S. Rajeswara Rao

Saluri Rajeswara Rao (11 October 1922 – 25 October 1999) was an Indian composer, multi-instrumentalist, singer, and music producer, known for his work in Telugu cinema. Rajeswara Rao is noted for integrating Indian classical music into Telugu cinema for over five decades. His innovative compositions and mastery of classical and folk music earned him widespread recognition.

Early life Rajeswara Rao was born in 1922 in the village of Sivaramapuram near Salur in Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh. His father, Sanyasi Raju, was a mrudangam player in the troupe of the renowned violinist, Dwaram Venkataswamy Naidu. Rajeswara Rao was recognized as a child prodigy and began performing on stage at the age of four. Under his father's guidance, he trained with Venkataswamy Naidu in tabla and harmonium. Commemorative postage stamp issued by India Post in 2018 in his honour