Turlapati: The Melodies of Life
He was born in a small village — a place untouched by modern progress. It was 1957, just a decade after India gained independence. The village had no electricity, no proper roads, not even basic medical care. Hardly twenty-five houses stood scattered across the dusty lanes.
“In that kind of village, one night under the dim light of an oil lamp, in a tiny mud house, a baby was born — as small and fragile as a mouse,” begins Turlapati’s life melody.
No one thought that the little boy, often sick and frail, would survive, let alone make a mark in life. His grandmother would recall how he used to slip through her hands during bath time because he was so thin. Medical help was far away; survival itself was a struggle.
But destiny had other plans. The boy slowly grew up, blessed, it seemed, by some unseen grace. Though a late starter in studies, he never failed a single class.
No one then could have imagined that this thin, quiet boy would one day dedicate his life to the growth of the Telugu language and carve a niche for himself in the world of media.
Behind every success story stand two divine forces — and in his life, they were “Two Mothers.”
The Two Mothers
His father, T.V.M.V. Prasada Rao, worked in the Endowments Department and once served as the Executive Officer of the famous Kanaka Durga Temple in Vijayawada. During that time, the family lived on the temple hill.
For the little boy, his mother Swarajya Lakshmi was his world — round face, gentle smile, and a bright red kumkum on her forehead. To his innocent eyes, she looked exactly like the goddess Kanaka Durga herself. He even believed that the idol in the temple was modeled after his mother! Since then, he lovingly referred to them both as his “two mothers.”
Even today, as he nears 70, that belief remains unchanged — that both mothers, divine and earthly, have guided him through every storm.
Roots and Early Life
His birthplace, Adaviravulapadu, is a small village in Nandigama mandal of NTR district (formerly Krishna district). His grandmother, Annapurnamma, managed their farm while his father’s job took him to different towns.
He believes his strength and achievements are a result of divine blessings and inner willpower.
Recently, Telugu Book of Records honoured him with the 2025 TBR Icon Award, and in 2024, the Official Telugu Language Authority of Andhra Pradesh Government conferred upon him the prestigious “Telugu Bhasha Ratna – Lifetime Achievement Award.” He was also felicitated by Andhra University’s Department of Telugu in Visakhapatnam.
A Journey Through Highs and Lows
Life was never smooth — full of struggles, failures, and uncertain turns. Yet, every setback became a stepping stone to success. Whatever he chose, he gave it his all — be it journalism, radio, stage, television, or literature.
His radio feature “Adigo Harivillu” written for All India Radio won the National Talent Award. During his tenure at TV5, his documentary “Nippurava” earned the Golden Nandi Award from the then united Andhra Pradesh Government. Under his leadership, a TV talk show won the UNICEF Award.
At Taranga Internet Radio, he played a key role in organizing a 100-hour marathon broadcast celebrating 100 years of Indian cinema — an achievement registered in the Telugu Book of Records.
From Botany to Broadcasting
When asked how a student of Botany from Mumbai turned into a journalist, he smiles and says,
“It all started with a fishing boat.”
A feature he wrote about the hardships of coastal fishermen was published in Eenadu newspaper. That single event sparked his love for journalism, leading to a new career path. Over the years, he worked with Eenadu, Andhra Prabha, TV5, and Taranga Radio, while also serving as a part-time newsreader for All India Radio.
Strength and Discipline
Health was always a challenge. Even today, he jokes that he’s healthy only five days a week! Yet, his discipline never wavered — up at 5 a.m. every day, working with the same energy and dedication.
He calls himself “a warrior who fights with words.”
For him, writing is a sacred offering to the Goddess of Knowledge.
When asked what he prays for, he says simply:
“I ask Mother Durga to bless me with strength to keep working for society till my last breath.”
The Battle for Life
During the pandemic in 2020, he suffered a heart attack — four blockages, followed by a bypass surgery. He couldn’t even get up for two months. But he firmly believes that his Kanaka Durga Amma gave him a second life.
As soon as he recovered, he started his own digital platform Channel5AM, dedicated to music, literature, and culture. He produced many acclaimed programs —
“Ghanatasala Aradhana – Paata Palki,” “Harom Hara,” “Jai Sri Ram,” “Chaitra Masotsavam,” and a 90-day series titled “Coronation of Telugu Cinema” celebrating 90 years of Telugu films.
He also launched “Padhya Peetham” to revive interest in Telugu poetry. Whether in journalism or creative writing, his mission has always been the promotion of Telugu language and culture.
Adapting with Time
From print media to digital platforms, from radio to AI, he has embraced every change with ease — earning the title “Media Guru.”
Through the web magazine Sanchika, he published his 40-part life series “Jeevana Raagaalu”, which later became a two-volume book attracting readers across generations.
“A writer should disappear behind his words,” he says.
“When readers see their own reflection in what they read, that’s real success.”
That’s why Jeevana Raagaalu struck a deep chord — blending emotion, humor, and wisdom with dramatic flair. One popular chapter, “The Flying Mouse,” written like a comic story, became a favorite among children.
Preserving Telugu Heritage
He often expresses concern that many Telugu families, especially abroad, have forgotten to read Telugu.
“From Amma-Nanna culture, we moved to Mommy-Daddy culture,” he says with sadness.
“Now, even children can’t read their mother tongue.”
To bridge this gap, he’s preparing the English version of Jeevana Raagaalu titled “Melodies of Life.”
“If reading this translation inspires even ten young people to learn Telugu, I’ll consider my mission fulfilled,” he says.
A Vision Beyond Self
He plans to establish the Turlapati Cultural & Knowledge Centre to recognize Telugu talent across the world and honor them every year. In his native village Adaviravulapadu, he’s promoting interest in the Telugu language among schoolchildren, while also supporting science and spiritual book distribution.
Family – His Constant Support
In 1985, he married Sridevi, daughter of former MLC and Guntur Hindu College lecturer Mannava Giridhara Rao.
He says fondly,
“Without her, there is no writing, no worship of letters, no me.”
Their son Rajesh Krishna Sai, daughter Divya Sravani, daughter-in-law Bala Sravya, and son-in-law Sripati Panditaradhyula Saketh continue to support him wholeheartedly. His grandchildren Viraj, Advaith, and Vihaan lovingly call him “The Flying Mouse Grandpa.”
His childhood friends still call him Nagaraju, the same simple, smiling boy from Adaviravulapadu.
An Extraordinary Common Man
A multi-faceted personality — journalist, writer, playwright, actor, presenter, radio voice, and social media activist — yet he still calls himself “a common man.”
Perhaps that’s why people say,
“In this ordinary man, lives an extraordinary spirit.”
And that spirit continues to sing — the timeless melodies of life.
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