Characterization based dialogues belong to bygone era. But Ganesh Patro’s dialogues brought back that era in style. After writing for stage plays like Paavala, Labham, Koduku Puttala, Aagandi Koncham Alochinchandi and dramas such as Tarangalu, Asura Sandhya- Ganesh Patro created a benchmark as a dialogue writer for legendary films like Maro Charitra, Akali Rajyam, Chilakamma Cheppindhi, Naa Laaga Endharo, Idhi Kadha Kadhu, Guppedu Manasu, Manishiko Charitra and Mayuri. The main reason why these films became evergreen is because of the liveliness in the characterizations. They are extremely close to real life and strike a chord. His real life experiences are clearly reflected in these characters. They represent the common man in great classiness and style. Despite having internal conflicts, these characters share affections and love.
Born in Markondaputti a village near Parvathipuram, Vizianagaram district, AP, there are amazing observation lessons which made Ganesh Patro as a dialogue magician. He was extremely fond of imitating the people he knew, their expressions and lines. During his studies in Parvatipuram, Ganesh Patro developed interest in stage plays thanks to the inspiration offered by senior actor Voleti Bucchibabu. He wrote the mono acting play Parajithudu and acted in it as well. Meanwhile, he began story writing because of his interest in the field. The epic book reading habit from his father gave him rich vocabulary and knowledge relating to literature. It was in this scenario, Ganesh Patro began writing stories and poetry. Luckily, he got a job in Postal and Telegraph Department in Visakhapatnam.
The sea of Vizag made Ganesh Patro’s dreams true. He was drawn towards Theatre Arts in Andhra University. He turned as an assistant to the head of the department, Kuppili Venkateshwara Rao who happened to be a phenomenal actor himself. But Ganesh Patro was more interested in story writing than acting. The stage play ‘Paavala’ which depicted the troubles and difficulties of north eastern area of AP created a revolution. It won many prizes in Parishat competitions and created a new wave. The actress Shyamala who acted in the play became Paavala Shyamala even after entering the film industry. Right from then, Ganesh Patro’s dramas, stage plays became a success marathon in the field. Versatile actors like Ravooji, Mishro, Krishna Chaitanya, Vankayala Satyanarayana, Vijayalakshmi earned good name on stage as well as silver screen.
It was when veteran actor Gummadi saw a play ‘Koduku Puttala’ written and presented by Ganesh Patro. A mightily impressed Gummadi made the foundations set for Patro’s entry in film industry. A popular actor and producer Dr. Prabhakara Reddy gave the first film opportunity in his home banner. The film was based on the main point which was discussed in Koduku Puttala and transformed it to the liking of film audience. After that film, director Pratyagatma introduced Ganesh Patro to P.A.P production banner. Alludocchadu and Attavarillu became good hits. At the same time, he worked as an assistant under legendary Athreya and proved his worth. Through Athreya, Ganesh Patro associated himself with veteran director K.Balachander.
Ganesh Patro’s combination with K.Balachander began with eternal love story Maro Charitra and continued with mesmerizing grace and success streak. He also associated himself with commercial director Kodi Ramakrishna, which earned him the name as a box office writer. Experimental director Singeetham Srinivasa Rao worked with Patro in cult film Mayuri under prestigious Usha Kiran Movies Banner. Fiery director Kranthi Kumar also chose Patro for amazing films like Swathi and Seetharamayya Gari Manavaralu. In fact, Sreekanth Addala made Ganesh Patro write exclusive dialogues for Prakash Raj’s character in Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu.
It would be interesting to note that Ganesh Patro sent his photographs for acting auditions of Thene Manasulu. Because of his love for acting, he was seen in Akali Rajyam and Chilakamma Cheppindhi as well. Known as the right descendant for dialogue writer Athreya, Ganesh Patro wrote the all time best eve teasing song “Hello Guru Premakosame” from Nirnayam. It is indeed saddening to see Ganesh Patro leave this world just after his mentor K.Balachander some days back.
A classy era of character based films in Telugu Cinema has definitely come to an end.