Kosaraju

Kosaraju Raghavayya (23 June 1905 – 27 October 1987), known mononumously by his surname Kosaraju, was an Indian lyricist and poet known for his works in Telugu cinema. He wrote about 3,000 songs in 350 films. His lyrics are steeped in Telugu folklore and rural idiom. He was awarded the prestigious Raghupathi Venkaiah Award by the Government of Andhra Pradesh for his contribution to Telugu cinema in 1984.

He wrote memorable songs like "Eruvaka Sagaro", "Niluvave Vaalu Kanuladhana", "Illarikamlo Unna Maza", "Chethilo Dabbulu Poyene", "Anukunnadokkati Ainadi Okkati", "Ye Nimishana Yemi Jaruguno", "Jayammu Nischayammu ra", "Maa Voollo Oka Paduchundi".

He was born on 23 June 1905 in Appikatla village, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh to Sri Subbaiah and Smt Lakshmamma whose occupation was agriculture . As Appikatla, his native village was small and the local school had the facility to teach up to 4th class, Kosaraju could not study beyond it. But he studied Telugu literature, epics and puranas at home .Moreover, he was influenced by a Telugu scholar Kondamudi Narasimham Pantulu in whose play based on the Ramayana he acted when still in his teens.

Initially, he worked as a journalist in the Raithu Patrika where he met the famous writer Samudrala Sr. and the director Gudavalli Ramabrahmam. He published his first poetry anthology, Kadagandlu. He died in 1987.

Kosaraju acted in the Telugu film Raithu Bidda (1939). Later, he shifted his focus to writing lyrics for films. He penned humorous lyrics for K. V. Reddy's Pedda Manushulu (1954), followed by one of his most famous songs, "Jebulo Bomma Je Jela Bomma" (in B. A. Subba Rao's Raju Peda, 1954). He was well known for his earthy poetry, often referring to popular tales of morality and ethics. Kosaraju wrote about 3,000 lyrics for 350 Telugu films.

He wrote memorable songs like "Eruvaka Sagaro", "Illarikamlo Unna Maza" and "Chethilo Dabbulu Poyene".

• He was awarded the prestigious Raghupathi Venkaiah Award by the State Government of Andhra Pradesh for his outstanding contribution to Telugu cinema in 1984.
• He was given the titles Janapada Kavi Sarvabhouma and Kaviratna.