C. Narayana Reddy, Poet, Writer
Poet, Writer

C. Narayana Reddy

Born 29 July 1931 · Telangana — Died 12 June 2017

Authored the epic Telugu poem 'Viswambara' which won the Jnanpith Award in 1988.

Cingireddi Narayana Reddy, popularly known as CiNaRe, was an Indian Telugu-language poet, writer, and critic. He had produced over eighty literary works including poems, prose-plays, lyrical plays, translations, and ghazals. He was also a professor, film lyricist, actor, and Rajya Sabha politician. He also served as the Vice Chancellor of Telugu University.

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A detail that
surprised us

“

Despite schooling in Urdu medium due to Nizam's policies, he mastered Telugu through private tutelage and later became a pivotal Telugu literary figure.

The Story

1
🌾 Born in 1931 in Hanumajipet village under Nizam's rule, C. Narayana Reddy learned Telugu privately while attending Urdu medium schools, reflecting the linguistic challenges of Telangana at the time.
2
📚 In 1962, he earned his Ph.D. on 'Modern Traditions of Telugu,' marking a scholarly milestone that would underpin his literary and academic career.
3🎭 Starting as a film lyricist in 1962 with "Gulebakavali Katha," he penned over 3,500 songs, weaving poetry into Telugu cinema across decades.
4🌟 His 1988 Jnanpith Award-winning work "Viswambhara" became a landmark in Telugu literature, blending social themes with lyrical depth.

🏅 Awards & Honours

1977
Padma Shri
1988
Jnanpith Award
1992
Padma Vibhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

“

He wrote his first published poem collection, Navvani Puvvu, in 1953, while still a young lecturer, highlighting his early literary productivity.

📸 Through the Years

📷

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Birth in Hanumajipet, Telangana
Born to Malla Reddy and Buchamma in a Telugu family under Nizam's rule, learning Telugu privately due to Urdu medium schools.
1931
📚
Education
Admission to Osmania University
Joined Osmania University, Hyderabad, studying Telugu as his major subject.
1949
📖
Publication
First poetry collection published
Published 'Navvani Puvvu,' marking his debut in Telugu literature.
1953
📚
Education
Ph.D. on Modern Telugu Traditions
Awarded doctorate for research on contemporary Telugu literary traditions.
1962
⚡
Career
Film lyricist debut
Wrote lyrics for the film 'Gulebakavali Katha,' beginning a prolific career in cinema.
1962
🏅
Award
Jnanpith Award for Viswambhara
Received India's highest literary honor for his poetry collection 'Viswambhara.'
1988
⚡
Career
Rajya Sabha Nomination
Nominated to the Rajya Sabha, representing literary and cultural interests at the national level.
1997
🏅
Award
Sahitya Akademi Fellowship
Conferred the highest honor from India's National Academy of Letters.
2014
🕊️
Death
Death
Passed away, leaving a vast legacy of Telugu literature and cinema lyrics.
2017
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 05
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

C. Narayana Reddy authored lyrics for more than 3,500 Telugu songs, a volume uncommon even among prolific film lyricists.

02 / 05
👤PERSONAL

He studied Telugu under Satavadhanis Seshadri Ramana Kavulu while attending Urdu medium schools, reflecting a rare cross-linguistic education in 1940s Telangana.

03 / 05
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

In 1988, he won the Jnanpith Award for his poetry collection 'Viswambhara,' a rare recognition for Telugu literature at the national level.

No quote recorded for C. Narayana Reddy yet.

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
C. Narayana Reddy - WikiVidi Documentary
More from this archive
C. Narayana Reddy - WikiVidi Documentary
01
C. Narayana Reddy - WikiVidi Documentary
SPEECH BY SRI C.NARAYANAREDDY
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SPEECH BY SRI C.NARAYANAREDDY
Dr C.Narayana Reddy/Cinare Special : Lyricist, Poet and Writer || Episode 01 || Vanitha TV
03
Dr C.Narayana Reddy/Cinare Special : Lyricist, Poet and Writer || Episode 01 || Vanitha TV
Dr. C. Narayana Reddy last interview
04
Dr. C. Narayana Reddy last interview
Dr C.Narayana Reddy/Cinare Special : Lyricist, Poet and Writer || Episode 02 || Vanitha TV
05
Dr C.Narayana Reddy/Cinare Special : Lyricist, Poet and Writer || Episode 02 || Vanitha TV
Dr C.Narayana Reddy/Cinare Special : Lyricist, Poet and Writer || Episode 11 || Vanitha TV
06
Dr C.Narayana Reddy/Cinare Special : Lyricist, Poet and Writer || Episode 11 || Vanitha TV
Dr. C.Narayana Reddy Exclusive Interview- Cinare Cinigeeta Vybhavam - Episode -1
07
Dr. C.Narayana Reddy Exclusive Interview- Cinare Cinigeeta Vybhavam - Episode -1
Dr C.Narayana Reddy Rare Speech | Narayana Reddy Encouraging Speech to New Poet
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Dr C.Narayana Reddy Rare Speech | Narayana Reddy Encouraging Speech to New Poet
Dr. C.Narayana Reddy Exclusive Interview - Episode -16
09
Dr. C.Narayana Reddy Exclusive Interview - Episode -16
Special Discussion On Veteran Poet C Narayana Reddy's Literature | Part 1 | V6 News
10
Special Discussion On Veteran Poet C Narayana Reddy's Literature | Part 1 | V6 News

🌱 What changed because of them

C. Narayana Reddy’s literary works and academic leadership at Telugu University reinforced the modern Telugu literary tradition, nurturing scholarship and creative expression. His extensive film lyrics popularized Telugu poetry among wider audiences, while his Rajya Sabha tenure helped bring regional language issues into national conversation. The award he instituted for female writers continues to promote gender inclusivity in Telugu literature.

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