Pithapuram Nageswara Rao

Patharlagadda Nageswara Rao (5 May 1930 – 5 March 1996), popularly known as Pithapuram Nageswara Rao, was an Indian playback singer known for his contributions to Telugu cinema, particularly in comedic songs. He gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s for his unique voice and his performances alongside Madhavapeddi Satyam, with whom he formed a renowned playback singing duo. Nageswara Rao was especially recognized for singing background songs for comedians, and his work left a lasting impression on Telugu film music. He also lent his voice to a few Kannada and Tamil films. His actual surname was Patharlagadda (పాతర్లగడ్డ), but since he hailed from Pithapuram, the name became popular in usage. His father was a talented stage actor, which inspired Nageswara Rao to develop an interest in acting and singing from a young age. Driven by a passion for cinema, Nageswara Rao left home and moved to Madras to pursue a career in film.

Career Nageswara Rao made his playback singing debut at the age of 16 in the film Mangala Sutram (1946) at the age of 16. He later sang in the classic film Chandralekha (1948), produced by Gemini Studios, which helped establish him as a playback singer in the industry. Over the years, he lent his voice to several notable films, including Mantra Dandam (1951) and Paradesi (1953), where he sang for the actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao. One of his most popular songs, "Prabhu Marala Palakavela," composed by Saluri Rajeswara Rao, became a major hit and solidified his position as a busy playback singer.

In Mayabazar (1957), Pithapuram Nageswara Rao initially recorded the song "Sundari Nee Vanti Divya Swaroopamu" for Relangi's character. However, the song was later re-recorded with Ghantasala's voice, which was used in the final film.

Throughout his career, Nageswara Rao sang thousands of songs across multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada. His second wave of success came through his collaboration with Madhavapeddi Satyam, where they performed numerous comedic songs together, both in films and live concerts. Some of his notable songs during this period include "Ayyayyo Jebulo Dabbulu Poyene" from Kula Gothralu (1962) and "Maa Oollo Oka Paduchundi" from Ave Kallu (1967), the latter being a duet with Ghantasala.

Pithapuram Nageswara Rao earned the affectionate title "Andhra Rafi" for his unique voice. He continued his career in films until the late 1970s, with his final song being in the 1978 film Bommarillu. As playback opportunities diminished over time, he gradually withdrew from the industry. Nageswara Rao died on 5 March 1996.

Filmography These are some of the important songs he has voiced:

Year Film Language Song Music director Co-singer 1950 Palletoori Pilla Telugu Vaddura Baboi P. Adinarayana Rao Chitapata Chinukulu Jikki 1950 Shavukaru Telugu 1951 Mayakkari Tamil Kanbeno Kanbeno P. Adinarayana Rao R. Balasaraswathi Devi Kaavinil Koovum Kogilam Thaano R. Balasaraswathi Devi Raajaa Koluvaai Vandhaar R. Balasaraswathi Devi1951 Mayalamari Telugu Ledemo Ledemo P. Adinarayana Rao R. Balasaraswathi Devi Koyila Koose R. Balasaraswathi Devi Raju Vedaale R. Balasaraswathi Devi Miyav Miyav K. Rani 1951 Patala Bhairavi Tamil Naan Maaten Neeyum Ghantasala T. G. Saraswathi 1951 Patala Bhairavi Telugu Ranante Rane Ranu Ghantasala T. G. Saraswathi1952 Daasi Telugu Jorse Chal Naa Raja C. R. Subburaman & S. Dakshinamurthi Maarajula P. Leela 1952 Kaadhal Tamil Madhichiyathile Kudiyirukkiradhu C. R. Subburaman A. P. Komala 1952 Kalyanam Panni Paar Tamil Kalyaanam Seidhu Kaattiduvom Ghantasala K. Rani Engu Sendraayo Priyaa P. Leela & K. Rani Azhuvaadhe Azhuvaadhe P. Leela & Udutha Sarojini Maalai Soodi Kondu Ghantasala 1952 Palletooru Telugu Ghantasala 1952 Pelli Chesi Choodu Telugu Pelli Chesi Choopisthaam Ghantasala Yekkadoyi Priya P. Leela 1952 Rajeshwari Telugu Ahaa Ee Lathaangi Prema K. V. Mahadevan 1953 Chandirani Telugu Swadesaniki Samajaaniki C. R. Subburaman A. P. Komala 1953 Paradesi Telugu Nenenduku Raavali P. Adinarayana Rao Jikki 1953 Pitchi Pullaiah Telugu Rarara T. V. Raju A. P. Komala 1954 Chandraharam Telugu Enchesthe Adhi Ghanakaryam Ghantasala 1954 Manohara Telugu Sandeham Ledu Sandeham Ledu S. V. Venkatraman S. V. Venkatraman Adadhanivena S. V. Venkatraman Rathi Manmatha S. V. Venkatraman 1954 Sangham Telugu Pelli Pelli R. Sudharsanam 1954 Todu Dongalu Telugu T. V. Raju 1955 Rojulu Marayi Telugu Ellipotundi Elli Master Venu 1955 Jayasimha Telugu Are Ni Sa Ga Ma Pa Lokam Mosam T. V. Raju Nadiyeti Painadachu 1955 Santosham Telugu Dhanamu Moolamura Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy Ghantasala 1956 Jayam Manade Telugu Veeragandham Pettinamaya Ghantasala Jikki1956 Sri Gauri Mahatyam Telugu Neevakkada Ogirala Ramachandra Rao & T. V. Raju Vallona Sikkindira Jikki1956 Uma Sundari Telugu Bhale Raju Vedale G. Aswathama Pooni Bandi Pooni Raave Raave Sinnadana Jeeva Thommidi Idhi Maya Sasaamtham Verri Mudiri Nammakuraa Ghantasala 1957 Dongallo Dora Telugu Undali Undali Nuvvu Nenu M. Subrahmanyam Raju 1957 Kutumba Gowravam Telugu Anandale Nindali Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy P. Leela & S. Janaki Padavoi Raithanna L. R. Eswari & Satyavathi 1957 Manamagan Thevai Tamil Vennilaa Jodhiyai Veesudhe G. Ramanathan P. Bhanumathi & Ghantasala 1957 Mayabazar Telugu Dayacheyandi S. Rajeswara Rao & Ghantasala Ghantasala, K. Rani & P. Susheela1957 Panduranga Mahatyam Telugu Chebithe Vintivaa Guru Guru T. V. Raju Madhavapeddi Satyam Ekkadoyi Muddula Bava Chandamama A. P. Komala Tholu Thitthi Idhi Madhavapeddi Satyam1957 Sankalpam Telugu Aaliki Magade Vashamayye S. Dakshinamurthi Thappudu Panulu S. Dakshinamurthi 1957 Sarangadhara Telugu Ghantasala 1957 Suvarna Sundari Telugu Eraa Manathoti Geliche Veerulevvaruraa P. Adinarayana Rao 1957 Varudu Kavali Telugu Andachandala O Jabili G. Ramanathan P. Bhanumathi & Ghantasala 1957 Veera Kankanam Telugu Hamsa Bhale Raam S. Dakshinamurthi Intikipothanu Swarnalatha Annam Thinna Intike 1957 Veguchukka Telugu Thempunnadi Vedha Ghantasala, P. B. Sreenivas & Madhavapeddi Satyam 1958 Aada Pettanam Telugu Om Namashivaya Master Venu & S. Rajeswara Rao P. Susheela 1958 Anna Thammudu Telugu Ayyo Paapam G. Aswatthama 1958 Atha Okinti Kodale Telugu Mayadaari Keesulaata Pendyala Nageswara Rao Swarnalatha Saira Saira Thimmannaa Jikki 1958 Badi Pantulu Telugu Neevu Nenu Jodu T. G. Lingappa Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi1959 Bala Nagamma Telugu Appudune Thippadandi Puli Mamgoru T. V. Raju Intiloni Pooru Inthintha 1958 Bhooloka Rambha Telugu Dandakaavani Seethayu C. N. Pandurangan Madhavapeddi Satyam, A. G. Rathnamala & K. Rani O Babu O Amma, Erragiri Vaasulam Madhavapeddi Satyam & K. Rani1958 Bommala Pelli Telugu Chitti Baava K. V. Mahadevan Swarnalatha Chikkave Chinadana 1958 Inti Guttu Telugu Mandu Kaani Mandu M. S. Prakash Manasaina Vaada Jikki 1958 Karthavarayuni Katha Telugu Kaluva Rekula G. Ramanathan & G. Aswathama Ghantasala, A. P. Komala & P. Leela 1958 School Master Kannada Naanu Neenu Jodi T. G. Lingappa Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi 1958 Raja Nandini Telugu Srigirilinga T. V. Raju 1959 Banda Ramudu Telugu Rakarakala Poolu S, Dakshinamurthi & N. D. V. Prasada Rao 1959 Jayabheri Telugu Unnaaraa Jodunnaaraa Pendyala Nageswara Rao P. Susheela, Ghantasala & Madhavapeddi Satyam 1959 Krishna Leelalu Telugu S. Dakshinamurthi 1959 Maa Inti Mahalakshmi Telugu Nuvvantene Naaku Moju 1959 Raja Malaya Simha Telugu Magamu Choosi Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy Madhavapeddi Satyam Chinnavaadaa O Vannetaadaa L. R. Eswari Katthi Kannaa S. Janaki1959 Rechukka Pagatichukka Telugu Pantham Patti T. V. Raju Aadu Pilla S. Janaki Bhala Bhale Devuda Madhavapeddi Satyam 1959 Sabhash Ramudu Telugu Hello Darling Maataadavaa Ghantasala K. Jamuna Rani 1959 Sipayi Kuthuru Telugu Mokkajonna Thotalo K. Rani1960 Annapurna Telugu Rathammo Rathammo Ramani Muddula Gumma S. Dakshinamurthi Swarnalatha Yentho Chakkani Challani Seema K. Jamuna Rani 1960 Kadeddulu Ekaram Nela Telugu Yugalu Marina C. M. Raju 1960 Sahasra Siracheda Apoorva Chinthamani Telugu K. V. Mahadevan 1960 Santhi Nivasam Telugu Chakkanidaana Ghantasala Swarnalatha 1960 Sri Venkateswara Mahatyam Telugu Chilako Chikkave Pendyala Nageswara Rao Swarnalatha 1960 Vimala Telugu Takkari Daana S. M. Subbaiah Naidu K. Jamuna Rani 1961 Intiki Deepam Illale Telugu Ammayigariki Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy L. R. Eswari 1961 Santha Telugu Attu Attu Ramesh Naidu Swarnalatha 1961 Taxi Ramudu Telugu Mamaiah Tirunaalaku T. V. Raju S. Janaki 1961 Usha Parinayam Telugu Ottesuko Ottesuko S. Hanumantha Rao K. Jamuna Rani 1961 Vagdanam Telugu Maa Kittaya Puttina Dinam Pendyala Nageshwara Rao S. Janaki & B. Vasantha 1961 Vijayanagarada Veeraputhra Kannada Maathina Malla Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy L. R. Eswari 1962 Aradhana Telugu Emantav Emantavoye Bava S. Rajeswara Rao Swarnalata 1962 Bhishma Telugu Namo Tyaga Charitha S. Rajeswara Rao 1962 Gaali Gopura Kannada Neene Kilaadi Hennu T. G. Lingappa K. Rani 1962 Gaali Medalu Telugu Tea Shopuloni Pilla T. G. Lingappa K. Rani 1962 Gulebakavali Katha Telugu Vinnava Tatvam Guruda Joseph & Vijaya Krishna Murthy1962 Kula Gotralu Telugu Nee Nallani Jadalo Poolu S. Rajeswara Rao K. Jamuna Rani Ayyayyo Chethilo Dabbulo Poyane Madhavapeddi Satyam 1962 Siri Sampadalu Telugu Kondammo Bangarapu Kondammo Master Venu S. Janaki 1962 Swarna Gowri Kannada Kannada Naadinaa M. Venkataraju 1963 Constable Koothuru Telugu Pudithenu Purusuduga R. Govardhanam L. R. Eswari1963 Lava Kusha Kannada Edhakku Ee Paariyaa Kopam Ghantasala A. P. Komala Vallenolli Maavaa Neena Magalani J. V. Raghavulu, Jikki & K. Rani 1963 Lava Kusha Telugu Yendhuke Naa Meedha Kopam Ghantasala A. P. Komala 1963 Nanda Deepa Kannada Ondu Goodide M. Venkataraju Jikki 1963 Savati Koduku Telugu C. Satyam 1964 Dagudu Moothalu Telugu Divvi Divvi Divvattam K. V. Mahadevan Swarnalatha1964 Desa Drohulu Telugu Oo Rangula Guvva S. Rajeswara Rao Chikkevule Dora S. Janaki 1964 Kalavari Kodalu Telugu Nee Sogase T. Chalapathi Rao Madhavapeddi Satyam 1964 Manchi Manishi Telugu Dopidi Dopidi Dopidi S. Rajeswara Rao & T. Chalapathi Rao Madhavapeddi Satyam 1964 Prathigne Telugu Naa Ninna Mohise S. Hanumantha Rao K. Jamuna Rani 1964 Server Sundaram Telugu Parabrahma Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy L. R. Eswari & Madhavapeddi Satyam1964 Sri Tirupatamma Katha Telugu Aadamule Natakam Pamarthi Jikki Chilakalanchu Cheeradana Jikki 1964 Veera Sankalpa Kannada Haadu Baa Kogile Rajan–Nagendra 1965 Aada Brathuku Telugu Kali Muvvalu Ghallumane Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy L. R. Eswari 1965 Antastulu Telugu Aa Devudu Manishiga K. V. Mahadevan Madhavapeddi Satyam1965 Naadi Aada Janme Telugu Kallallo Gantulu R. Sudarsanam P. Susheela Naa Mata Nammitivela 1965 Naga Pooja Kannada Kannada Naadinaa T. G. Lingappa 1965 Prameelarjuneeyam Telugu Cheppandi Chuddam Pendyala Nageswara Rao Madhavapeddi Satyam & Swarnalata 1965 Sri Simhachala Kshetra Mahima Telugu Oppula Kuppa Vayyari Bhama T. V. Raju Swarnalata 1965 Visala Hrudayalu Telugu Emantunnadi Ni Hrudayam T. V. Raju S. Janaki 1966 Aggi Barata Telugu Mallelamma Mallelu Vijaya Krishna Murthy Ghantasala & Swarnalatha 1966 Dr. Anand Telugu Thaluku Beluku Cheeradhana K. V. Mahadevan Swarnalatha 1966 Emme Thammanna Kannada Kaththarisu Kaththarisu T. G. Lingappa 1966 Leta Manasulu Telugu Hello Madam Satyabhama M. S. Viswanathan P. B. Sreenivas1966 Monagallaku Monagadu Telugu Chusanoi Neelanti Vedha L. R. Eswari Kannu Chedhiri Poyinadhoi L. R. Eswari 1966 Palnati Yudham Telugu S. Rajeswara Rao 1966 Paramanandayya Shishyula Katha Telugu Parama Gurudu Cheppinavadu Ghantasala J. V. Raghavulu, K. Chakravarthy, Bhadram & Krishna Murthy 1966 Potti Pleader Telugu Andamannadi Neelo Chudali S. P. Kodandapani S. Janaki & Madhavapeddi Satyam 1966 Rangula Ratnam Telugu Desa Bhaktulam Memandi S. Rajeswara Rao & B. Gopalam Madhavapeddi Satyam 1966 Sri Krishna Tulabharam Telugu Pendyala Nageswara Rao 1966 Shakuntala Telugu Paathaa Kaalam Naati Ghantasala Madhavapeddi Satyam & J. V. Raghavulu 1966 Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam Telugu T. V. Raju 1967 Anubhavichu Raja Anubhavinchu Telugu Madrasu Vinta Madrasu M. S. Viswanathan Andalucinde Jagatilo S. P. Balasubrahmanyam1967 Ave Kallu Telugu Chakkani Parku Vundhi Vedha L. R. Eswari Maa Oorlo Oka Paduchundhi Ghantasala1967 Bhakta Prahlada Telugu Hiranyakashipuni Divya Charithamu S. Rajeswara Rao Madhavapeddi Satyam Pamulollamayya L. R. Eswari1967 Chakra Theertha Kannada Hagalu Hariyithu T. G. Lingappa O Beli Leso 1967 Gopaludu Bhoopaludu Telugu Maradhala S. P. Kodandapani L. R. Eswari 1967 Kanchu Kota Telugu Bham Bham Bham K. V. Mahadevan K. Jamuna Rani 1967 Private Master Telugu Ekkadikellave Pilla K. V. Mahadevan P. Susheela 1967 Sri Krishnavataram Telugu T. V. Raju 1967 Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna Telugu Mangideelu Mangideelu S. P. Kodandapani P. Susheela 1967 Stree Janma Telugu Basandi Naditeeram Ghantasala L. R. Eswari 1968 Adda Dari Kannada Nanna Ninna Kannu Seridande Rajan–Nagendra 1968 Amma Kannada Raathriyali Malebandu T. G. Lingappa L. R. Eswari 1968 Baghdad Gaja Donga Telugu Mere Bulbul Pyaaree T. V. Raju L. R. Eswari1968 Bhagya Chakramu Telugu Rajakumari Pendyala Nageswara Rao Swarnalata Manaswamy Naamam Madhavapeddi Satyam1968 Bhale Kodallu Telugu Nene Vachanu M. S. Viswanathan L. R. Eswari Akkada Choosina L. R. Eswari 1968 Kalisochchina Adrishtam Telugu Ayyo Ayyo Thaapam T. V. Raju K. Jamuna Rani 1968 Kula Gowravam Telugu Kulam Kulam T. G. Lingappa L. R. Eswari 1968 Lakshmi Nivasam Telugu Soda Soda Andhra Soda K. V. Mahadevan 1968 Manchi Kutumbam Telugu Nera Nera Nerabandi S. P. Kodandapani 1968 Niluvu Dopidi Telugu Nee Bandaram Paina Pataaram K. V. Mahadevan L. R. Eswari Nene Dhanalakshmini Ghantasala & L. R. Eswari1968 Nindu Samsaram Telugu Joru Joruga Saanu Master Venu My Dear Thulasammakka 1968 Ramu Telugu Thaaraa Shashaankam R. Goverdhanam Madhavapeddi Satyam, L. R. Eswari & R. Tilakam1968 Thalli Prema Telugu Hello Hello Doragaru R. Sudarsanam L. R. Eswari Veedhi Natakam L. R. Eswari 1969 Aatmiyulu Telugu Empillo Tattara Bittaragunnavu S. Rajeswara Rao 1969 Bhale Mastaru Telugu Ye Daari Godari T. V. Raju L. R. Eswari 1969 Bhale Rangadu Telugu Abbabba Chali K. V. Mahadevan L. R. Eswari 1969 Buddhimantudu Telugu Allari Pedataru Pilla Allari Pedatare K. V. Mahadevan Swarnalata 1969 Gandikota Rahasyam Telugu Thagulukunte T. V. Raju L. R. Eswari 1969 Mooga Nomu Telugu Gonthu Vippi R. Govardhanam P. Susheela 1969 Kathanayakudu Telugu Ravela Dayaleda Baala Intiki Raaraada T. V. Raju Madhavapeddi Satyam 1969 Mathru Devata Telugu Ninnu Chuchithe K. V. Mahadevan Swarnalatha 1969 Natakala Rayudu Telugu Rayuda Na Rayuda Natakala Rayuda G. K. Venkatesh Pattu Panpuna fVennela P. Susheela Rathamu Siddhamu Nee P. Susheela 1969 Nindu Hrudayalu Telugu T. V. Raju 1969 Varakatnam Telugu Gilakala Mancham Undi T. V. Raju K. Jamuna Rani Malle Poola Panditlona K. Jamuna Rani 1969 Vichitra Kutumbam Telugu Erra Erranidana Burra Buggaladana T. V. Raju L. R. Eswari 1970 Chitti Chellelu Telugu S. Rajeswara Rao 1970 Jai Jawan Telugu S. Rajeswara Rao 1970 Kodalu Diddina Kapuram Telugu Om Sachidaananda Ee Sarvam Govinda T. V. Raju Madhavapeddi Satyam 1970 Mayani Mamata Telugu Oo Orori Chinnoda G. Aswattama L. R. Eswari 1970 Sambarala Rambabu Telugu Vinnaaraa Vinnaaraa V. Kumar P. Leela, K. Swarna, Madhavapeddi Satyam, K. Jamuna Rani & J. V. Raghavulu 1970 Sri Krishnadevaraya Kannada Baa Veera Kannadiga T. G. Lingappa 1971 Amaayakuraalu Telugu Chilakalanti Chinadana S. Rajeswara Rao B. Vasantha 1971 Dasara Bullodu Telugu O Mallayyagaari K. V. Mahadevan Ghantasala 1971 Iddaru Ammayilu Telugu Eppudu Eppudu K. V. Mahadevan P. Susheela 1971 Kula Gourava Kannada Naavikanaaro T. G. Lingappa 1971 Manasu Mangalyam Telugu Elaa Unnadhi Pendyala Nageswara Rao Swarnalata 1971 Mattilo Manikyam Telugu Vasthe Istha Naa C. Satyam L. R. Eswari 1971 Neerum Neruppum Tamil Virundho Nalla Virundhu M. S. Viswanathan K. Veeramani, Pattom Sadan, L. R. Eswari, T. A. Mothi & J. V. Raghavalu 1971 Pavitra Bandham Telugu Tantrala Bavayya S. Rajeswara Rao Swarnalatha 1971 Raitu Bidda Telugu S. Hanumantha Rao 1971 Sri Krishna Vijayamu Telugu Pendyala Nageswara Rao 1972 Sri Krishnanjaneya Yuddham Telugu Gopala Krishna Jayaho Balarama T. V. Raju P. Leela 1972 Sri Krishna Satya Telugu Kotukotandira Pendyala Nageswara Rao 1973 Dabbuki Lokam Dasoham Telugu Chepalani Vunadi K. V. Mahadevan L. R. Eswari Dabbuku Lokam Daasoham Madhavapeddi Satyam, Mohan Raju, P. Benerjee 1974 Ammayi Pelli Telugu Gudu Gudu Chedugudu P. Bhanumathi & C. Satyam Madhavapeddi Satyam 1974 Bangaaru Kalalu Telugu Taanagandira S. Rajeswara Rao Madhavapeddi Satyam 1975 Balipeetam Telugu Yesukundam Buddoda Yesukundamu K. Chakravarthy Madhavapeddi Satyam 1976 Mahakavi Kshetrayya Telugu Sri Manmahodeva P. Adinarayana Rao P. Susheela & Anand 1978 Bommarillu Telugu Challani Ramayya Chakkani Seetamma 1991 Rowdy Gaari Pellam Telugu Aakundaa Vakkistaa Bappi Lahiri K. Jamuna Rani