Rekandar Nageswara Rao | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1 June 1949 |
| Died | 9 June 2022 (aged 73) Serilingampally,Hyderabad, India |
| Occupation | Theatre personality |
| Awards | Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2011) Padma Shri (2013) |
Rekandar Nageswara Rao, popularly known asSurabhi Babji (1 June 1949 – 9 June 2022)[1] was an Indian thespian, and director, known for his works inTelugu theatre. He was honored by theGovernment of India, in 2013, by bestowing on him thePadma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, for his contributions to the field of art.[2]
Rekander Nageswar Rao, born in a theatre-owning family, in the remote village of Gimidi Peta inSrikakulam district, inAndhra Pradesh, in India, is a fourth generation theatre owner. His forefathers, viz. Rekander Chiina Venkatrao, who founded theSri Venkateswara Natya Mandali (Surabhi) in 1937, Rekandar Dasaradhi Rao and Rekandar Bhoja Raju were well known theatre personalities.[3] He took charge of running the theatre group in 1973.
Some of his notable plays areLavakusa,Mayabazar,Anasuya,Sri Veera Brahmam gari Charitra,Harishnandra,Bobbili Yuddham,Balanagamma,Chintamani, andRangoon rowdy. He has also assistedB. V. Karanth, renowned Kannada director, in a play by the name ofChandi Priya.[4]
Rekander Nageshwar Rao is a recipient of theSangeet Natak Akademi Award, which he received in 2011.[4] Later, the Government of India honoured him with the civilian award ofPadma Shri, in 2013.[2]
