Sat Jan 31 09:30:00 UTC 2026: ### Singeetam Srinivasa Rao Critiques Nandi Awards and Generational Shifts in Music Preferences
The Story:
Legendary Telugu film director Singeetam Srinivasa Rao, known for classics like Aditya 369 and Bhairava Dweepam starring Nandamuri Balakrishna, has offered a satirical critique of the Nandi Awards and evolving musical tastes. Rao specifically commented on S.P. Balasubrahmanyam’s Nandi Award for “Sri Tumbura Narada” from Bhairava Dweepam, suggesting the jury’s musical understanding might be questionable. He also reflected on the enduring appeal of old songs versus the changing attention spans of younger generations, referencing a perspective shared by Lata Mangeshkar.
Key Points:
* Singeetam Srinivasa Rao directed two classic films starring Nandamuri Balakrishna: Aditya 369 and Bhairava Dweepam.
* Bhairava Dweepam won several awards, including a Nandi Award for Singeetam Srinivasa Rao as Best Director and S.P. Balasubrahmanyam as Best Singer for the song “Sri Tumbura Narada.”
* Rao satirized the Nandi Awards jury, implying they may not have deep musical knowledge.
* He emphasized that any song that fits the context of a movie is great, not just those with complex ragas.
* Rao recounted an anecdote about Lata Mangeshkar predicting that her longer songs wouldn’t appeal to future generations with shorter attention spans.
Key Takeaways:
* Singeetam Srinivasa Rao’s comments highlight a potential disconnect between award selection criteria and broader artistic merit.
* The article suggests a tension between honoring traditional musical forms and appreciating songs that are effective within their specific cinematic context.
* The comparison to Lata Mangeshkar’s observation underscores the impact of changing generational preferences and attention spans on the longevity and appreciation of music.
First Piper 