Prime Post’s Tribute to Telidevara Bhanu Murthy
Telidevara Bhanu Murthy was a distinguished journalist and columnist celebrated for his deep-rooted connection to the Telangana dialect. Known for his transparency and integrity, Bhanu Murthy’s character was as clear as his writing. Anyone who spoke with him for just five minutes would recognize his straightforward nature; he was a man of his word, devoid of any pretense or conversational “curves.”
The Charm of “Filbil”
One of the most defining traits of Bhanu Murthy’s personality was his persistent use of local Telangana vocabulary in his daily life. For those unfamiliar with the dialect, communicating with him could occasionally be a challenge. A famous anecdote illustrates this beautifully. Bhanu Murthy, who was typically very punctual, once arrived late to the office. When colleagues asked for the reason, he explained that he had been busy fixing a new “filbil” on his bicycle.
His colleagues from Andhra Pradesh were baffled by the word. Even when he repeated it, they couldn’t grasp the meaning. Eventually, others stepped in to translate: “filbil” was the local pronunciation of the English word “freewheel.” In bicycle mechanics, the freewheel is the component that allows the rear wheel to spin freely while the rider coasts. This linguistic quirk highlighted how English technical terms were naturally absorbed and reshaped by the Telangana tongue.
A Columnist with Wit and Wisdom
Bhanu Murthy’s literary contributions were centered around the preservation and celebration of his native language. He was the author of the popular column “Palukubadi,” published in the ‘Udayam’ daily. This column was widely loved for its “purity” and the beauty of its prose. It was so engaging that readers would often read it aloud to younger generations to help them appreciate the nuances of the dialect. Beyond its linguistic value, “Palukubadi” was a platform for Bhanu Murthy to use his sharp wit to critique politicians, often delivering his points with a unique, rhythmic style that felt more like a conversation than a lecture.
His writing was often infused with Urdu-influenced vocabulary, reflecting the multicultural history of the Telangana region. In addition to “Palukubadi,” he maintained another notable column titled “Chalnedo Balakishan” in a different vernacular daily.
A Lasting Legacy
To read Bhanu Murthy’s work was to feel as though you were sitting across from him, engaged in a warm, honest discussion. Whether he was calling a friend during a visit to Khammam or writing for thousands of readers, his “plain mind” and authentic spirit remained constant. He wasn’t just a journalist; he was a cultural bridge-builder who ensured that the unique sounds and stories of Telangana found a permanent place in the world of journalism.
Editor, Prime Post
Ravindra Seshu Amaravadi, is a senior journalist with 38 years of experience in Telugu, English news papers and electronic media. He worked in Udayam as a sub-editor and reporter. Later, he was associated with Andhra Pradesh Times, Gemini news, Deccan Chronicle, HMTV and The Hans India. Earlier, he was involved in the research work of All India Kisan Sabha on suicides of cotton farmers. In Deccan Chronicle, he exposed the problems of subabul and chilli farmers and malpractices that took place in various government departments.
