Andalamma Nuvvu Naku Chendalamma", "Panchami Puta Manchidani" Agni Samadhi Sathyam "Nee Thodu Kaavaali" Chandi Chamundi Sathyam "Disco Disco Disco" 1984 Sangeetha Samrat Ramesh Naidu "Idhi Kannulu Palike" 1985 Palnati Simham K. Chakravarthy "Ayamma Ayamma" Maya Mohini K. Chakravarthy "Ekkada Unna Nee Pakkane", "Chukka Chukka", "Pala Vayasu Pongani" Maa Inti Mahalakshmi Sathyam "O Deva Nagaraja", "Pedavulu Palikenu", "Ravvantha Regindammaa", "Aligithe Choodaali" 1986 Veta K. Chakravarthy "Oorevitammaa Perevitammaa" Jeevana Raagam Sathyam "Nuvve Nandhanamu" Thalambralu Sathyam "Idhi Paata" Sakkanodu K. V. Mahadevan "Pettuko Raasipettuko" 1987 Donga Mogudu K. Chakravarthy "Idly Papa Idly Papa" 1994 Khaidi Number One M. M. Keeravaani "Oke Oka Pallavi"
As lyricist for dubbed films
Year Movie Music Director Song(s) Notes Ref(s) 1979 Ajeyudu Ilaiyaraaja "Darling Darling", "Sree Raamuni Sreedevive", "Nee Pedavula Lona", "Chakkani Prakruthi Andaalu" Dubbed version of Priya Mullu Puvvu Ilaiyaraaja "Andala Mulaka", "Sakkanaina Saddikudu", "Ramudu Rajaina" Dubbed version of Mullum Malarum 1980 Kalyana Ramudu Ilaiyaraaja "Nene Neeku Pranam", "Manasunarege", "Yedo Raagam", "Neeke Manasu Icchaa" Dubbed version of Kalyanaraman 1981 Chilipi Mogudu Ilaiyaraaja "Ninna Sandhya Velalo", "Radha Radha", "Oh Chinna Maata" Dubbed version of Meendum Kokila 1982 Madhura Geetham Ilaiyaraaja "Navvula Lona Puvvula Vana", "Monnati Sambaru Udakani Annam", "Ananda Ragam Kore Prayam", "Konda Gali Tirige" Dubbed version of Panneer Pushpangal Bandhipotu Simham M. S. Viswanathan "Paadandi Okatai Cherandi", "Mallela Pandirilo", "Kulike Allari Andham" Dubbed version of Ranuva Veeran Naa Pere Jaani Ilaiyaraaja "Ragile Ee Naageetham", "Chakkadanaala Chinnadhira", "Oka Kanne Manasu" Dubbed version of Johnny 1983 Chattam Gangai Amaran "Virivana Jallulai" Dubbed version of Sattam Prema Sagaram T. Rajendar "Banthade Bangaaru", "Chakkanaina O Chirugali", "Naamam Pettu Naamam", "Nee Thalape Maikam", "Neelo Naalo", "Andhalolike Sundari" Dubbed version of Uyirullavarai Usha Debbaku Debba Ilaiyaraaja "Joru Vana Kurishindhi", "Ra Ra Mama", "Aata Paata", "Ammayi Andalani" Dubbed version of Paayum Puli 1984 Jalsaa Rayudu Ilaiyaraaja "Choope Ghatainadi", "Nelaku Ningi", "Padaku Midisi", "Oh Naanna" Dubbed version of Thoongathey Thambi Thoongathey Prema Samrajyam T. Rajendar "Anudinam - 1984", "Prathireyi Prathi Pagalu", "Idhi Raathri Samayam", "Sannayi Dolu Melam", "Galipata", "Anudinam - Disco", "Ye Maradala", "Lokalu Elevada" Dubbed version of Thangaikkor Geetham Goondaalaku Goonda M. S. Viswanathan "Mister Miranda", "Nenalanti", "Aha Muthyaka", "Challani Naachelli" Dubbed version of Sivappu Sooriyan Kodama Simhalu Ilaiyaraaja "Edhi Paapam Edhi Shaapam", "Poochendulo Viruyu", "Poochendulo Viruyu - Sad" Dubbed version of Neengal Kettavai 1985 Kaidhiveta Ilaiyaraaja "Abc Chadavali", "O Myna", "Oka Roja Puvvu" Dubbed version of Oru Kaidhiyin Diary Love Story Ilaiyaraaja "Andhala Pule", "Palike Adharam", "Kurra Vayasu", "Oohalanni" Dubbed version of Anbe Odi Vaa Radha Madhavi Ilaiyaraaja "Maatalone", "Vintha Paruvaana", "Kottandehe", "Kuliki Kuliki" Dubbed version of Kanne Radha Jalsa Bullodu Ilaiyaraaja "Dikkulani Pandenule", "Andaala Aamani", "Em Kavalo Tinandra", "Velase Mahalakshmiye" Dubbed version of Uyarndha Ullam 1986 Agent Vikram 007 Ilaiyaraaja "Vikram", "Vanithamani", "Naa Jodi", "Vayasu" Dubbed from Vikram Mouna Ragam Ilaiyaraaja "Thadi Thadi", "Cheli Rava", "Oh Mega", "Chimi Chimi", "Malla Poola" Dubbed version of Mouna Ragam 1987 Kedi Ilaiyaraaja "Hey Ninne Ninne", "Kanule Palikene", "Jaathi Eandi", "Koo Koo Koile Kusenu", "Amavasi Nisilo" Dubbed version of Kadhal Parisu Rendu Thokala Pitta Ilaiyaraaja "Naa Andamaina", "Sandhyavela Paadinadi", "Swatantraanni Tecchukunnam" Dubbed version of Rettai Vaal Kuruvi Nayakudu Ilaiyaraaja "Chalaki Chinadi", "Naa Navve Deepavali", "Sande Poddu Megham" Dubbed version of Nayakan Aadhi Shakthi Mahimulu K. V. Mahadevan "Ninnu Nenu", "Amma Needu", "Ananthiga", "Kannu Penchhina", "Punya Sagara", "Oorikai Paadave" Dubbed version of Mel Maruvathoor Arpudhangal 1988 Dance Raja Dance Vijayanand "Dance Raja", "Naa Naadithe", "Ningi Nainu", "Amma Amma", "Sangeetha Madhurim Naa", "Om Namo" Dubbed version of Dance Raja Dance Sister Nandini Ilaiyaraaja "Vayyari Chilaka", "Inthe Inthe", "Krishna Raavela", "Addari Needi", "Aathma Balam Penchuko", "Chandaname Neeve" Dubbed version of Manathil Urudhi Vendum Satya Ilaiyaraaja "Okate Manakika Maata", "Jarugu Jarugu", "Paruvaalu Kanivini Erugani" Dubbed version of Sathyaa Prema Lokam Hamsalekha "Paruvam Needenani", "Satileni Premalokam", "Toli Aasalu Pongee", "Boy Friend - Boy Friend", "Nuvve Nenani Thalachaane", "Chilakamma Chittemma", "Oka Muddabanthi", "Evare Veedu", "Eh Mama Biku Nerpava", "Mosagaadina", "Levandi Premikulu" Dubbed version of Premaloka Gharshana Ilaiyaraaja "Ninnukori", "Oka Brundavanam", "Rojalo Letha Roja", "Kurise Verijallule, "Neeve Amaraswarame", "Raja Rajadhi" Dubbed version of Agni Natchathiram Police Diary Ilaiyaraaja "Manakosam Madhumasam", "Naa Oopiri Neevenule", "Vacchaadu Aggipidugu", "Aade Eedu Needi Naadi" Dubbed version of Soora Samhaaram Nenu Meevadine K. Bhagyaraj "Premante", "Idhi Sandhela Ratri", "Panakala Swamy", "Sangeetham", "Pramadevuni" Dubbed version of Idhu Namma Aalu 1989 Sindhoora Puvvu Manoj–Gyan "Sindhura Puvva", "Chilaka Rachilaka", "Kanivini Yerugani", "Ninu Yevaro Kottarata", "Thurupamma Mudda", "Yetilona Yelleti" Dubbed version of Senthoora Poove Vichitra Sodarulu Ilaiyaraaja "Raja Cheyyi Vesthe", "Bujji Pelli Kodukki", "Ninnu Thalachi", "Vedi Vedi Aasalaku", "Aadedhi Nenura" Dubbed version of Apoorva Sagodharargal City Rowdy Shankar–Ganesh "Megham Karisi", "Mogudini Konguna", "My Dear Young Lover", "Vendi Meghamulu" Dubbed version of Jhansi Rani PremanjaliIlaiyaraaja''Brundaavaname Naakosame'' "Hey Chitti Naannaa" "Koothaku Vacchenu" "Raagaale Paadedhane"Dubbed version of Varusham 16Rajadhi RajaIlaiyaraaja"Palikenu Sonthasam" "Naa Thoti Potadithe" "Maava New Pillanivvu"