Dr. Acharya Aatreya Playwright, lyric, story writer in Telugu

Kilambi Venkata Narasimhacharyulu (7 May 1921 – 13 September 1989) was a versatile playwright, lyric writer and story writer in Telugu Cinema.

Dr. Acharya Aatreya was born as Kilambi Venkata Narasimhacharyulu on 7 May 1921 in the Mangalampadu village of Sullurpeta Mandalam in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. His pen name is based on their family Gothra.

Dr. Acharya Aatreya made enormous contributions to the Telugu drama (‘Rangastalam’) and has pioneered many techniques, which were later followed by many. He revolutionized the Telugu drama with his thought provoking play ‘N.G.O’ (Non-gazetted officer). He continued his pursuit for social reform, transformation and universal peace, with his 10 Natakams (plays) and 15 Natikas, which include Bhayam (Fear, till date, this is fantastic psycho analysis of human being), Viswa Shanti (Universal Peace, an aftermath to 2nd World War, atomic bombs), Kappalu (Frogs), Goutama Buddha, Ashoka Samrat, Parivartanam, Edureeta and Tirupathi. Some of his works are missing and not found till date.

He entered the realm of films as a lyricist for the movie Deeksha in 1950. His debut song Poraa Baabu Po is tuned by Pendyala Nageswara Rao and sung by M. S. Rama Rao. Samsaram, in 1950, was Athreya’s first film script. Athreya also produced and directed the film Vagdanam in 1961. As his songs are full of simple and clear words, they became some of the most memorable Telugu film songs. He died on 13 September 1989 in Madras.

He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University of Hyderabad, for his contributions to Telugu Literature.

Attributes
Known for his poetry on the human soul and heart, he was given the title ‘Manasu Kavi'(Poet of Heart). His poetry is philosophical and intellectually satisfying. Such can be seen in Aathreya’s lyrics has they made people weep due to the deep meaning in his lyrics. He was thus sought after as a lyricist. However, he was known for the delay in penning lyrics and thus, throwing filming schedules haywire and causing heart burn to producers so to speak. A critic remarked the former in Telugu “Aathreya vrasi janaalani yedipisthaadu, vraayaka nirmaathalani yedipisthaadu” which meant “By writing, he makes people weep; by not writing, he makes producers weep…”.[citation needed] Aathreya’s song Theta theta Telugula tellavari velugula Terula Selayerula from the movie Prem Nagar is very popular in Andhra Pradesh.

Quotes
Anthaa mattee nani telusu, adhii oka maayenani telusu, telisi valachi vilapinchutalo teeyadanam yevariki telusu?
* It’s known that all is dust (in the end); it’s known that even that (the dust) is an illusion; but knowing, yet falling in love and then crying over it — does anyone know that pleasure?
Oohala uyyalave manasaaa mayala dayyanive
* O Mind, you are a swing of imaginations, a devil of illusions
manasunna manishiki sukhamu ledanthe
* A man with a heart can have no comfort
Yekkada unna yemaina, yevariki vaarai veraina
nee sukhame ne korukunna, ninu veedi anduke velutunna
* Wherever you are and whatever happen to you, when we separate on our own; I pray always for your well being, I am leaving you so.
Anukunnamani jaragavu anni, Anukoledani aagavu konni,
jarigevanni manchikani anukovadame manishi pani
* Things don’t happen just because we wish them to; and some things don’t stop just because we did not expect them; But man has to assume that whatever happens, happens for good.
Valachuta telisina naa manasunaku, marachuta maatramu teliyanida,
Manasicchinade nijamaite, manninchutaye rujuvu kada
* When my heart knows loving, does not it know forgetting!!! If loving you is true, then forgiving is it’s proof na!!! Nee kalale kammaga pandani, naa talape neelo vaadani
kalakaalamu challaga undaalani, deevistunna naa devini
* May your dreams come true!!! May your thoughts about me fade away!!! May you live happy forever!!! blessing you my dear( or lover)
Manasu moogade gani bhashunnadi daniki chevulunde manasuke vinipistunda adi?

Heart is dumb, but it does have a language, is there a heart with ears listening to it?
Aahreya rayakunda nirmatalani raasi prekshakulanu yedipistadu
*Athreya makes the producers cry by not writing a song and makes the audience the same by writing the song.

Filmography
These are some of the memorable Songs penned by him for Telugu films