Rhythms of Tollywood: Celebrating the Best of Telugu Music Across Eras

The Telugu music industry, with its vibrant compositions and soulful melodies, has created a significant impact far beyond its regional boundaries. Through various platforms, including the global reach of YouTube, Telugu songs have found a widespread audience, garnering acclaim and popularity. This post celebrates a blend of classic and contemporary hits that have become iconic over the years, marking the evolution of Telugu music.

Classic and Contemporary Hits

The rich tapestry of Telugu music is a vibrant blend of classical allure and contemporary zest. Over the years, this genre has evolved, creating a melodious symphony that resonates with diverse audiences. Telugu music, known for its deep emotional connection and lyrical beauty, has produced numerous hits that have transcended regional boundaries and found a special place in the hearts of listeners globally.

This collection of classic and contemporary hits showcases the versatility and richness of Telugu music. It includes timeless pieces that have been cherished over decades and modern hits that have quickly risen to fame, reflecting the changing tastes and trends in music. Together, they paint a vibrant picture of the musical legacy and ongoing innovation in the Telugu music industry. Let’s embark on this melodious journey through the classic and contemporary hits of Telugu music, celebrating the artistry and creativity that have made these songs beloved by millions.

  • “Nenu Sailaja” by Devi Sri Prasad (2016) – This romantic number from ‘Nenu Sailaja’ resonated deeply with audiences, showcasing Devi Sri Prasad’s musical versatility.
  • “Neeve Neeve” by Chakri (2003) – From ‘Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi’, this soul-stirring melody remains a testament to the late Chakri’s compositional brilliance.
  • “Ee Prayanam Lo” by Harris Jayaraj (2002) – A soothing melody from ‘Manmadhudu’, this song is a classic example of Harris Jayaraj’s musical charm.
  • “Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana” by Devi Sri Prasad (2004) – A lively song from ‘Varsham’, it is as catchy as it is melodious.
  • “Anaganaga Oka Uru” by Anup Rubens (2017) – This heart-touching melody from ‘Hello’ showcases Anup Rubens’ ability to evoke deep emotions.
  • “Saranga Dariya” by Pawan Ch (2021) – Sung by Mangli, this folk song from ‘Love Story’ became an instant sensation for its vibrant rhythm and energy.
  • “Mellaga Karagani” by Devi Sri Prasad (2004) – Another romantic classic from ‘Varsham’, known for its lyrical beauty.
  • “Kanulanu Thaake” by Arijit Singh (2014) – Composed by Anup Rubens for ‘Manam’, this soft melody has won countless hearts.
  • “Em Sandeham Ledu” by Kalyani Koduri (2014) – A melodious and simple track from ‘Oohalu Gusagusalade’, it’s a testament to the beauty of simplicity in music.
  • “Samajavaragamana” by Thaman S (2019) – A recent hit from ‘Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo’, sung by Sid Sriram, it became widely popular for its melodious composition.
  • “Rayini Maatram” by A.R. Rahman (2005) – From ‘Dasavathaaram’, this song is a showcase of Rahman’s unparalleled musical genius.
  • “Telusa Manasa” by M.M. Keeravani (1996) – A timeless romantic song from ‘Criminal’, beloved for its classic charm.
  • “Raalipoye Puvva” by M.M. Keeravani (1994) – From ‘Matrudevobhava’, known for its emotional depth and lyrical poignancy.
  • “Nammavemo” by Harris Jayaraj (2008) – A peppy and energetic tune from ‘Parugu’, showcasing Jayaraj’s versatility.
  • “Yemito” by Radhan (2012) – A soulful track from ‘Andala Rakshasi’, appreciated for its lyrical beauty and composition.

Viral Hits and YouTube Sensations

Telugu music has also seen a surge in popularity through social media platforms, particularly YouTube. Here are some songs that have gone viral:

  • “Dinchak” from the movie ‘RED’ (2020) – Composed by Mani Sharma, this song is known for its dynamic beats and has garnered millions of views.
  • “Hola Chica” from ‘Alludu Adhurs’ (2021) – Sung by Jaspreet Jasz, this song became a trending sensation, crossing over 2 million views.
  • “Mass Biriyani” from ‘Krack (2021) – A party anthem that has become a must-watch, especially for its catchy lyrics and upbeat tempo.
  • “Korameesam Polisoda” from ‘Krack’ (2021) – A hit song with over 1 million views, known for its unique rhythm and engaging lyrics.
  • “Butta Bomma” from ‘Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo’ (2020) – Sung by Armaan Malik and composed by Thaman S, this song became a rage, not just for its catchy tune, but also for its dance challenge that took social media by storm.
  • “Ramuloo Ramulaa” from ‘Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo’ (2019) – Another hit from the same movie, this energetic number composed by Thaman S and sung by Anurag Kulkarni and Mangli, became a party anthem.
  • “Inkem Inkem Inkem Kaavaale” from ‘Geetha Govindam’ (2018) – Composed by Gopi Sundar and sung by Sid Sriram, this melodious song won hearts with its beautiful lyrics and soulful rendition.
  • “Vachinde” from ‘Fidaa’ (2017) – This vibrant song, sung by Madhu Priya and Ramky, and composed by Shakthikanth Karthick, became a sensation for its catchy beat and folk touch.
  • “Rangamma Mangamma” from ‘Rangasthalam’ (2018) – Sung by MM Manasi and composed by Devi Sri Prasad, this song is known for its rustic charm and energetic vibe.
  • “Rowdy Baby” from ‘Maari 2’ (2018) – Although a Tamil song, it became hugely popular among Telugu audiences as well. Composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja and performed by Dhanush and Dhee, the song is famous for its peppy tune and quirky dance moves.
  • “Choosi Chudangane” from ‘Chalo’ (2018) – Sung by Anurag Kulkarni and composed by Mahati Swara Sagar, this song became a hit among the youth for its catchy melody and relatable lyrics.
  • “Maari’s Aanandhi” from ‘Maari 2’ (2018) – Another crossover hit from Tamil to Telugu, this song, sung by Ilaiyaraaja and MM Manasi with music by Yuvan Shankar Raja, is cherished for its unique composition.
  • “Jigelu Rani” from ‘Rangasthalam’ (2018) – Sung by Rela Kumar and Ganta Venkata Lakshmi, this song, composed by Devi Sri Prasad, is known for its high-energy beats and vibrant choreography.
  • “Vaathi Coming” from ‘Master’ (2021) – Another Tamil song that gained immense popularity in the Telugu states. Composed by Anirudh Ravichander, its infectious rhythm and dance steps have made it a favorite at celebrations.

Top Telugu Musicians

Telugu musicians cover a wide range of diversity and talent in the Telugu music industry. This list includes a mix of composers and singers who have made significant contributions to Telugu music:

  1. Ilayaraja – A legendary composer and music director, Ilayaraja has composed music for numerous Telugu films and is renowned for his profound understanding of music.
  2. A.R. Rahman – Although primarily associated with Tamil cinema, Rahman has also contributed significantly to Telugu music with his innovative and soulful compositions.
  3. M.M. Keeravani – Known for his versatile compositions, Keeravani has been a prominent figure in the Telugu music industry for decades.
  4. Devi Sri Prasad – Popularly known as DSP, he is known for his energetic and catchy tunes that have become anthems in Telugu cinema.
  5. Thaman S – A contemporary music director known for his peppy and vibrant scores in Telugu movies.

    Balasubrahmanyam 1986

  6. S.P. Balasubrahmanyam – A legendary singer who has sung thousands of songs in Telugu and other languages, his voice is synonymous with many classic hits.
  7. K.S. Chithra – Known as the “Nightingale of South India,” Chithra has lent her voice to countless Telugu songs and is celebrated for her versatility and emotive singing.
  8. Anirudh Ravichander – Although he primarily works in Tamil cinema, Anirudh has gained popularity in the Telugu industry for his trendy and youthful compositions.
  9. Shreya Ghoshal – One of the leading playback singers in India, Shreya Ghoshal has rendered her melodious voice to many memorable Telugu songs.
  10. Harris Jayaraj – Known for his melodious and unique compositions, Harris has created some memorable music in Telugu cinema.

These musicians have shaped the soundscape of Telugu cinema and continue to influence the music industry with their distinct styles and contributions. Their works range from classical to contemporary, reflecting the rich musical heritage and evolving trends of the Telugu music industry.

Conclusion

The Telugu music industry, with its eclectic mix of romantic ballads, vibrant dance numbers, and soulful melodies, continues to enchant audiences globally. The composers and artists behind these songs have significantly shaped the contemporary music scene, leaving an indelible mark on Telugu cinema and beyond. Whether it’s a timeless classic or a modern chartbuster, each song has its unique story and place in the hearts of music lovers.