Naagavali Nunchi Manjeera Varaku, authored by actor, writer and dramatist Ravi Kondala Rao stands for high values and reflects the humility of the writer who is able to laugh at himself, Director of Centre for Policy Studies and former Rector of Andhra University A. Prasanna Kumar said.
Though it was an autobiography, Mr. Ravi Kondala Rao had nowhere mentioned it and it was more about others and a journey. The book conveyed that cinema represented a culture in those days. Also, it was a wealth of information. The book also explained that cinema was not entertainment but a vehicle for dissemination of ideas and culture.
Ravi Kondala Rao was also an extraordinary journalist having edited Vijayachitra for 36 years, making it one of the best read magazines all through these years, Prof. Prasanna Kumar said.
The book was dotted with many anecdotes and showed Ravi Kondala Rao’s contentment in life when he did not long for luxuries and poignant moments like the passing away of his wife when he was on his way to Emirates to receive an award.
Ravi Kondala Rao recalled an incident in his early life. His father was an orthodox and a disciplinarian and was a terror. The young Kondala Rao managed to act in dramas without the knowledge of his father and while he was playing the role of a female in a drama, his father happened to watch it and was impressed by the action of the “female” actor. When some one told him that it was his son, Kondala Rao’s father climbed up the stage and punished his son and pulled away his wig and saree.
The actor also revealed that his original name was Kondala Rayudu, named after his grandfather but became a Rao (Raavu, meaning does not know) since he could not write (Rayadu).
Vice-Chairman of VUDA T. Baburao Naidu released the book and appreciated the simple and contended life style of Ravi Kondala Rao .
Actor and disciple of Ravi Kondala Rao, Krishnaveni introduced the book. Dusi Dharma Rao presided.
Ravi Kondala Rao during his reply quoted Gurajada who said that the Telugu writers had to write, publish and sell books on their own.
MD of Vijayanirman company S. Vijayakumar, retired IES officer C.S. Rao, writers Dwibhashyam Rajeswara Rao and Jagaddhatri and M. Rajiv who sponsored the programme, spoke.
