‘Bheemla Nayak’ singers open doors to new beginnings

By Ravi Hari Hyderabad: Until the release of the title song and ‘Adavi Thalli Maata’ from ‘Bheemla Nayak’, one didn’t even know who Darsanam Mogulaiah and Kummari Durgavva were. But with ‘Bheemla Nayak’ title song, Darsanam Mogulaiah, famously known as Kinnera Mogulaiah, and Kummari Durgavva with her rendition of ‘Adavi Thalli Maata’ from the Pawan […]

By Ravi Hari

Hyderabad: Until the release of the title song and ‘Adavi Thalli Maata’ from ‘Bheemla Nayak’, one didn’t even know who Darsanam Mogulaiah and Kummari Durgavva were.

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But with ‘Bheemla Nayak’ title song, Darsanam Mogulaiah, famously known as Kinnera Mogulaiah, and Kummari Durgavva with her rendition of ‘Adavi Thalli Maata’ from the Pawan Kalyan-starrer became overnight sensations and walked the road to success.
While Mogulaiah and Durgavva went on to make waves on the internet due to their raw voices, instantly connected with many listeners.

And, Pawan Kalyan, who is known to create his own path and push the boundaries, introduced this raw talent to mainstream Telugu cinema. As both the singers’ soulful voice struck a chord and touched the hearts of music lovers, the actor couldn’t ask for more. The rhythm and tunes of both songs are very addictive, thanks to S Thaman’s stunning musical composition.

Breathing new life into dying kinnera art
Mogulaiah gained attention for singing the lines that introduce the protagonist ‘Bheemla Nayak’ in the film’s title song”. The singer features in the song and is seen simultaneously playing the kinnera. The viewers turned the song into a huge success immediately after its release on YouTube.

Kinnera Mogulaiah, who has been protecting this dying 12-step kinnera art, has really breathed life into it with this one song. Hailing from Avusalikunta village of Lingala mandal, in Nagarkurnool district of Telangana, Mogulaiah acquired the skill of playing the musical instrument (kinnera) from his father.

He realised at a young age that this art, belonging to their family and passed on from generations, should be revived and so decided to learn it. This master-craftsman showcased his talent with great accuracy and perfection.

The 68-year-old claims he is the only person alive to know the art, and is willing to teach the skill to anyone to keep the art from waning into obscurity. At a time when the young generation does not know much about this age-old kinnera art, which is almost extinct, help has also come from the Telangana government to save its identity.

This untrained singer takes ‘Adavi Thalli Maata’ to new horizons

Another ‘Bheemla Nayak’ singer who has grabbed attention for showcasing incredible vocals and earned recognition for her singing abilities is Kummari Durgavva.

An untrained singer, who just used to sing songs along with others in rural Royyalapalli in Kotapalli mandal in Mancherial district of Telangana while working in fields, she never dreamt of entering into the film industry.

Many listeners feel both the singers with their extraordinary raw vocals perfectly fit into the tunes, and ultimately opened the door to a new beginning for themselves and also for other such rare talents. With their remarkably impressive voices that touched the deepest parts of our souls, they are not surprise hits for they have given the songs the spine.

While it is upon us to protect such art and artistes, Telugu cinema has started this good trend of encouraging old traditional folk art forms. These two singers have proved that success comes sooner or later to those who believe in their art and talent.

And, when Telugu industry has taken the responsibility to protect folk art and encourage artistes, we could hope to witness many more such hidden treasures being revealed in upcoming movies.

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