Dr Ghazal Srinivas description

Dr. Ghazal Srinivas (Kesiraju Srinivas) is an Indian singer who is the Maestro and pioneer of Telugu Ghazal singing. He initiated and popularized Telugu Ghazal singing and soon rose to fame after his debut visit and performance in USA in the year 1992. His style of ghazal singing is unique to itself as he performs with only one accompaniment i.e., Kanjeera (Toumbarine). Dr. Srinivas achieved a special place for himself in the Galaxy of ghazal singers along with Jagjit Singh, Anup Jalota, Pankaj Udhas, Chandan Das, Hariharan, Talat Aziz and other ghazal singers.

Apart from his Ghazal singing in the year 1999, Srinivas played a lead role in the telugu film “Vichitram” directed by Sri Jandhyala, following which , he has also performed a Special role in the super Hit Telugu film ” A Film By Arrvind” directed by Sekhar Suri.

Dr. Srinivas created Three Guinness World Records consecutively in the years 2008, 2009 and 2010. He is the only singer who sang 125 songs in 125 Global languages which have become two Guinness world Records

Early life

Dr Kesiraju Srinivas, a native of Palakol town in West Godavari Dist. Andhra Pradesh, India, was born in Tekkali village near Srikakulam Dist on October 14th,1966 , originally from a village called Malakapally , WG Dist where his forefathers lived. He hails from a Niyogi Brahmin family. He is the second of the five children of Sri Kesiraju Narasimha Rao and Smt. Ratnavali. His grand father Sri Kesiraju Venkata Narasimham Panthulu who hails form Malakapalli, WG Dist. was a well known freedom fighter. Dr Srinivas”s elder brother is Mr K Ramprasad, younger brothers are Gowri Sankar, Krishna and only sister is Gayatri.

Dr Srinivas did his schooling in Jangareddy Gudem, Eluru, Nellimarla, Vissakoderu, Bhimavaram, Polavaram , Naraspuram and his Intermediate studies in YN college , Narasapuram. He then received his degree in BA in the year 1985 from ASNM Govt College, Palakol, Andhra University and Bachelor of Library and Information Sciences Degree from University of Madras in the year 1989.

Career

The debut stage performance of Srinivas was in the year 1972 at the concluding ceremony of “Satya Saibaba Seva Samithi Eye Camp ” in Bhimavaram with a Bhajan and also Mono action of Duroyodhana a Mythological character.

From his child hood he has great inclination towards music. He used to sing Telugu film songs in various private functions. Despite of his passion for music his parents did not want him to learn music or pursue music as a career. However, against all odds he took part in various District and State level competitions and bagged prizes in all of them.

Finally in the year 1980. When he won the most prestigious “Tyagaraja Gana Sabha Light Classical Music” award his parents realized his talent and passion towards music. They sent him to Pandit Hare Ram Master for a formal training in Carnatic classical Music. After one and half years of training he was unable to continue due his father’s frequent job related transfers to various places. In his childhood he also attended classes and learned Burrakatha, Haritha katha in Polavaram village to improve his performance skills.

Besides his singing he used to take part in Drama competitions and acted in more than 40 Telugu plays like Election Melam, Prema sagara Madhanam, Ettuku Paiettu, Neeru Poyi, Aadaboyey Natakam, Kukka, Uppena, Garibhi hatavo,Padma vyooham, Hang him till Death, Kokkoroko, Charitrala putallo maro pegi, Peddabalasiksha, ,Mrityumjayudu, etc.