Renowned folk singer and activist Gaddar, who had been battling severe heart disease, passed away at the age of 74. He had been undergoing treatment at the Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad for the past 10 days following a cardiac arrest.
Gaddar – The People’s Singer and Activist
Gaddar, also known as Gummadi Vittal Rao, gained popularity primarily through his stage name. He earned the title of the people’s singer due to his songs that brought attention to various issues faced by the common people. Additionally, he showcased his acting skills in a few films, including “Maa Bhoomi” and “Rangula Kala”.
Gaddar was born into a Dalit family in Medak district of Telangana in 1949. During the 1980s, he went underground and became associated with the People’s War Group, an underground communist party in India. He founded the Jana Natya Mandali, a Delhi-based theatre company which later evolved into the cultural wing of the naxalite outfit.
List of Awards won by Gaddar:
Year | Award | Category | Song/Movie |
---|---|---|---|
1995 | Nandi Award | Best Lyricist | “Malletheega Ku Pandiri Vole” |
2011 | Nandi Award | Best Male Playback Singer | “Jai Bolo Telangana” |
Key takeaways for competitive examinations
- Chief Minister of Telangana: K. Chandrashekhar Rao