- Source: Ruthuragalu
Ruthuragalu is an Indian Telugu-language drama television series that aired on DD Saptagiri from 1996 to 1999, spanning 450 episodes. Directed by Manjula Naidu and Sudhakar Pallamala, and produced by Manjula Naidu, the series is regarded as one of the earliest daily soap operas in Telugu television. It was based on a story by Yaddanapudi Sulochana Rani.
The show centers on the interconnected lives of several families, exploring their relationships, personal struggles, and moral dilemmas. Known for its engaging narrative and well-developed characters, Ruthuragalu became a cultural phenomenon, airing Monday to Friday at 4:30 PM. The series resonated strongly with viewers, earning several accolades during its run.
The series also helped establish Manjula Naidu as a prominent figure in the Telugu television industry. Its iconic title song, "Vasantha Sameeram la," remains popular to this day. The show played a significant role in launching the careers of several actors, including Rajeev Kanakala, Preeti Nigam, and Prabhakar.
Plot
The show depicts the lives of several interconnected families, focusing on their relationships, personal struggles, and the moral dilemmas they face. It explores themes of love, betrayal, and redemption, set against the backdrop of familial and societal conflicts. The narrative weaves through various dramatic twists, emphasizing the enduring strength of relationships amidst adversity.
Cast
Roopa Devi
Rajeev Kanakala
Sameer
Prabhakar
Vinod Bala
Maharshi Raghava
Raja
Singampalli Sruthi
Ayesha Jaleel
Preeti Nigam as Haritha
Harishchandra Royala
Meka Ramakrishna
Manchala Suryanarayana
Harsha Vardhan
Hema
Vallabhaneni Janardhan
Nagesh Karra as Harish
Singampalli Madhusudhan
Sri Divya (child actress)
Ravi Teja in a guest appearance
Production
The series was directed by Manjula Naidu and Sudhakar Pallamala, with Sashank Televisions serving as the production house. Roopa Devi, known for her roles in acclaimed art films like Daasi (1988), played a lead character in the serial. Ravi Teja, who later rose to prominence as a major film star, appeared in the series during the early stages of his career. Sri Divya made her first appearance on camera at the age of three in Ruthuragalu. She was discovered by director Manjula Naidu at a dance performance by her elder sister. Initially, Sri Divya was set to appear in only a few episodes, but her role was extended due to the positive audience response.
Music
The opening theme song, "Vasantha Sameeramla", was composed by Bunty-Ramesh, with vocals by Bunty and Sunitha. The lyrics were written by Balabhadrapatruni Madhu. The serial became widely recognized for its iconic title song, frequently heard during its evening telecasts.
Reception
Ruthuragalu gained immense popularity for its engaging narrative and well-defined characters. Airing from Monday to Friday at 4:30 PM, it became a cultural phenomenon and resonated strongly with viewers during its run.
Awards
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Legacy
Ruthuragalu is considered a landmark in Telugu television history. It was one of the first daily soap operas in Telugu, introducing a new format of storytelling. The show’s engaging plot and strong characters resonated with audiences and paved the way for more daily serials in Telugu television. It demonstrated the potential of television as an effective medium for storytelling in regional languages.
Ruthuragalu was a turning point for several actors, including Rajeev Kanakala, Roopa Devi, Preeti Nigam, Prabhakar, and Singampalli Sruthi helping them establish successful careers. It marked Preeti Nigam's television debut and launched her as a prominent TV actress. She later married her co-star Nagesh Karra, who played Harish in the serial. Similarly, Singampalli Sruthi married her co-star Madhusudhan, who also worked in the serial. Both Nigam and Prabhakar credited Ruthuragalu as a transformative milestone in their careers.
References
External links
Ruthuragalu at YouTube
