The villain’s role was acted by one of the greatest legends of Indian Cinema, Padmashri R. Nagendra Rao – my venerable grandfather (father’s father).

In this picture below from the movie, he (the villain, on the right) locks swords with one of the “brothers” (hero, left).

And the beauty of this picture, is that the “hero”, Padmashri M.K. Radha, is actually the grandfather of one of my best childhood friends from India, Rajaa Murugan.

Murugan and I used to joke that our grandfathers fought with swords in the movie, maybe we should also try it sometime, fighting with each other

Here’s a review of the movie from the NY Times:

Following up on S. S. Vasan’s 1948 mega-hit Chandralekha, this sequel was inspired by Douglas Fairbanks Jr.’s 1941 film The Corsican Brothers. The film opens with the dastardly Zoravar Singh vanquishing a rival kingdom and usurping its throne. A trusted servant spirits away the twin princes Vikram and Vijay who are heirs to the crown. Though raised separately, Vikram grows up in the city while Vijay lives his childhood in a forest, both become obsessed with avenging their father and both fall for the same beautiful lass (Bhanumathi). This film was produced in three different languages– Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi — with three different directors credited — T. G. Raghavachyran, C. Pullaiah and S. S. Vasan respectively. ~ Jonathan Crow, All Movie Guide (link)

Some of the movies my grandfather, R. Nagendra Rao, acted in / directed / produced, are:

1. Hannele Chiguridaga  1968 (Patriarch)
2. Attegondukala Sosegondukala  1968
3. Veera Kesari  1963  (Dharma Nayaka)
4. Ranadheera Kanteerava  1960  (Dalavayi Vikrama Raya)
5. Raayara Sose (1958)
6. Premada Putri (1957)
7. Nagula Chaviti  1956
8. Jatakaphalam  1953
9. Jatakam  1953
10. Mugguru Kodukulu  1952
11. Apoorva Sahodaralu  1950
12. Nishan  1949
13. Apoorva Sahodarargal  1949  – Zoravar Singh
14. Bhukailasa  1940

- Ravi Jayagopal
RavisRants.com

Enjoy!

It was Anil Kapoor’s first movie ever. Even director Mani Ratnam was not yet the big name that he is now. In fact, my father and Ilayaraja (music) were bigger names than the director and the hero of the movie. The heroine was virtually unheard of – Kiran Virale. She was pretty much unheard of even after the movie was released.

And then of course, there was “Julie” Lakshmi. One of the most amazing, most beautiful actresses India has ever produced.

Believe it or not, I acted as her son in a movie – “Hosa Kavya” – that she produced to launch her daughter, Aishwariya. Huge dud, of course. But more on that later.

Having grown up in Chennai, I was always a huge fan of Ilaiyaraja. I consider this one of Raja’s greatest tunes.

Enjoy.

In early May 2008, when he was recovering from a massive stroke in Ramaiya Hospital, Bangalore, I played this very video for him on YouTube.

He had completely lost his speech, and entire right-side movement. But he was still able to carry a tune perfectly.

While the video played, he and I hummed along together – one of the last amazing moments I had with my father.

I’m actually amazed that I’m able to recollect this without completely breaking down. That’s life I guess

When we are little, we say, “My father can kick your father’s butt” (hero worship).

Then during the rebellious, teenage years, we say “My father is so controlling – he is ruining my life”.

As we become adults and fathers, we say, “Father, help me – I’m stuck!”.

Then after your father is no more, and we have grown older and wiser, we say… “My father used to say….”.

Legendary Kannada film writer and director R.N. Jayagopal – my beloved father – passed away on May 19th, 2008 in Chennai.

He was 72 years old.

He was perfectly healthy – until two months ago. He went from being 100% to 0% – all in a matter of two months.

Dad: All I wanted was to be able to spend some time with you. And talk to you – a lot!

Hopefully we can do that someday – when I see you in heaven.

Until then, have peace knowing that there simply couldn’t have been a greater father than you.

Dad, I will always love you. And I will always miss you. You simply were the very best!

- Ravi Jayagopal
Proud Son of Sri R.N.Jayagopal