Gummadi, a Perfectionist in Character Plays!

   - Sri Sathavahana

He recited all the colours of life in the scenes he performed. He is not there, but only the character is seen from the first shot to the last shot. Every role he played is carefully preserved in the minds of the audiences, forever. That was the impact he had created as one of the very few most talented performers in the Telugu cinema industry.

It is a big brother, an uncle, a father, a villain, and goes on the list of roles. Perfectly, it is the character that is recognised more than the performer until the time the spectator is sitting in the movie house. Later, it will be remembered with his name…

Gummadi, in short for Gummadi Venkateshwara Rao. If acting is the main course of any university, Gummadi can be termed as vice-chancellor for that university. Gummadi was the master of perfection is his trade, character acting.

For Telugu cinema industry, the period from 1950 to 1975 was a golden period. Gummadi was fortunate enough, in fact transforming us, the audience lucky enough to have a such a nice gentle man on the screen. Gummadi forayed on to the screen with a bang from a movie titled ‘Adrushta Deepudu’. It was a beginning, and he never turned around and away from the industry as the movie gave him the right and perfect turn paving him a concrete road to laurels.

Gummadi was also recognised as a gentle man and kind hearted in personal life too, which is not so common among the ‘star’ studded crown bearers.

Let us take some important chapters from the life of Gummadi, the greatest ever character actor from his autobiography:

"During the initial days of my attempts for a chance in the cinema industry, I took accommodation in Modern Café. Staying there, I was continuously meeting producers and directors seeking a chance. There was no problem for pulling on my days, as I belonged to a rich family. I was receiving some packet from home to push my expenses comfortably.

Money was continuously coming from home I was continuously spending. Days were passing on and there was no opportunity to perform on the screen any where in the sight. I was losing confidence and close to depression. Still, I made up my mind to try for some more days and they too passed by without notice. I was practically ashamed to write home to send money for my expenses and stopped writing for money.

People there thought I am comfortable here on economical grounds and stopped sending any. Few more days went off and all the balance in the pocket melted. I was worried not knowing what to do. Even the hotel manage advised me, "it seems you may not get any chance now. It is too long for getting an opportunity friend. Take my advice and go home. It is better to go home and plough the fields instead of wasting money and time here for the opportunities that are invisible."

Though I was determined to do something in the industry, how long can I continue when I was not even called for any chance? I was in confusion and dilemma. What ever be it, for running the expenses and paying the hotel bills I need money. I have to manage even by taken hand loans, if the money is not coming from home.

My family and I knew late Gopi Chand as well. I thought for a moment to go to Gopi Chand and seek some financial assistance. Again, I was confused he will give me some money, but how to ask. Would I lose my relation with him by asking some money, what would be his impression if I do so? Many questions struck me. However, the need was so and I straight walked to Gopi Chand and asked him for a sum of Rs 50/- promising him to repay on my return from home. Those days Gopi Chand was staying in Mambalam.

Taking note of my situation and with mercy Gopi Chand gave me Rs 50/-. From there I had to take a bus with route number 13 to reach the hotel on Royapeta high road. Purchasing the bus ticket from Mambalam to Royapeta high road, I put all the change in my pocket. I remember the fare to be either Beda or Half Anna. I was in my own thinking and hurriedly got down when the bus reached the stage where I should get down.

When I checked my pocket, I could find only the bus ticket and everything else was gone. My pocket was picked. It was the first ever time I lost some money from my pocket. I do not have to write any of my feelings or plights I faced then, every one can easily understand them."

Profile

Born: On July 9, 1927 in Ravikampadu village, Tenali Taluq of Guntur district.

Education: Up to school final (SSLC) in Kolluru High School, then at Hindu College.

Firsts: role-play: For school anniversary celebrations with the inspiration of Telugu teacher Jasti Sri Ramulu Choudhary, while studying fourth standard.

Prize: for a role of poor and aged farmer.

Cinema role: in Adrushta Deepudu, produced by late D L Narayana under Tamil Nadu Talkies banner.

At college: Performed in one or two stage plays. Was active in Students’ Federation activities. Left college dropping out of graduation course with some political interactions.

Push from villagers: Gummadi experienced a nice turn for acting in Veerabhimanyu play with the encouragement given by the villagers. He played, as Duryodhana in the play was fortunate to share the stage with eminent actors of those days Madhavapeddi Venkatraamaiah.

Attempting for cinema entry: Gummadi made his ventures to enter the industry with the help extended by Vattikuti Rama Koteshwara Rao.

Roles that gave initial support: Gummadi performed in Perantalu, Priyuralu through Gopi Chand and in Pratignya of H M Reddy. Later with the relation developed with Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, Gummadi got opportunities in Pichi Pullaiah and Thodu Dongalu. He played prominent roles in those movies that were produced under the N A T banner.

While playing for P Pullaiah’s ‘Ardhangi’ he had the opportunity to act and make friendship with Jaggaiah and Savithri. This was continued with the role of Vishwa Mithra in Harischandra movie and association of all time great star S V Ranga Rao. From the movie, ‘Maa Inti Maha Lakshmi’ the first film produced by Sarathi Studios Gummadi had never turned back.

Personal Life

Gummadi was the first president for the Telugu Cine Artistes Association. During his tenure, he founded a trust for poor artistes in the name and style of ‘Kalakarula kosam’. Through this trust with the state’s aid he instituted a fund for extending financial assistance to poor artistes.

With the commitment to do something to the hometown, he constructed an open-air auditorium in the school he studies and a library building for the town. He was one among the prime personalities, who worked and dreamt for Bhagyanagar film industry flourishment.

Tours Abroad

He represented Telugu cinema industry for the San-Sebastian International Film Festival at Spain in 1960.

Toured European countries with a film ‘Nammina Bantu’.

Visited Russia in 1966 for Indian Film Festival along with a delegation and toured major towns in Russia. Padandi Munduku was the Telugu film nominated for the festival.

In 1970, he visited Japan for Expo-70. During this visit he also went to Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

Participated in the Telugu Film Festival organised by Mana Telugu Cultural Association in America in 1973 and visited major cities of America.

Member Delegate for South Indian Film Festival at Mauritius in 1981.

Participated in Second International Telugu Meetings and Film Delegations at Kaulalumpur.

Took part in Tashkent Film Festival in 1982.

The following are the films in which Gummadi featured

--Translated by SVL Narasimha Swamy