A simple thought about him projects his unparallel ability to live the cast that he is given. He cast a spell on the screen for over two and a half decades making his own creative empire. Unfurling many a new dimensions to the field, he was like an uncrowned king and was a mobile encyclopaedia. Perfection was synonym whenever he took up a role. Hero, villain, supporting character, you name it, he portrayed it live on the silver screen with glittering performances.

The mark of respect to him was and is so huge that many characters played by the generation after him recall the all time great man provoking the audiences to project him in the role and predict the justice he would have done to the role.

Vishwa Nata Chakravarthi, the title awarded by the audience in it self exemplarily explains the command of SVR in enlivening the characters he played. Every Telugu person definitely with pride and proud say, 'Yes! SVR is our man'.

Ghatotkacha, Harischandra, Ravanasura, Dhuryodhana, Narakasura, Keechaka, Hiranya Kasipa, Kotaiah, Kathula Rathaiah, an elder brother, a father, a friend, a foe and the list goes on and on… Almost every real life character could be seen in him once he comes on to the screen with his role. Every role suits him and he suits to every role is the opinion of the audiences.

Samarla Venkata Ranga Rao is close to the hearts of art lovers as SVR. He was born to the blessed couple Samarla Koteswara Naidu and Narasayamma at Nuzividu of Krishna district on July 3, 1918. SVR, eldest of the four male and eight female children of his father earned his family the name that would never loose its shine.

Father Koteswara Naidu was an excise inspector and grandfather Dr Kotaiah Naidu a renowned kind hearted surgeon. Dr Kotaiah Naidu’s medical services to the needy and poor in addition to his surgical expertise made Nuzividu Hospital one of the most reputed hospitals in the state during those days. SVR’s maternal uncle Badeti Venkata Ramaiah was a patriot and politician of the pre-independence period.

SVR and his stage debut:

At the age of 14, SVR played the first role of his life while he was a student in the Madras Hindu High School. The stage shows were as part of the annual celebrations for the school. SVR was given a small role of Sorcerer's disciple. Though the role was of a short duration, with the performance and excellent dialogue delivery style SVR received the appreciation of schoolmates and teachers.

That was the birth of the artiste in him. From then on, on a regular basis he used to watch plays of Govinda Rajula Subba Rao, Ballari Raghava and other famous artistes, to grasp the techniques and styles of acting. On par with the distinctions achieved in academics, SVR used to rank top in performing arts as a student.

He took the job of a fire officer after completing his studies. Very shortly he realised, that was not his field and resigned the job only to dedicate to the field of art and theatre.

SVR enters the glittering world:

By the time, SVR received the first offer from the magic media, cinema, he was famous as a stage artiste and was termed as a mature actor. B V Ramanandam a relative of SVR offered him lead role as 'Pravarakhya' in his own film 'Varudhini' in the year 1946. With this film SVR forayed into the cinema arena as a hero. Mrs Dasari Thilakam played the title role Varudhini. Her daughter Girija is a popular comedian, character and supporting actress.

Despite the excellent performance of SVR, the film could not register good commercial results at the box office. As usual to the sentiments of the industry, with the failure of the first movie no one dared to extend any cast to SVR for some time. During this time SVR left the industry frustrated and joined one of the Tata organisations in Jemshedpur as a Budget Assistant. In 1947 SVR married his maternal uncle Badeti Venkata Ramaiah’s daughter Leelavathi.

Even in Jemshedpur, SVR continued to quench his thirst for performing at theatre by joining a stage association. The cinema industry, which did not receive him properly in his maiden attempt, sent another invitation to SVR through B A Subba Rao, a successful producer and director. Rao extended an invitation to SVR to play the role of villain in his film Palleturi Pilla. Again, the luck was not in his favour. By the time SVR resigned his job with Tata’s and reached Madras, the character was out of his hands. SVR had to settle for a small role in the same movie where he was to play the villain role. Gradually he played mean roles in Mana Desam, Thirugubaatu and other films.

The real turn came from 'Shahukaru' produced by L V Prasad. In this movie, SVR characterised 'Sunnapu Rangadu' was widely received by the audiences for the excellent performance. During those days, it was also said that this character was instrumental in bringing success to the movie. SVR never turned back after this movie.

The second character amidst heavy criticism came to SVR from Vijaya banner for the role of a Sorcerer in 'Pathala Bhairavi'. Many senior heads in the industry warned Vijaya promoters not to offer this role to SVR. Lucky for him, these suggestions were turned down. As a complement to the venture of the Vijaya banner SVR put all his efforts in to this role and even now people compare every tantrik villain with that of SVR’s role in Pathala Bhairavi.

Pathala Bhairavi gave a new and elevated life to SVR in the film industry. He took a firm footing and cast a magic spell with his expertise and command over the art. On the whole, he featured in over 150 Telugu, 50 Tamil, three Kannada and two Malayalam films besides two Hindi movies.

Actor turned Director:

Chadarangam, Bandhavyalu were produced and directed by SVR, synchronising all his experience in the industry as an established actor. Both the movies brought him awards and rewards turning SVR into a successful director.

International reputation:

SVR’s performance excellence was equally recognised in distant lands as good as in the motherland. He toured Germany, France, America, England, and many other countries.

To movie to note would be Narthana Sala. This movie was screened during the Fourth Asia-Africa Film Festival held at Jakarta. SVR played Keechaka role in this movie, which was appreciated by the global cine community. All the personalities at the film festival unanimously decided to award international best actor crown to SVR for his show in Narthana Sala.

A kind hearted and God loving man, SVR, wholeheartedly helped many in need. He was felicitated, awarded and rewarded as an ace actor in and out of the country several times. The famous legend and an immortal acting encyclopaedia, SVR, took his last breath on July 18, 1974 and died of a cardiac arrest.

Though his physical presence is away, his gifted masterpieces to the Telugu rather South Indian cinema industry are everlasting.

A possible way to pay reverence to the departed soul would be to recall his services to the entertainment industry and bow with respect to SVR’s ‘simply great performance’.