Tapi Chanakya (1925-73)

Telugu director born in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh. Son of scenarist/lyricist Tapi Dharma Rao. Early interests in Telugu theatre. Was aradio telegraphist, also in the Army. Assistant in the sound department at Shobhanachala Studios, Madras (1947). Début at the Sarathi Studios where his first film, Anta Manavalle, was a hit. His next one, Rojulu Marayi, was even bigger. It had an anti-feudal ruralist theme, Waheeda Rehman’s screen début as a dancer and a score that was widely imitated in 50s Telugu film music. Later worked at Vijaya Studios and also in Tamil (the MGR hit Enga Veetu Pillai), Hindi (e.g. Ram Aur Shyam). His Bangaru Talli was a Telugu remake of Mother India (1957) starring Jaggaiah, Jamuna (in Nargis’ role) and Shobhan Babu.

Filmography: 1954; Anta Manavalle; 1955: Rojulu Marayi/Kalam? Maripochu; 1957: Peddarikalu; 1958: Ettuku Pai Ettu; 1959: Bhagya Devatha/Bhagya? Devathai; Kalisivunte Kaladu Sukham; 1960: Kumkumarekha; Jalsarayudu; Pudhiya Pathai; 1962: Constable Koothuru; 1964: Varasatwam; Ramudu Bheemudu; 1965: CID; Enga Veetu Pillai; Enga Veetu Penn; 1966: Adugu Jadalu; Naan Anaittal; 1967: Ram Aur Shyam; 1968: Oli Vilakku; Pudhiya Bhoomi; 1969: Madhavi; 1970: Vidhi Vilasam; 1971: Bangaru Talli; Man Mandir; Bikhare Moti; 1972: Jaanwar Aur Insaan; Bandhipotu Bhayankara; Manavata; Subah-o-Shyam; 1973: Ganga Manga.

Director