The death of noted artist, painter, illustrator and cartoonist has been condoled by a cross section of people. They described the death as a loss not only to Telugus and Andhra but also to India.
In his condolence message, Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao said that Bapu’s death was a ‘great loss to the film industry’.
Former Head of Andhra University Department of Theatre Arts Abburi Gopalakrishna: Bapu evolved an art style suitable to Telugus. Before that, artists were trained in Indian style (Bengal) and before that they used to follow Victorian-style.
‘He revolutionised Telugu art and now all artists are following him. He is the ‘father of this style of painting’. His film works were also based on his illustrations and they were unique in their own way.’ Former Head of AU Department of Telugu and president of Visakha Sahiti K. Malayavasini: Bapu’s art works portrayed the popular thinking of how a traditionally Telugu girl should be attired. All his pictures of ‘Teluginti aada paduchu’ depicted girls with ‘jadagantalu’. He was very fond of Lord Rama and any book, he presented had to invariable bear ‘Ramudi bomma’ (picture or illustration of Lord Rama).
He had drawn illustrations of the entire ‘Ramayanamu’ and had depicted Lord Hanuman in innumerable forms.
Chintakindi Srinivasa Rao, writer and senior journalist: Bapu’s illustrations brought new life to Indian art. His handwriting was his boon and it brought respect to Telugu script with the introduction of ‘Bapu font’ in computers. The films directed by him like ‘Sampoorna Ramayanamu’ and ‘Sri Rama Rajyam’ are a reflection of the prowess of Telugus.
‘He had drawn illustrations for the books written by a number of poets and writers. His contribution to literature along with noted writer Mullapudi Venkata Ramana was unparalleled. Bapu’s death is great loss to the nation.’
