Rao Balasaraswathi Devi, recognized as the pioneering playback singer of Telugu cinema, has passed away at the age of 97. She died peacefully at her residence in Hyderabad.
Her passing represents a profound loss for South Indian cinema. Devi was a foundational figure whose vocal talents significantly shaped the regional film industry for many years.
Born in Venkatagiri, Andhra Pradesh, in 1928, Devi showed musical promise early in life. She received formal music education from a young age. At just six years old, she recorded her first solo gramophone records.
Devi also embarked on an acting career as a child artist. She sang in the 1936 films “Sati Anasuya” and “Bhakta Dhruva,” both directed by C. Pullayya.
Her career spanned from the 1930s to the 1960s, during which she was active in both Telugu and Tamil cinema. She also appeared in several Tamil-language films as an actress.
Her distinct voice established a crucial precedent for playback singing in Telugu cinema. Her rich catalog of songs continues to be enjoyed by music lovers across generations.
In her later life, following the death of her husband, she lived with her son in Secunderabad. More recently, she had resided with her grandson.