Ghantasala's Bhagavadgita
'Padmasri' Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao — the legendary south Indian playback singer whose rendering of the Gita acquired unrivalled popularity and inspired generations.
Recording Label
HMV (His Master's Voice)
Verses Recorded
106 of 700 verses
Released On
21st April 1974, Vijayawada
About 'Padmasri' Ghantasala
'Padmasri' Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao, the legendary south Indian playback singer and music director, set to melodious music 106 of the 700 verses of Bhagavadgita, choosing them for their spiritual significance and universal appeal. His rendering of the Gita — with a rare touch of devotion — acquired an unrivalled popularity among Telugu-speaking devotees across the world.
The famous recording firm HMV recorded these verses with meanings of the verses in Telugu, releasing them as a set of two Gramophone records on 21st April 1974 at Vijayawada — through the hands of that legendary Telugu actor 'Padmasri' N.T. Rama Rao.
Though several singers in India sang Bhagavadgita and brought out recordings, Ghantasala's rendering — with its rare touch of devotion and soul-stirring appeal — remains the gold standard that inspired future generations to carry forward the tradition of Gita music.
His Lasting Legacy
Ghantasala's Bhagavadgita recordings became a spiritual treasure for millions of devotees. His voice carried the essence of devotion, and his musical genius transformed the recitation of Sanskrit verses into an experience of divine grace.
Inspired by this rendering of Bhagavadgita in part by Sri Ghantasala, Dr. L.V. Gangadhara Sastry — Indian playback singer and music director — sang all the 700 verses in Sanskrit with meanings in Telugu, composing and recording them in his own musical style, while retaining the 106 verses of Sri Ghantasala as a mark of respect to the great man.
🎵 “The 106 verses of Sri Ghantasala are retained in Dr. Gangadhara Sastry's complete recording as a mark of respect to the great man — a gesture that honours both the legacy and the spirit of devotion.”