Atlanta, GA, July 9, 2018: In a unique tribute to the legendary Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), on the occasion of his 96th Birthday, Atlanta’s well-known Singer Ram Durvasula and team organized ‘Swarabhishekam to NTR’, a three-hour non-stop concert of his hits. The event was held at Sexton Hall Cumming (Atlanta) on Sunday, June 3.
It was a crisp, well-planned and well-organized event. From the selection of songs to their lineup, the whole program was steered with ease by the emcee Neelima Gaddamanugu in her unique style and relevant narration. The singers gave their best, and hardcore NTR fans responded to every song with applause, and with whistles for the peppy numbers.
The event started with the lighting of the lamp by Sri Subramanyam Durvasula while the invocation song was presented by Rajyalaxmi Vudathu, a senior citizen and member of Maitri along with Shilpa Uppuluri.
As many as 30 songs were presented by Ram Durvasula, Bhanusri Vavilakolanu, Venkat Chennubhotla, Phani Dokka, Shanti Medicherla, Lakshmi Vedala, Usha Mocherla, Srivalli Sridhar, Harini Yanamandala, Sireesha Durvasula, Shilpa Uppuluri, Neelima Gaddamanugu and Meghana Potukuchi. Most of them were duets of NTR with various heroines like B. Saroja Devi, Anjali Devi, Krishna Kumari, Jamuna, Savitri, etc. Information about these songs was displayed on the screen while the emcee was announcing the song and the actual videos were played when the songs were presented. This was really unique as those in the audience were able to connect the song with the movie.
Another unique presentation was a few poems (padyalu) presented with great devotion by Ram Durvasula and Shanti Medicherla from Lava Kusha and other movies. This segment received great applause on and off the stage.
Jonnavithula, the well-know lyricist, poet and writer, was invited as chief guest to grace the occasion. In his address, Jonnavithula said he was a great fan of NTR and used to watch his movies on the very first day with excitement. Jonnavithula Garu has recited a few poems and talked about the greatness of NTR as an actor and as an administrator. Many other prominent community persons attended the event as well.
Towards the end of the event, the fans of NTR gathered and cut a cake to celebrate the legend’s birthday.
Ram Durvasula, while recognizing the singers, sponsors and volunteers talked about each person and their importance in his life as an artist. Jonnavithula was recognized with a plaque and a shawl. He in turn presented mementoes to the singers, sponsors and volunteers.
The event was sponsored by ‘Maitri’, an organization for visiting parents and seniors, Centillion Networks, ‘Telugu Samskruthi’ , Butterfly Designs and NTR Trust. Audio by Jogy from Divinity AV while photography was handled by G.V. Rao. Video projection was handled by Video – Radhakanth Swayampakula. Media coverage by Ravi Ponangi.
Viju Chiluveru, also a co-organizer of the event, helped with graphic designing and backend support. Sri Krishna Vilas provided refreshments. Neelima Gaddamanugu, another co-organizer, took care of decoration, song line up, recognition and publicity.
The organizers announced that they will present a Swarabhishekam to Ilayaraja sometime in December this year.
