Annamacharya

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Taḷḷapāka Annamācārya (or Annamayya) (22 May 1408 – 14 February 1503) was a 15th-century Hindu saint and is the earliest known Indian musician to compose songs called sankirtanas in praise of the god Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu. The musical form of the keertana songs that he composed, which are still popular among Carnatic music concert artists, have strongly influenced the structure of Carnatic music compositions. Annamacharya is remembered for his saintly life, and is honoured as a great devotee of Vishnu by devotees and saintly singers.

He is believed to have been the avatar of Nandaka, the sword of Vishnu. He is widely regarded as the Andhra Pada kavitā Pitāmaha(Godfather of Telugu song-writing).

Personal life

Annamacharya was born on Vaishakha Shuddha Pournami in the year Sarwadhari (22 May 1408) in Tallapaka, a village in current day Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh, India. He was born into a nandavarika brahmin family. He later became a Sri Vaishnavite saint, initiated by Venkatesha. His wife, Timmakka, had written Subhadra Kalyanam, and is considered the first female poet in Telugu literature. Their son, Pedda Tirumalacharya, and grandson, Tallapaka Chinnayya, were also composers and poets. The Tallapaka compositions are considered to have dominated and influenced the structure of Carnatic music compositions. Annamacharya lived for 94 years until Phalguna Bahula Dvadashi (12th day after full moon) in the year Dhundhubhi (February 14, 1503).

Annamayya (film)

Annamayya is a 1997 Telugu devotional, biographical film produced by V. Doraswamy Raju on VMC Productions banner, directed by K. Raghavendra Rao. Starring Akkineni Nagarjuna, Mohan Babu, Suman, Ramya Krishna, Bhanupriya, Roja, Kasturi played the lead roles and music composed by M. M. Keeravani. The film recorded as Industry Hit at box-office.

The film is cinematic of life of 15th century composer, Annamacharya. Upon release, The film has received positive reviews and won eight Nandi Awards and two National Film Awards. The film was premiered at the 1998 International Film Festival of India in the mainstream section.

Plot

Lord Vishnu (Suman) listens to requests from his consort Lakshmi (Bhanupriya) that there weren't many people singing songs in praise of the Lord in Telugu language. In response, the Lord sends Nandaka (His sword) to be born as Annamacharya to a childless couple in Tallapaka village, Kadapa District. Growing as a normal young man, Annamayya (Akkineni Nagarjuna) is in love with his 2 cousins Timakka and Akkalamma (Ramya Krishnan and Kasturi) and thinks that his cousins are the most beautiful creations of god.