Chakri could be undoubtedly called as Telugu Bappi Lahari. With his typical appearance clad in heavy chains and flashy dressing, he always reminded everyone of the Bollywood Disco Composer. Whenever Chakri was complimented on the same point, he used to get so delighted to be compared to such great personality. This unique composer shared a special bonding with director Puri Jagannadh and in fact, his journey began with the maverick director. Beginning his music director career with Bachi, Chakri never looked back. He gave some memorable hits to Puri with films like Itlu Sravani Subrahmanyam, Idiot, Amma Nanna O Tamil Ammayi and Desamuduru. Almost every song in their combination was a super hit. With this, Chakri became a storm in music composing and associated with artistic director Vamshi next. After Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, Vamsi shared a great working chemistry with Chakri alone. Aunu Valliddaru Ishtapaddaru, Saradaga Kasepu were some of the films which had melodious music from Chakri- Vamshi combination. In fact, most of these songs retain the melodious impact of Ilaiyaraaja- Vamsi combination which created a wave in the 80s era. Vamsi himself announced once that Chakri will be the music director for every film he makes!
Chakri used to welcome criticism with a good natured smile. He even used to say that whoever talks about his work, it does good to him. There was a wonderful singer hidden in Chakri as well. He used to sing at least one song in every film for which he composed music. Without restricting himself to this, he even sang for other films. Some of the hit songs in his voice are ‘Mona Mona’, ‘Oke Oka Maata’, ‘O Maguva Neetho Sneham Kosam’. Chakri was quite fond of acting and used to appear briefly in few films as well. He has given opportunities to aspiring young singers and musicians to work under him. There was a humane angle in Chakri which led him to work on charity every year during his birthday. Despite completing the crucial milestone of 50 films in an early age, he was suddenly struck with cardiac arrest. The melodious voice has turned silent. Nevertheless, his songs will always enthrall Telugu Audience for his nativity and sweetness.
