Pawan Kalyan’s Efforts On Moglaiah Didn’t Go In Vain

On Republic Day Eve, three Telangana artists have been conferred with the Padma Shri award – Darshanam Mogaliah, the Kinnera player, Kuchipudi dancer Gaddam Padmaja Reddy, and tribal folk singer Ramachandraiah. The trio has been honoured for their endless contribution to art.

The 70-year-old Moglaiah, who recently landed his voice in Pawan Kalyan’s Bheemla Nayak song, hails from Mahbubnagar. The actor also announced Rs 2 lakh financial aid to the 12-fret Kinnera folk artiste back in September. Moglaiah is a fifth-generation Kinnera maestro, keeping his family tradition alive. His forefathers used to reportedly play in the court of the Wanparthy king about 400 years ago.

Talking about his financial crisis, the pandemic proved to be a double whammy for the already-struggling Mogliah and it has wreaked havoc on his livelihood. When the future looked gloomy, Bheemla Nayak song came as a blessing for him. Thaman gave a chance to Moglaiah where he sang the first stance in the title song of the film. And Pawan Kalyan who keeps encouraging folk singers and works actively to ensure that the art form doesn’t die out, played a pivotal role in bringing Moglaiah’s life back on track.

The folk singer’s journey with the actor was a fruitful trip. Pawan Kalyan Learning Centre for Human Excellence, the trust founded by PK himself, felicitated Moglaiah last year. When he was steeped in poverty, Pawan Kalyan made plans afoot to introduce the only artiste in Telangana, who plays the rare instrument, Kinenra.

Meanwhile, the other two Padma awardees are Kuchipudi dancer Gaddam Padmaja Reddy, who is known for reviving the forgotten ancient dance form, known as “Kaktiyam”. She spent time at the Ramappa Temple in Warangal to study some significant literature available on the dance form. Also, Ramchandriah is a tribal artist from Bhadadri Kothagudem district and is a folk singer belonging to the ST Koya community. His songs focus on tribal history.