Sri Kandula Mallikarjuna Rao

Sri Kandula Mallikharjuna Rao was born in 1921 to K. Venkatachalam and Lakshmi Narasamma. He was born in Machilipatnam, Krishna District Andhra Pradesh. He worked as a music composer and singer at All India Radio Madras for 30 years. He later transferred to All India Radio Vijayawada. He was the first composer of many reputed Takkapaka Annamacharya Keerthanas. Examples of such include Adigo Alladigo, Thandhanana Aahi, and Narayanathae Namo Namo. He also composed the famous Raja Rajeswari Astakam, Hanuman Manjari, and the famous dance ballay Chandalika.

In addition to being a composer, he was also a playback singer for movies, including the films Sampoorna Ramayanam, Charana Dasi, Bhagya Rekha, and Bangarupapa.

He was awarded Nada Kaumudi by ex-Prime Minister Narsimha Rao and ex-Chief Minister N.T.R. for his excellence.

He accompanied as a singer for many dance ballays for Sri Vempati Chinna Satyam, Smt. Sobha Naidu, and Smt. Raja Sulochana. He also performed many individual programs.

He participated in T.T.D. Brahmotsavams for 50 years.