Legendary Telugu playback singer V. Ramakrishna, who sang several memorable songs to many top stars including legendary NT Ramarao, is no more. The crooner, who lent his voice to this wonderful musical production was reportedly undergoing treatment for cancer for quite some time, breathed his last on Wednesday at his residence. He was 68. He has rendered his voice for over 5000 songs in his career spanning nearly four decades.
According to the sources, he passed away late last night at his residence at Venkatagiri Hills. Born in 1947, Ramakrishna has started his career as a singer at a very young age on popular show Yuva Vani on All India Radio and had huge hit songs to his credit in films like ‘Andala Ramudu’, ‘Andala Ramudu’, ‘Sharada’, ‘Alluri Seetharama Raju’, ‘Muthyala Muggu’ and ‘Amaradeepam’. His songs in N T Rama Rao's ‘Pothuluri Veerabrahmendra Swamy Charitra’ were a runaway success. He was also popular for a number of devotional songs that he sang. Nephew of popular playback singer P. Susheela, Ramakrishna idolised legendary singer Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao. His voice made people think of the legendary Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao. In 1972, he made his debut as singer in the film 'Vichitra Bandham' with the song 'Vayase Oka Poolathota ...'.
He is survived by wife Jyothi (a singer herself), actor-son Sai Kiran and daughter Lekha. His last rites will be performed on Thursday.
Several prominent people, including singer S P Sailaja, Sunita and Kalyani and music directors like R P Patnaik, Nagaraj paid homage to the departed soul.
