Relangi; First Generation's Best Comedian

First Telugu cinema, 'Bhaktha Prahlada' was released in the year, 1932. Three years later, in the year 1935, the debut film of tollywood's  first number one comedy artist, Relangi's 'Srikrishna Tulabharam' was released. Relangi was mostly known for his terrific comic timing and hilarious characters in his movies. He was the best comedian in the golden era of tollywood. Though Relangi Venkatramaiah was born at Ravulapalem village of East Godavari, he was grown up in Kakinada, the head quarters of East Godavari. He was the member of Young Men's Happy Club of Kakinada then.

Some of the songs which were shot on Relangi were great hits and they are, " KASEEKI POYANU RAMA HAREE"( APPUCHESIPAPPUKOODU), SARADA SARADA SIGARETTOO"( RAMUDU BHEEMUDU), "BHALE CHANCE LE"( ILLARIKAM) etc. Relangi, himself, sang some songs and they are, " VINAVE BAALA NAA PREMA GOLAA"( PATHALABHAIRAVI), "DHARMAM CHEY BAABU( MISSAMMA etc. Relangi was last seen in 'Ganga-Manga' which was released in 1973. Relangi was honoured with Padmasri Award by the Government of India in 1970. He breathed his last on November 26, 1975 at the age of 65 in Tadepalligudem.

Today is the 104th birth anniversary of Relangi. Cinejosh pays respects to this great artist.