‘Swarabhishekam to NTR’ in Atlanta 
A Fitting Birthday Tribute to the Legend!

In a very unique way of paying a tribute to ‘Anna Garu’, the one and only legendary figure Nataratna, Nata Sarvabhowma Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, on the occasion of his 96th Birthday, Atlanta’s well-known Singer Ram Durvasula and team have organized ‘Swarabhishekam to NTR’, a three-hour non-stop concert by singing hits from the movies NTR played for over a century. The event was held at Sexton Hall Cumming (Atlanta) on Sunday, June 3. 2018.
 

Not in the recent years, Atlanta music lovers have witnessed such a crisp, well-planned and well-organized event. From the selection of songs to line up the whole programme was steered with ease by the MC Neelima Gaddamanugu with her unique style and relevant narration she collected from the archives. All the singers have given their extreme best. The hardcore NTR fans have truly enjoyed every song and responded with applause and of course whistles for a few peppy numbers.

The event started precisely on time as announced at 3 pm with lighting of the lamp by Sri Subramanyam Durvasula Garu while the invocation song was presented by Rajyalaxmi Vudathu Garu, a Senior Citizen and member of Maitri along with Shilpa Uppuluri.

As many as 30 songs were presented by Ram Durvasula, Bhanusri Vavilakolanu, Venkat Chennubhotla, Phani Dokka, Shanti Medicherla, Lakshmi Vedala, Usha Mocherla, Srivalli Sridhar, Harini Yanamandala, Sireesha Durvasula, Shilpa Uppuluri, Neelima Gaddamanugu and Meghana Potukuchi. Most of them were duets of NTR with various heroines like B. Saroja Devi, Anjali Devi, Krishna Kumari, Jamuna, Savitri, etc. Information about these songs was displayed on the screen while the MC was announcing the song and the actual videos were played when the songs were presented. This was really unique the audience were able to connect the song with the movie. A real refresher indeed!

Another unique presentation was few poems (padyalu) presented by Ram Durvasula and Shanti Medicherla from Lava Kusha and other movies. This item received a great applause on and off stage. Both have recited the poems with accuracy and true devotion.

Jonnavithula, the well-know lyricist, poet and writer, was invited as chief guest to grace the occasion. While speaking he said he was a great fan of NTR and used to watch his movies on the very first day with excitement. Jonnavithula Garu has recited a few poems and talked about the greatness of NTR as an actor and as an Administrator. Many other prominent community persons attended the event as well.

Towards the end of the event, the fans of NTR have gathered and cut a cake to celebrate NTR’s Birthday.

Ram Durvasula while recognizing the singers, sponsors and volunteers has talked about each person and they played a very important in his life as an artist. Jonnavithula, the Guest of Honor, was recognized with a Plaque and a Shawl. He in turn presented mementoes to the Singers, Sponsors and Volunteers.

The event was sponsored by ‘Maitri’, an organization for the Visiting Parents and Seniors, Centillion Networks, ‘Telugu Samskruthi’ , Butterfly Designs and NTR Trust. Audio by Jogy from Divinity AV while photography was handled by G.V. Rao. Videos projection was handled by Video - Radhakanth Swayampakula. Media Coverage by Ravi Ponangi.

Viju Chiluveru, also a co-organizer of the event, extended his support with graphic designing and backend support. Sri Krishna Vilas has provided refreshments. Neelima Gaddamanugu, another co-organizer, took care of decoration, song line up, recognition and publicity.

The organizers have announced that they will present a Swarabhishekam to Ilayaraja sometime during December this year (2018).