2014: A State is Just a State of Mind
Most of my close friends know the deep effect the separation of the Telugu states had on me. I never agreed with the logic of the split, though I understood the politics behind it. I am a CA by training and often spoke out about the unfair distribution of assets and liabilities by a bill that was rushed through to catch the election cycle.
Some friends also know this: the first time I drove back to Andhra after the separation, I stepped out of my car just after Kodada and kissed the earth of my native land. Yes, I can be a bit dramatic. (I can share the photo privately :))
But that’s all behind me now. I have moved on. I realised that a political state is just a state of mind.
2015: Song on Amaravati
In 2015, I got the idea to pay homage to the new capital, Amaravati. I was listening to a song from a film produced by Ashwini Dutt garu, starring Chiranjeevi garu, set in Calcutta. The song was about the city, mellifluously composed. I called my friend Arun Kumar Vemuri, technologist by day, lyricist by night, and told him about this idea of a song on Amaravati with a similar tune. He came back with beautiful and meaningful lyrics almost immediately. (DM me for the lyrics) With Dutt garu’s introduction, I met the music director Mani Sharma and shared the lyrics. He suggested a few changes and gave me the go-ahead. I even got an initial cut from an upcoming composer but never took it to the studio for a final recording.
Over time, my enthusiasm declined. Not getting Special Status and other disappointments led me to this.
2018 : Song Takes a New Form And Performed
Meanwhile, a group of singers from Andhra living in Singapore loved the idea of a song on Amaravati. Arun asked me if I was okay with this, and I told him to go ahead. They rehearsed it, changed the tune, and even performed it at a local event. This was sometime in 2018.
Cut to July 2025
A dear friend asked me to join him on a trip to Singapore. It so happened to be at the same time Chandra Babu Naidu garu was visiting.
The local Telugu community had organised a public meeting for CBN garu. Before his arrival, there were cultural performances. Arun messaged me and told me that our Amaravati song was on the list. He hoped CBN garu would hear it and asked me to try for the same.
I was staying in the same hotel as CBN garu and met some officials managing the event.I asked if they could change the schedule so that the song is played after he arrived. They heard me but made no promises as these things are scheduled minute to minute much in advance. Over lunch, I made the same request to Lokesh garu. He smiled and said last minute changes were tough.
Dharmic Dreams Don’t Die
When CBN garu took the stage, the group had already performed the Amaravati song as per the original schedule. They were now back on stage only to sing “Maa Telugu Talli.” Then, one intrepid singer in the group asked CBN garu directly if they could perform one more song on Amaravati. CBN garu turned to the official next to him, who happened to be the same person I had spoken to earlier. The official nodded yes.
It was one of the most unexpected moments of my life. A song I had commissioned, abandoned, and thought I’d never see performed in front of CBN garu actually happened. My trip was not planned. I did not know the Singapore group had rehearsed and was ready. I did not expect to speak directly to the concerned officials and make this request. Everything just fell into place. It felt like the Universe had quietly arranged it all.
Dharmic dreams don’t die. They take their own time to come to fruition. We just have to make a sankalpam, give it our best, and let Ishvara’s Leela take care of the rest.
Hari’s Curries
A Buffet of Reflections