R. Balasaraswathi Devi Age, Wiki and Bio

R. Balasaraswathi Devi

Quick Info

ProfessionPlayback singer, Actress
NationalityIndian
Date of Birth28/08/1928
Age97 years (died on 15, Oct, 2025)
BirthplaceVenkatagiri, Madras Presidency, British India
Date of Death15/10/2025

Bio/Wiki

Full NameRaavu Balasaraswathi Devi
Famous forBeing first playback singer of Telugu cinema

Physical Stats & More

Height5' 2" (158 cm)
Weight50 Kg (110 lbs)
Eye ColorBlack
Hair ColorSalt & pepper

Personal Life

NationalityIndian
HometownTirupati
ReligionHinduism
Zodiac signVirgo

Relationships & More

Marital StatusWidow

Family

SpouseSri Raja Rao Pradyumna Krishna Mahipati Surya Rao
Children1 Son

Career

Description
  • Raavu Balasaraswathi Devi emerged as a prominent figure in the music industry, known for her pioneering role as the first playback singer in Telugu cinema.
  • She recorded her first solo gramophone record at the age of six, swiftly gathering fame as a child artist.
  • In addition to her singing, she made significant contributions to South Indian cinema as an actress during the 1930s and 1940s.
  • Balasaraswathi Devi's illustrious career spanned over nine decades, encompassing both playback singing and acting in multiple languages.
  • Her notable recordings include hundreds of enduring songs, made in collaboration with many well-known composers.
  • Alongside her musical endeavors, her contributions to radio as the first light music singer in All India Radio solidified her legacy.
  • She received various accolades, such as the Ramineni Foundation Award and the YSR Lifetime Achievement Award by the Andhra Pradesh government.

Favourites

Preferred OutfitHalf-white silk sarees
Favorite FlowerJasmine flowers
Favorite Sweets
  • Gulab jamun
  • Jangri

Some Lesser Known Facts

Balasaraswathi Devi belonged to the distinguished Nidudavolu family, renowned in Telugu culture.
Her first significant role occurred when she was just eight, portraying Ganga in two acclaimed Telugu films.
She broadened her artistic horizons by working with major studios during her early career.
Her groundbreaking song recorded in 1943 marked a monumental shift in the Telugu film industry.
She was renowned for her ability to sing in multiple languages, showcasing her vast musical range.