Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh at a programme held in the memory of legendary singer S. Janaki at Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao Government College of Music and Dance in Vijayawada on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh on Wednesday paid rich tributes to legendary playback singer S. Janaki, describing her as a musical icon whose voice would continue to resonate for generations.
Speaking at a memorial programme at Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao Government College of Music and Dance in Vijayawada, he said Janaki would remain immortal through her timeless songs. The event, organised by the State Creative and Cultural Commission and the Department of Language and Culture, marked the 150th anniversary celebrations of “Vande Mataram,” jointly organised by the Union and State cultural departments and the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
Mr. Durgesh said Janaki, a native of Repalle in Guntur district, had sung over 48,000 songs in nearly 17 languages, earning worldwide recognition and a unique place in Indian cinema.
Mr. Durgesh watched and appreciated the stage play “Amaravatiki Amada Dooramlo Vande Mataram Garjana,” based on a work by former Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao.
He felicitated Gummadi Gopalakrishna, Chairman of the A.P. Nataka Akademi, and S. P. Bharati, a member of Sangeet Natak Akademi, besides presenting awards to participating artistes. Cultural Director Regulla Mallikarjuna Rao, AP Film Chamber president Ambati Madhukrishna and other dignitaries attended the programme.
‘Lenin’ success celebrations
Speaking at the success celebrations of Akhil Akkineni-starrer ‘Lenin’ in Guntur, Mr. Durgesh said the government would soon introduce a comprehensive policy for the film industry, including single-window clearances for film shoots and support for infrastructure development.
Congratulating the cast and crew, Mr. Durgesh praised Akhil’s performance, saying his hard work and dedication were evident on screen.
Producer Suryadevara Naga Vamsi thanked the government for extending support to the industry and ensuring smooth conduct of film shootings. During the event, the minister, Akhil, the film’s team and Cultural and Creative Committee Chairperson Tejaswi Podapati unveiled the poster of the Amaravati Chitra Kalaveedhi, scheduled to be held in Guntur on August 8 and 9.
Published – July 16, 2026 12:45 am IST
