A Star in All Mediums

The pen of Aacharya Aatreya has performed many wonders. His impeccable writing is reflected through his poetry, plays, scripts, and memorable lyrics.

Acharya Aatreya- Writing stories that matter since 1921

This is the tale of a child who sees the world as a dwelling place for wonder and surprise. Who believes that everything and everyone has a story to tell. This little boy with an eye for beauty and heart for words decides to follow his dreams, weaving magic with his pen. Slowly and steadily, he realises the horrors of oppression all around him and vows to stand up against them. A writer turned revolutionary, he fights the state and even gets arrested. With much will and courage, he is able to bring down this regime with his comrades. Now that his mission is complete, he resorts to his passion and gains a lot of success.

This might seem like the plot of a dystopian young adult novel (minus the love triangle) but this is the story of Acharya Aatreya- an impeccable writer and a lyricist par excellence who joined the struggle for India’s independence.

Born on 7 May 1921 in Mangalampadu village of Andhra Pradesh, Kilambi Venakata Narasimhacharyulu took up the pen name Aatreya for himself. This symbol of self-expression would eventually become a mark of great fame. Owing to a deep interest in Telugu literature, he spent his school days writing plays that would astonish anyone who knew his little age.

Before revolutionising Telugu literature, he became a part of the resistance to British colonial rule. Aatreya was even arrested during the Quit India Movement but this did not deter his determination to win the country its freedom.

After being released he worked as an assistant editor for a journal but soon came to the embrace of his one true love, writing.

The 1940s witnessed the rise of a new star in the world of drama.

With his simple yet impactful dialogues, well-rounded characters and lucid storylines, Acharya became the talk of the town. His works Ashoka Samrat, Goutama Buddha, Parivarthana, Vaastavam, Eenaadu completely changed the meaning of dramatics, adding multiple elements into it.

In the year 1951, renowned singer M.S. Ramarao sang his lyrics for the first time and they struck a chord in the souls of many. No wonder why Aatreya was given the title of ‘Manasu Kavi’ or the poet of the hearts. As a lyricist, the songs he wrote covered a plethora of themes including romance, patriotism, peace, and social issues. After spellbinding many via the theatre, it was time for his magic to be showcased on the silver screen. Not only did he work as a producer and director, but he also acted in a couple of movies.

For all these wondrous feats, he was given various awards like the state Nandi Award for Best Lyricist and an Honorary Doctorate Degree by Dr B.R. Ambedkar Open University of Hyderabad.

A great chapter of Telugu literature, theatre, and entertainment began with the life of this great man. However, with the death of Acharya Aaterya on 13 September 1989, his glorious legacy keeps on thriving.