Musicologist Raja’s ‘Aapatha Madhuram 2’ Book Launched in Hyderabad

Celebrated journalist, musicologist, and Haasam magazine editor, the late Raja penned Aapatha Madhuram 2. His daughters Shreshta and Keerthana launched the book yesterday at an event in the Srinivasa Reddy Auditorium in the KIMS – Sunshine Hospital building in Secunderabad.

Dr. Gurava Reddy unveiled the book and presented the first copy to popular music enthusiast and analyst J. Madhusudana Sharma.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Guruva Reddy said, “I am a huge admirer of Raja garu’s Hasam magazine and the website he managed. I request that his children revive that website. Raja garu was like Binaca Geetmala’s Amin Sayani for Telugu people. I published the first part of Aapatha Madhuram along with my friend Dr. Bhargavi in Pamarru. My brother-in-law, Dr. Varaprasad Reddy, inspired me to publish books. If Raja had been with us longer, he might have analyzed songs up to 1971. If Madhusudana Sharma garu takes up this task, I will take responsibility for bringing it out as a book.”

Guest C. Mrinalini said, “Raja garu delved deep into songs to analyze their musical and lyrical aspects. He used to closely study the composers’ style and lyricists’ words and analyze them. Raja garu had a rare ability to combine the perspectives of music directors, lyricists, and singers to give in-depth insights into songs. Including QR codes in this book is an excellent idea. It would allow readers to read and listen to the songs.”

Popular music director RP Patnaik revealed that he once had an idea of conducting a show titled “Pata” to explore the origins and creation of songs.

Dr Varaprasad Reddy, who published the book, shared his bond with Raja. “I launched Hasam magazine with Raja as the editor due to his immense knowledge of music. Many people still ask me why I had to discontinue Hasam magazine, and I clarified that it was due to Raja’s uncompromising nature.”

J. Madhusudhana Sharma thanked Raja’s daughters for dedicating this book to him as a sign of their admiration.

Raja’s elder daughter Shreshta thanked the audience for their support and promised to revive Raja’s website soon.