Mimicry artist Nerella’s 84th b’day celebrated

Hanamkonda: World famous mimicry artist Nerella Venu Madhav has entered into his 85th year of his life, marking which grand celebrations were held here on Wednesday.Celebrations were held at 'Nerella Venu Madhav Kala Pranganam' at Public Gardens in Hanamkonda.

Marking the celebrations, Nerella Venu Madhav Cultural Trust has presented Pratibha Puraskaram-2015 to noted Carnatic vocalist 'Gana Kalanidhi', KSR Balakrishna Shastry of Saptaswara Cultural Organisation.The puraskaram recipient is official singer at Thiruvaiyaru Temple at Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu.

The award has been instituted to encourage artistes in different fields, the award carries Rs 10,000 cash, a citation and a memento, said Venu Madhav, who along with his wife Shoba presented the award to Shastry.Noted writer Ampasayya Naveen, MP P Dayakar, MLA Rasamayi Balakishan, writers Rama Chandramouli and Vanam Lakshmikantha Rao, Commissioner of Police G Sudheer Babu, mimicry artist Srinivas and others attended the birthday celebrations.

The birthday celebrations also coincided with the 60th marriage anniversary of Venu Madhav and his wife Shoba. Marking the occasion, the district Congress president N Rajender Reddy has felicitated the couple with a shawl and garlands.Congress leader said Venu Madhav has been known as father of Indian mimicry and was first Indian artist to perform at the United Nations headquarters winning laurels for India.