Vennelakanti

Vennelakanti Rajeswara Prasad (30 November 1957 – 5 January 2021), known mononymously by his surname Vennelakanti, was an Indian lyricist and writer known for his work in Telugu cinema. He wrote over 2000 film songs, and was awarded Andhra Pradesh State Nandi Award for Best Lyricist in 2000.

Career Vennelakanti was inclined towards Harikathas, and began writing from a young age. Initially, he worked as a banker and wrote his first film song for Krishnam Raju-starrer Sriramachandrudu.

He was also known for his works as dubbing script writer and contributing lyrics for Tamil films, dubbed into Telugu language.

Personal life His son, Shashank Vennelakanti, is a dialogue writer avunu. Another son, Rakendu Mouli, is a lyricist, singer, dialogue writer and actor who works in Telugu cinema.

Filmography Lyricist 1987: Vijetha Vikram 1987: Marana Homam 1988: Murali Krishnudu 1988: Vivaha Bhojanambu 1988: Varasudochhadu 1988: Muddula Mavayya 1989: Chettu Kinda Pleader 1990: Muddula Menalludu 1990: Kondaveeti Rowdy 1991: Aditya 369 1991: Jaitra Yatra 1991: Pichi Pullayya 1991: Teneteega 1991: Kshana Kshanam 1991: Prema Thapassu 1992: Sahasam 1992: Swathi Kiranam 1993: One By Two 1993: Abbayigaru 1993: Varasudu 1994: Allari Premikudu 1994: Gharana Alludu 1994: Mayadari Mosagadu 1994: Theerpu 1994: Palnati Pourusham 1994: Hello Brother 1995: Tapassu 1995: Gharana Bullodu 1995: Aasthi Mooredu Aasa Baredu 1995: Maatho Pettukoku 1995: Criminal 1996: Sri Krishnarjuna Vijayam 1996: Sahasa Veerudu Sagara Kanya 1996: Om Ganapathi (Dubbed Version of Tamil film Vetri Vinayagar) 1997: Surya Putrulu 1997: Rowdy Mogudu Gharana Pellam (Dubbed Version of Tamil film Maaman Magan) 1998: Hrudayanjali (Dubbed Version of Tamil film May Maadham) 1999: Samarasimha Reddy 1999: Seenu 1999: Premanuragam (Dubbed Version of Hindi film Hum Saath-Saath Hain) 2001: Narasimha Naidu 2001: Bhalevadivi Basu 2001: Cheppalani Vundhi 2002: Takkari Donga 2003: Palnati Brahmanayudu 2006: Pellaina Kothalo 2007: Bhayya (dubbed version of Tamil film Malaikottai) 2009: Mitrudu 2010: Awara 2011: Vastadu Naa Raju 2011: Raaj 2020: Penguin (dubbed version of Tamil film of same name)

Dialogue writer Premanuragam (1999) (Dubbed Version of Hindi film Hum Saath-Saath Hain) Panchatantram (2002) (dubbed version of Tamil film of same name) Magic Magic 3D (2003) (dubbed version of Tamil film of same name) Prema Chadarangam (2004) (dubbed version of Tamil film Chellamae) Monalisa (2004) (dubbed version of Kannada film of same name) Pothuraju (2004) (dubbed version of Tamil film Virumaandi) Mumbai Xpress (2005) (dubbed version of Tamil film of same name) Dasavathaaram (2008) (dubbed version of Tamil film of same name) Saroja (2008) (dubbed version of Tamil film of same name) Aakasamantha (2009) (dubbed version of Tamil film Abhiyum Naanum) Manmadha Baanam (2010) (dubbed version of Tamil film Manmadhan Ambu) Prema Khaidi (2011) (dubbed version of Tamil film Mynaa)

Personal life and death His elder son Shashank Vennelakanti works as dialogue writer for dubbed films. His younger son, Rakendu Mouli, also started his career as a lyricist and singer for several dubbing films. His first 'direct' film was Andala Rakshasi, in which he wrote two songs and rendered his voice for one. He made his debut as a lead actor with Moodu Mukkallo Cheppalante.

He died on 5 January 2021, in Chennai after suffering from cardiac arrest.