Noted Balladeer Vangapandu Prasada Rao Passes Away

VIZIANAGARAM: Famous balladeer Vangapandu Prasada Rao passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning in Parvathipuram Pendhabondhapalli of Vizianagaram. After a prolonged illness, Vangapandu breathed his last today. He established Jana Natyamandali in 1972. He received Kalaratna Purashkar in 2017. He inspired people through his folk songs. Vangapandu, known for multiple talents of composing, singing and dancing.

Gaddar condoled the death of Vangapandu. He said that, 'Vangapandu Prasada Rao will be remembered forever. He sang more than 300 songs and some of his songs have been translated into 10 other languages.'

Vangapandu is survived by wife Vijayalakshmi, three sons and a daughter Vangapandu Usha. He worked in Hindustan Shipyard Limited from 1976 to 1999. He was associated with revolutionary movement for many years along with Gaddar. He wrote Yeruvaka and Polikeka books of songs. He was also felicitated with Suddala Hanumanthu National Award Sangita Ratna and TANA's Akkineni Foundation award of Rangastala Rana.

Many of his songs were translated into other languages like Tamil, Bengal, Hindi, Kannada and other languages. His song, Yantrametla Nadustunna song was translated into English and it got appreciation from all the quarters.