Tue Nov 12 17:38:05 UTC 2024: ## Telugu Icon Tanguturi Suryakumari Remembered on 98th Birth Anniversary
**VIJAYAWADA, November 13, 2024:** Today marks the 98th birth anniversary of the legendary Telugu actress, singer, dancer, and writer Tanguturi Suryakumari. Born in Rajahmundry in 1926, Suryakumari’s life was a testament to her multifaceted talent and unwavering dedication to her craft.
Known for her mellifluous voice, Suryakumari captivated audiences across India and even internationally. Her rendition of “Maa Telugu Thalli Ki,” a song penned by Sankarambadi Sundarachari, became an iconic anthem for the Telugu people, captivating even Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Chief Minister C. Rajagopalachari during the inauguration of Andhra State in 1953.
Her talent extended beyond music. Suryakumari began acting at the age of 12, starring in Tamil and Telugu films such as “Vipranarayana,” “Rythubidda,” “Devatha,” and “Deenabandhu.” She was the first star to earn a foreign qualification, completing her studies in Carnatic music, violin, and Kuchipudi Natyam by 1947.
Suryakumari’s performances drew massive crowds, with her publicity pictures adorning buses and trams in those days. She even performed in Hollywood, captivating audiences with her singing and acting skills.
In 1975, Suryakumari was invited to perform “Maa Telugu Thalli Ki” at the Telugu Prapancha Mahasabhalu, where the song was officially declared the state anthem. She later made London her home, continuing to perform Indian music and garnering recognition from the BBC and The Beatles.
Even in her final days, Suryakumari’s love for music remained unwavering. She continued to sing, even cheering other patients in the hospital on the night before her passing on April 25, 2005.
Today, as we celebrate the 98th birth anniversary of Tanguturi Suryakumari, we remember her not only as a talented artist but also as a cultural icon who left an indelible mark on Telugu society.
First Piper 