Ghantasala statue at Tummalapalli Kshetrayya Kalakshetram Background information Birth name Ghantasala Venkateshwara Rao Born ( 1922-12-04)4 December 1922,,,, India Died 11 February 1974 ( 1974-02-11) (aged 51), Tamil Nadu, India Genres (), Occupation(s) Singer, composer Years active 1942–1974 Website Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao (4 December 1922 – 11 February 1974) was an,, known for his works predominantly in, and a few Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Tulu and Hindi language films. In 1970, he received the award, India's fourth highest civilian award for his contribution to. Best Of Squirrel Nut Zippers Rarlab. According to The Hindu and The Indian Express, Ghantasala was 'Such a divine talent and with his songs he could move the hearts of the people.' 'Ghantasala's blending of classical improvisations to the art of light music combined with his virtuosity and sensitivity puts him a class apart, above all others in the field of playback singing'.' 'Gifted with what Indian Film Historian called 'the most majestic voice', Ghantasala helped Telugu film music develop its own distinct character which remains unparalleled'. He is referred to as the 'Gaana Gandharva' for his mesmerising voice and musical skills.

Ghantasala performed in the, and, and for the. The government of marked the occasion of 25 years of his film career as Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Ghantasala in on 1 February 1970. More than 30,000 people attended the function held at the Lal Bahadur Stadium, Hyderabad.

Ghantasala continues to be popular. Statutes of his likeness have been installed across Andhra Pradesh. Every year, the anniversaries of his birth and death are celebrated in India and overseas. The Ghantasala Puraskar Award 2014, given every year by Sharan Incorporation, has been conferred on Rao Bala Saraswathi Devi, who was the first Telugu playback singer. The Government music college in, Andhra Pradesh, is named after Ghantasala.