P. B. Sreenivas

P.B. Sreenivas

Dr. P.B. Sreenivas
Background information
Native name ప్రతివాది భయంకర శ్రీనివాస్ (పి.బి.శ్రీనివాస్)
Birth name Prativadi Bhayankara Sreenivas
Also known as PBS, PB Srinivas, PB Sreenivos
Born (1930-09-22)22 September 1930
Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh
Died 14 April 2013(2013-04-14) (aged 82)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Genres Playback singing, Carnatic music, Ghazal
Occupation(s) Singer
Instruments Vocalist
Years active 1951-2013

Prathivadi Bhayankara Sreenivas (22 September 1930 – 14 April 2013) was a veteran playback singer from India. He was born in Kakinada in East Godavri District of Andhra Pradesh. He had sung around 3000 songs in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, Tulu and Konkani films. He was known for his playback singing in the Kannada, Telugu and Tamil film industries. He had sung in all the main languages of the country but it is in Kannada that he has the highest number of songs in his career. He died on 14 April 2013 at the age of 82 in Chennai.

Biography

Prathivadhi Bhayankara Sreenivas was born to Prathivadhi Bhayankaram Phanindraswamy and Seshagiriamma in Kakinada, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh. His father was a civil servant and his mother was a musician. His father wanted him to become a government officer and Sreenivas was awarded a B.Com(Bachelor of Commerce) degree and then passed the Hindi Visharad Exams of the South Indian Hindi Spreading Society (Dakshin Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha).

In an interview, Sreenivas said that it was through his mother's singing that he knew of Indian classical music. During his educational days, he had a habit of hearing radio. Mohammed Rafi was his favourite singer. His uncle, Kidambi Krishnaswamy, was a drama artist and a singer. When Sreenivas was 12, Krishnaswamy gave him a chance to sing in a drama. When Phanindraswamy asked an astrologer about this, he told that Sreenivas did not have a bright future in music field. But, instead of believing in the astrologer's words, he believed in his son's confidence.

Later, Sreenivas went to Gemini Studios, Madras. Emani Sankara Sastry, a famous veena player, was one of the residing musicians. Sastry was also one of the family friends of Sreenivas. He introduced Sreenivas to S. S. Vasan, the owner of Gemini Studios. There, Sreenivas sang a super hit song sung by Mohammed Rafi, his favourite singer. It was "Huye Hum Jinke Liye Barbad", from Deedar (1951), composed by Naushad Ali.

Sreenivas made his début in 1952 in Gemini's Hindi film Mr. Sampat. Sreenivas sang duets and triplets with Geeta Dutt, Shamshad Begum and Jikki apart from leading a chorus song. His first song "Aji hum Bharat ki naari", a duet with Geeta Dutt, became popular. 'Mr. Sampat' based on the novel in the same name, written by R. K. Narayan. Later, with the help of Jeeva, the sound recordist of 'Mr. Sampat', Sreenivas entered the South Indian Film Industry. R. Nagendra Rao, a well known actor and director of that time in South Indian film industry, made a trilingual film in all the South Indian languages except Malayalam. The movie was titled Jathakam in Tamil, Jathakaphalam in Telugu and Jathakaphala in Kannada. In all these languages, Sreenivas sang two songs each.

In Kannada, he achieved great success through Bhakta Kanakadasa starring Super Star Dr.Rajkumar. The song Baagilanu teredu of the film was a very big hit. Later he went on to sing greatest numbers for Super Star Dr.Vishnuvardhan, Srinath, Kalyan Kumar, Udaya Kumar and others. His first solo hit came in the movie Prema Pasam in which he also sang a duet with P. Susheela. His first song for Rajkumar was in 1956 film Ohileshwara. Later he sang for the Super Star for a long time and the association was highly appreciated by critics, fans and the industry. In the Tamil industry, his maximum number of songs are for Gemini Ganesan. The most memorable hit of this duo was 'Nilave ennidam nerungathe'. He had sung for other actors as well but incidentally, he had sung very few songs for M. G. Ramachandran and Sivaji Ganesan.He sang the popular duet in Hindi Chanda Se Hoga Wo Pyaara (with Lata Mangeshkar) in the film Main Bhi Ladki Hoon in 1964. In Tamil his voice was more used for actors Gemini Ganeshan, Muthuraman, Ravichandran, Jaishankar.

In Pava Mannippu, Sreenivas sang "Kalangalil Aval Vasantham" written by Kannadasan and set to music by the music duo M. S. Viswanathan - T. K. Ramamoorthy. The film Adutha Veettuppen of Anjali Pictures carried some of his songs. Sreenivas has also sung with P.Susheela, S. Janaki, P. Bhanumathi, K. Jamuna Rani, L. R. Easwari and Lata Mangeshkar for the movie Main Bhi Ladki Hoon and some North Indian Singers. His devotional songs include "Sharadha Bhujanga Stothram", "Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatham", "Mukunda Mala", "Shri Mallikarjuna Stotram" and Purandaradasa compositions. His "home away from home" was the Woodlands Drive-In restaurant in Chennai where one could frequently spot him sit quietly writing poetry.[1] He had headed many music related organizations such as being the president of Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram.

Sreenivas entered Malayalam film industry within two years after entering the other three South Indian film industries. There are confusions that in which film did he first sing in Malayalam. There are two arguments. The first argument is that his first Malayalam song was in Amma (1952), while the other argument it was in Puthradharmam (1954). But, his actual first Malayalam song was in Harischandra (1955), as said by Sreenivas himself in an interview. The song was 'Mahal Thyagame Mahithame Ninte Margam', written by Thirunainar Kurichi Madhavan Nair and composed by Brother Lakshmanan. He sang many songs in Malayalam too, even though the number is very less while compared to Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. They include Malar Thorum Mandahasam Viriyunnathenthinakam, Kannum En Kannumay, Innu Kaanum Ponkinakkal, Kanneerenthinu Vanambadi, Kanmoo Njan Ninte, Kaninaal Kaanmathellam, Niranja Kannukalode, Mamalakalkkappurathu Marathakappattuduthu, Padinjare Manathulla, Geethe Hridayasakhi Geethe, Thulasi Thulasi Vilikelkoo, Vanadevathamare Vidanalkoo, Kizhakku Kizhakkorana, etc. Most of his Malayalam songs were composed by M. S. Baburaj and G. Devarajan.

Though Sreenivas had hit numbers in all the languages that he sang, it was in the Kannada Film Industry that he sang the highest number of songs in his career and it was in the Kannada Industry that he delivered the highest number of hit songs. PB Sreenivas ruled the Kannada Industry for over three decades and was the voice for many Super Stars though his combination with Dr.Rajkumar created history.[2] He was instrumental in shaping the Kannada identity like Dr.Rajkumar and Dr.Vishnuvardhan.[3]

Dr.P.B.S has sung for many artistes apart from Dr.Rajkumar in Kannada. Noted among them include Kalyan Kumar, Udaykumar, Rajesh, Srinath, Gangadhar, R.N.Sudarshan, Vishnuvardhan, Ranga, K.S.Aswath, Narasimharaju, Balakrishna, Shivaram, Ashok, Jaijagadish, Ramgopal, Sampath, Shankarnag, Rajashankar, Eshwarappa, Panthulu, Ramesh, Dwarakish, Suresh Heblikar, Seetharam, Arunkumar (Gururajulu Naidu), Vasudeva Girimaji, Rathnakar, Kanagal Prabhakar Shastry and many more.

Sreenivas was also a poet. He was fluent in eight languages - Telugu (His mothertongue), Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, English, Sanskrit and Urdu, and wrote poems in all these languages. He sang many poems during many programmes. In 1997, when popular Indian singers K. J. Yesudas and S. P. Balasubrahmanyam came with him to the famous musical meet called 'Lakshman Sruthi', he wrote a poem within a few seconds praising both singers. He learnt Urdu from an Urdu scholar. He wrote two Urdu ghazals for the Tamil movie Nandu (1981), directed by J. Mahendran. They were 'Kaise Kahoon Kuch Kehna Sakoon', sung by Bhupendra and S. Janaki and the other was 'Hum Hain Akele', sung by S. Janaki alone. He also wrote and composed two English poems in 1969, praising the landing of man on the Moon. They were titled 'Man To Moon', a solo by himself and the other was 'Moon To God' a duet with S. Janaki. The gramophone records of these songs were sent to the then United States President Richard Nixon and Neil Armstrong, the man who first landed on the moon. Sreenivas was praised by both people.

His biography named `Madhurya Saarvabhowma Dr. P.B. Srinivos' (penned by R. Srinath) was released on 7 May 2013 at the Palace Grounds, Bangalore by the great Singers Dr. S.P. Balasubramanyam, Vani Jairam and Dr. K.J. Jesudos.

Dr.P.B. Srinivos was conferred with the prestigious title - Madhurya Saarvabhowma by Madhursangeeth, an association composed of Sriyuths S. Jayasimha, R. Srinath, Doddahullur Rukkoji, B.K. Chandrashekhar, G.V. Atri and B.R. Jayaprakash on 24 July 1992 at a function held at Chowdiah Memorial Hall,Bengaluru. This momentous function was attended by the great music directors G.K. Venkatesh, T.G. Lingappa, lyricist Chi Udayashankar, noted Kannada cinema personalities and other dignitaries.

Voice of Dr. Rajkumar

Sreenivas had sung for almost all the superstars of South India, but it was his combination with Kannada Matinee Idol Rajkumar that struck a chord with the audience. He has sung at least 300 super hit numbers for the star. In 50's, 60's and 70's, if it was Dr.Rajkumar, then there had to be songs sung by Dr.PBS. Rajkumar himself had said that his true identity was Sreenivas and his voice would never die but only grow. The late actor once described Sreenivas as his 'dhvani' (voice in Kannada) while he himself was a mere 'shareera' (body in Kannada), summing up how some of the best-known films of the thespian are unimaginable without Sreenivas lending his voice. When Rajkumar was honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1995, Sreenivas rejoiced as though he had got an award himself. Sreenivas said he was honoured because his "voice" had won a great honour.[4] Recalling his association with matinee idol, Rajkumar, Sreenivas in his recent interview had mentioned that 'Rajkumar had a golden voice and all his songs are hugely popular. He excelled in singing all types of songs from romantic to heavily classical. But I was his voice for nearly three decades'.[5] PBS was the voice of Rajkumar, and Rajkumar was the face of PBS is how he would describe Rajumar and himself.[6] Sreenivas was hence known as the Voice of Rajkumar in South India.[2][7] Until 1974, Sreenivas was Rajkumar's most frequent singing voice in films. However, once when Sreenivas was not available to sing for the movie Sampattige Sawaal, Composer G K Venkatesh encouraged Rajkumar to sing the song Yaare Koogadali that was supposed to be sung by Sreenivas. With that song, Rajkumar restarted his singing career, which had stopped after the movie Ohileshwara. Thus began his journey as the most famous actor-singer that the Indian and Kannada film industry has ever seen.[8]

Awards

Death

Sreenivas died at home in Chennai on 14 April 2013 at the age of 82. He suffered a heart attack.[2][7][11][12] He was survived by his wife and children.

Filmography

Year Film Language Song
1952 Mr. Sampat Hindi Aji hum Bharat ki naari (with Geeta Dutt)
1955 Harishchandra Malayalam
1955 Rani Ratnaprabha Telugu
1956 Bhale Ramudu Telugu
1959 Jayabheri Telugu
1960 Bhaktha Kanakadaasa Kannada Baagilanu Theredu
Eethaneega Vasudevano
Badukideno
Kula Kula
Singara Sheela
1960 Bhakta Shabari
1960 Runanubandham Telugu
1960 Sahasra Siracheda Apoorva Chinthamani Telugu
1960 Shantinivasam Telugu
1960 Mannadhi Mannan Tamil Nilayo Naano Yaar Nilave
1961 Vijayanagarada Veeraputhra Kannada Apaara Keerthi
1961 Iddaru Mitrulu Telugu
1961 Intiki Deepam Illalu Telugu
1961 Pasamalar Tamil Yaar Yaar Avar Yaaro
1961 Pava Mannippu Tamil Kalangalil Aval
1961 Thirudathe
1961 Sri Seetha Rama Kalyanam Telugu
1962 Atma Bandhuvu Tamil
1962 Swarna Gowri Kannada Baara Chandrama
Nudi Mana
Baare Nee Cheluve
Beeso Gaali
1962 Bhishma Telugu Manasuloni Korika Telusu Neeku Premika
1962 Dakshayagnam Telugu
1962 Bale Pandiya Tamil Adhi Manithan
Athi Kai Kai
1962 Kula Gothralu Telugu Rave Rave Bala Hello My Dear Leela
1962 Raktha Sambandham Telugu
1962 Veera Thirumagan Tamil Paadatha Paatellam
Roja Malarae
1962 Paasam Tamil Malaiyum Iravum
Paal Vaanam Paruvam
1963 Chaduvukunna Ammayilu Telugu
1963 Lava Kusha Telugu
1963 Paar Magale Paar Tamil Aval Paranthu Ponale
Madhurai Nagaril
Madura Nagaril
Ninamaninja Kalppadukal Malayalam Mamalakalkkappurathu
Padinjare Manathulla
1964 Main Bhi Ladki Hoon Hindi Chanda Se Hoga Wo Pyaara (with Lata Mangeshkar)
1964 Bobbili Yudham Telugu
1964 Dr. Chakravarthy Telugu
1964 Server Sundaram Tamil Poga Poga Theriyum
1964 Kaadhalikka Neramillai Tamil Anubavam Puthumai
Viswanathan Velai Vendum
Unga Ponnana Kaigal
1965 Gudi Gantalu Telugu Neeli Kannula Needala Lona
1965 Preminchi Choodu Telugu Meda Meeda Meda Katti Kotlu Koodabettinatti Kamandu
Mee Andala Chetulu Kandenu Papam
1965 Sri Simhachala Kshetra Mahima Telugu Jayahe Mohana Roopa Gaana Kalaapa
1966 Manthralaya Mahatme Kannada Indu Enage Govinda
Kaliyirondu Paatavannu
Tunge Theera
Rasika Saalade
Neenu Baralilla
1966 Kappu Bilupu Kannada Ide Roopa
Indina Hindu Deshada
1966 Emme Thammanna Kannada Belli Hakki Aguva
Kanneradu Kareyuthide
Kolalanoodi Kuniva
Neenaarigaadeyo Ele Maanava [13]
1966 Shri Krishna Pandaviyam Telugu Yemitaya Nee Leela Krishna
1967 Bangaarada Hoovu Kannada Aaha Mogavu
Do Do Do Basavanna
Oduva Nadi
1967 Lagna Patrike Kannada Bramhachaari
Gandu Muthina Chandu
Illi Yaaru Illa
Kanneradu
Nijavo Sullo
1967 Belli Moda [14] Kannada Belli Modada
Ideega Nee
Ide Nanna Uthara
Odeyithu
1968 Bedi Bandavalu Kannada Neera Mele Aleya Ungura
1969 Mayor Muthanna Kannada Ayyayyayyo Halli Mukha
Haavige
Halliyadarenu Shiva
Onde Naadu
1970 Arishina Kunkuma Kannada Honnaase Ullavage
Thaavare Hoo Kere
Ilidu Baa Thaaye
1971 Sharapanjara Kannada Kodagina Kaveri
Uthara Drivadhim
1971 Jai Jawan Jai Kisan Hindi Nakhrewali Chaal
1971 Kasthuri Nivasa Kannada Aadisi Nodu Beelisi Nodu
Aadona ninu nanu
1971 Seetha Kannada Ee Cheluvanu
Barede Neenu Ninna Hesara
1971 Sampoorna Ramayanam Telugu Vedalenu Kodandapani
1971 Paropakaari Kannada Hodare Hogu
Guttonda Heluve
Kaviya Madhura
1971 Sakshathkara Kannada Janma Janmada Anubandha
Olave Jeevana
1972 Sipayi Ramu Kannada Kathe Mugiyithe
Nidireyu Sadaa
1972 Naagarahaavu Kannada Kannada Naadina Veera
Baare Baare
Sangama Sangama
Kathe Heluve
1972 Bangaaradha Manushya Kannada Nagu Nagutha
Aagadu Endu
Aaha Mysooru Mallige
Baala Bangara
Hani Hani Goodidare
1973 Doorada Betta Kannada Preethine Aa Dyaavru Thanda
Kaamanna Kathige
1973 Sangama Kannada Sirivanthanaadaru
1973 Gandhada Gudi Kannada Ellu hogalla
Naavaaduva nudiye Kannada
1974 Bhootayyana Maga Ayyu Kannada Malenaada Henna
Maariya Gathiyendu
1974 Bhakta Kumbara Kannada Naanu Neenu
Hari Naamave
Manava
Lakshmi Sthothram
Vitala Panduranga
Kande Hariya Kande
1974 Eradu Kanasu Kannada Baadi Hoda
Endendu Ninnanu Marethu
Endu Ninna Noduve
Tamnam Tamnam
1974 Jai Jai Ram Hindi Lav Kush
1975 Shubha Mangala Kannada Shubha Mangala
1975 Daari Tappida Maga Kannada Kannanchina ee maathali
Haayaadha ee vele
Kaapaadu Sri Sathyanarayana
- 1975 Bhakti Mein Bhagwan Hindi Dekha Hari Dekha
1977 Sanaadi Appanna Kannada Naane thaayi Naane thandhe 1976 Premada Kanike Kannada Chinna Endu Naguthiru
Putta Putta Hejje
1977 Sose Thanda Sowbhagyaa Kannada Ravi Varmana
Saaku Ennuvane
Eke Avasaravu
1977 Babruvahana Kannada Ninna Kanna Notadalli
Yaaru Thiliyaru
1977 Thabbali Neenade Magane Kannada Dharani Mandala Madhyadolage
1977 Devara Duddu Kannada Godhuli
Krishna..Gaaliya Patadanthe
1978 Swarna Bhoomi Kannada Kaanada Devaru
Siri Kannada Naadu
1978 Padvaaralli Pandavaru Kannada Haadomme Haadabeku
Thookadisi Thookadisi Beeladiru Thamma
1990 Purappadu Malayalam Doore Doore Doore
2004 7G Rainbow Colony Tamil Idhu Enna Maatram
2010 Aayirathil Oruvan Tamil Pemmane
  1. Laxmi Pooja (1979)
  2. Gorantha Deepam (1978)
  3. Jeevana Jyothi (1976)
  4. Seeta Kalyanam (1976)
  5. Chelleli Kapuram (1971)
  6. Saptaswarulu (1969)
  7. Ooty Varai Uravu (1967)
  8. Sakshi (1967)
  9. Letha Manasulu (1966)
  10. Tene Manasulu (1965)

References

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