Ci Na Re

I have become a fan of C. Narayana Reddy. And am glad he has already been felicitated with the Gyanpith award.

I haven't read much of his literature as such, but the lyrics he penned for songs in the 60s are enough to give a idea of his prowess.

Most poets use a lot of sanskritised samasas in Telugu, but CNR seems to be able to express himself in 'accha' Telugu. And as I think about it now, most Telugu lyricists also use an excess of alankarams. CNR's lyrics are not ornate at all. Just simple and straight.


Sample these:

From 'Telisindile, Telisindile'

sogasaina kanulemo naakunnavi
churukaina manasemo neekunnadi

kanulemiTo! ee kadha emiTo!
sruti minchi raagana paDanunnadi, paDutunnadi!

From 'Gaali ki kulamedi'

paalaku okaTE telvarNam
edi? pratibaku kaladaa kalabhEdam?
veerulakenduku kulabhEdam?
adi manasula cheelchedu matabhEdam


From 'Uhalu gusa-gusa laaDe'

nanu kori cherina bela
dooraana niliche vela?

nee aanati lekunnacho
viDa lenu oopiri kuda!