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{{short description|Indian music composer, lyricist}}
{{In line citation|date=November 2021}}{{EngvarB|date=May 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Hamsalekha
| image = Hamsalekha.jpg
| caption =
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| image_size =
| background =
| birth_name = Gangaraju 
| birth_place = Tulasikatte, Akkipete, [[Bangalore]]<ref name="Raju"/>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1951|06|23|}}
| origin = [[Mandya]], [[Karnataka State|Karnataka]], [[India]]
| instrument = [[Electronic keyboard|Keyboard]]s, vocals, guitar, piano, [[Pump organ|harmonium]], percussion, other
| genre = [[Film score]]<br />[[Film soundtrack|Soundtrack]]<br />Theatre<br />[[World music]]
| occupation = Music composer, lyricist, screenplay writer, dialogue writer
| website = {{URL|www.hamsalekhadesi.com}}
| years_active = 1981–present
}}
'''Gangaraju''' (born June 23, 1951), professionally known as '''Hamsalekha''', is an Indian [[Film score|film composer]] and a [[songwriter]] who works in [[Cinema of South India|South Indian cinema]], predominantly in the [[Kannada film industry]] since the late 1980s. He is also a screenplay writer, dialogue writer, instrumentalist and a conductor, composed and written for over 500 feature films.{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}} Also regarded as one of the greatest music composers of all time in history.{{According to whom|date=June 2022}}

Hamsalekha has won one [[National Film Awards]] and six [[Filmfare Awards South|Filmfare Awards]] in the Best Music Director Category; seven [[Karnataka State Film Awards]] - four for music direction and three for lyrics - and is a recipient of an honorary doctorate from [[Bangalore University]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/dr-hamsalekha-now-kannada-news-107448|title=Dr. Hamsalekha now|publisher=Indiaglitz|date=14 May 2014}}</ref>

==Early career==
Hamsalekha was born as Gangaraju in 1951, to K. H. Govindaraju and Rajamma in Tulasikatte, near Akkipete in [[Bangalore]].<ref name="Raju">{{Cite news|url=https://vijaykarnataka.com/lavalavk/weekly-magazine/music-is-my-life-hamsalekha/articleshow/49782257.cms|title=ಸಂಗೀತವೇ ನನ್ನ ಜೀವ, ಜೀವಾಳ|trans-title=Music is my life, force|language=Kannada|work=Vijaya Karnataka|date=15 November 2015|access-date=6 March 2021}}</ref> After his studies, he was employed in his father's printing press and subsequently joined his brother Balakrishna's orchestra group.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wiki.indiancine.ma/wiki/Hamsalekha|title=Hamsalekha - Indian cinema|publisher= Indian cinema wiki|access-date=21 February 2015}}</ref> Lavani Neelakantappa his teacher modified his name as "Hamsalekha".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bangaloremirror.com/entertainment/south-masala/Hamsalekha-to-don-directors-hat/articleshow/31682813.cms|title=Hamsalekha to don director's hat|publisher=Bangalore Mirror|date=2014}}</ref> He was introduced into feature films by director M. N. Prasad, who provided an opportunity to write a song for the film ''Triveni'' (1973). {{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}The song "Neena Bhagavantha" was his first release picturised on actor [[Udaykumar]]. His debut film as a musician was the 1981 unreleased film ''Rahuchandra''. Officially, his cinema career started as a dialogue and lyric writer for the film ''[[Naanu Nanna Hendthi]]'' (1985). {{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}Later his popularity peaked only after his association with actor-director [[V. Ravichandran|Ravichandran]]. ''[[Premaloka]]'', released in 1987.{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}

==Personal life==
Hamsalekha is married to [[Latha Hamsalekha]] who was a playback singer in the 1990s. The couple have a son named Alankar and two daughters named Tejaswini and Nandini. Alankar is associated with films as an actor and musician. Few of his released and unreleased movies are ''Sugghi'', ''Tapori'' and ''Roja''.{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}} Tejaswini is associated with film direction, acting and directing plays, she has done her master's in theater from Bangalore University and directed many plays in association with her father Hamsalekha. Nandini began her playback singing career with the film ''[[Sixer (2007 film)|Sixer]]'' (2006).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/nandini-debut-in-item-song-kannada-news-27851|title=Nandini debut in item song|publisher=Indiaglitz|date=19 December 2006}}</ref>

==Notable works==
After working on ''[[Premaloka]]'', Hamsalekha became one of the most prolific music directors in Kannada film, with many hits. He made occasional use of many genres of music, including Western, pop, rock, [[hip hop music|hip hop]], [[Indian classical music|Indian classical]],{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}} folk, [[ghazal]]s, [[Sufi music|Sufi]], and [[item song]]s. {{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}"Chandakinta Chanda", a ghazal he composed for the film ''[[Sparsha (film)|Sparsha]]'', was a major hit. He has created songs ranging from the philosophical ("Le Le Marula" in ''[[Shaapa]]'', a film whose story he wrote himself) to the naughty ("Kaayi Kaayi Nuggekaayi Mahimege" in ''Halli Maestru''), the patriotic ("Huttidhare Kannada Nadalli Hutta Bekku" in [[Dr. Rajkumar|Rajkumar]]'s ''[[Aakasmika]]'', a song which has become an unofficial anthem of [[Karnataka]]) {{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}and love songs ("Ele Hombisile..." in ''[[Halunda Tavaru]]''). He composed the background score for one movie using a single instrument and made the music for ''Kona Eedaite'' with no instruments at all. His music in the film ''[[Hagalu Vesha]]'' had a rustic and folk feel without the use of synthetic sounds. His music in the 2010 movie ''[[Naanu Nanna Kanasu]]'' was appreciated by critics as well as audiences.{{Citation needed|date=February 2012}} He also composed for the National Award-winning movie ''[[Puttakkana Highway]]'' in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.topnews.in/puttakkana-highway-honest-and-objective-2329477 |title='Puttakkana Highway' - honest and objective | TopNews |publisher=Topnews.in |date=22 May 2011 |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref>

The melodic structure of his songs demand considerable vocal virtuosity, and have found expressive platform amongst some of India's respected vocalists and playback singers, such as [[Dr. Rajkumar]], [[P. B. Sreenivas]], [[S. Janaki]], [[Vani Jairam]], [[P. Susheela]], [[K. J. Yesudas]], [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], [[Mano (singer)|Mano]], [[Swarnalatha]], [[K. S. Chithra]], [[Kavita Krishnamurthy]], [[Anuradha Paudwal]], [[Sadhana Sargam]], [[B. R. Chaya]], [[Manjula Gururaj]], [[Chandrika Gururaj]], [[L. N. Shastry]], [[Rajesh Krishnan]], [[Ramesh Chandra (singer)|Ramesh Chandra]], [[Hemanth Kumar]], [[Sangeetha Katti]], [[Rathnamala Prakash]], [[Nanditha]], [[Sowmya Raoh]], [[B. Jayashree]], [[Sonu Nigam]], [[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]], [[Udit Narayan]], [[Kumar Sanu]] and [[Shreya Ghoshal]] with majority of the songs recorded by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki and K. S. Chithra. He recorded some of the rare and distinct voices like [[M. Balamuralikrishna]] for a song in ''[[Muthina Haara]]'' (1990), [[C. Ashwath]] for ''[[Hoovu Hannu]]'' (1993) and [[Pankaj Udhas]] for ''[[Sparsha (film)|Sparsha]]'' (2001).{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}

==Non-film music==
Hamsalekha has written music for stage plays and private albums.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.musicindiaonline.com/list_albums/i/31-Kannada_Movie_Songs/12183-Hamsalekha/#/list_albums/i/31-Kannada_Movie_Songs/12183-Hamsalekha/ |title=Kannada/Movie Songs - Movies containing Music Director: Hamsalekha - Free Indian Music, Listen to Free Bollywood, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Carnatic, Hindustani, Devotional Music |publisher=MusicIndiaOnline |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref>

==As a writer==
Hamsalekha has written stories, screenplays and dialogues for several movies.

===Story===

* ''[[Avane Nanna Ganda]]'' (1989)
* ''[[Gandharva]]'' (1993)
* ''[[Shaapa]]'' (2001)

===Screenplay===

* ''Nimmajji'' (1989)
* ''[[Gandharva]]'' (1993)

===Dialogues===

* ''[[Premaloka]]'' (1987)
* ''[[Ranadheera]]'' (1988)
* ''[[Ranaranga]] '' (1988)
* ''[[Avane Nanna Ganda]]'' (1989)
* ''[[Yuga Purusha]]'' (1989)
* ''[[Halli Meshtru]]'' (1992)
* ''[[Gandharva]]'' (1993)

==Mentoring==
Hamsalekha has mentored several notable singers, music directors, lyricist, directors in [[Kannada]] movie industry{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}
* [[Rajesh Krishnan]], Indian Playback Singer
* [[Chetan Sosca]], Playback Singer
* [[Hemanth Kumar]], Playback Singer
* [[K. Kalyan]], Music composer and lyricist
* [[Nanditha]], Playback Singer
* [[Anoop Seelin]], Music Composer
* [[V. Harikrishna]], Music composer
* [[V. Manohar]], Music composer, lyricist and director
* [[V. Sridhar]], Music composer

==Desi Music Trust==
Hamsalekha laid the foundation stone for Desi Music University on the day of [[Kannada Rajyotsava]] on 1 November 2010. {{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}The university will be built with {{INR}} 1.20 billion on {{convert|50|acre|m2}} of land in Mudhigere village near Channapatna in [[Karnataka]].{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}} The Dravidian University of [[Andhra Pradesh]] has given recognition to this Hamsalekha College of Performing Arts.<ref>{{cite web |author=Super Admin |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/top-stories/2009/hamsalekha-college-rs120cr-090709.html |title=Musician Hamsalekha | Desi Music University | College Art Exhibition | Research Centre |publisher=Entertainment.oneindia.in |date=9 July 2009 |access-date=14 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710071959/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/top-stories/2009/hamsalekha-college-rs120cr-090709.html |archive-date=10 July 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

==Awards==
Hamsalekha has received many awards over the past three decades.

'''[[National Film Awards]]:'''
* [[43rd National Film Awards|1995]] - [[National Film Award for Best Music Direction]] - Film: ''[[Sangeetha Sagara Ganayogi Panchakshara Gavai]]''

'''[[Honorary doctorate]]:'''
He has been conferred the honorary doctorate award by the [[Bangalore University|Bengaluru University]] in the year 2014 for his meritorious service to the Indian Music Industry.<ref>http://karnataka.indiaeveryday.in/news-dr-hamsalekha-now-1481-6925228.htm {{Bare URL inline|date=April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kannada.oneindia.in/news/bangalore/bangalore-university-to-confer-doctorate-on-kiran-mazumdar-hamsalekha-084147.html|title=ನಾದಬ್ರಹ್ಮ ಹಂಸಲೇಖ, ಕಿರಣ್ ಷಾಗೆ ಬೆಂವಿವಿ ಡಾಕ್ಟರೇಟ್|date=13 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bangalore/BU-Hon-Degrees-for-Shaw-5-Others/2014/05/11/article2218329.ece|title=BU Hon Degrees for Shaw, 5 Others}}</ref>

'''[[Filmfare Awards South]]:'''
* 2005 - [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director (Kannada)]] - Film: ''[[Nenapirali]]''
* 2000 - [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director (Kannada)]] - Film: ''[[Preethse]]''
* 1998 - [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director (Kannada)]] - Film: ''[[Yaare Neenu Cheluve]]''
* 1994 - [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director (Kannada)]] - Film: ''[[Halunda Tavaru]]''
* 1993 - [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director (Kannada)]] - film: ''[[Aakasmika]]''
* 1991 - [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director (Kannada)]] - Film: ''[[Ramachaari]]''<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://archive.org/details/39thAnnualFilmfareKannadaBestDirectorFilmMusic |title=39th Annual Filmfare Kannada Best Director Film Music : Santosh : Fre… |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170208062511/https://archive.org/details/39thAnnualFilmfareKannadaBestDirectorFilmMusic |archive-date=8 February 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

'''[[Karnataka State Film Awards]]:'''
;For music direction
* 2005 - ''[[Nenapirali]]''
* 1995 - ''[[Sangeetha Sagara Ganayogi Panchakshara Gavai]]''
* 1994 - ''[[Halunda Tavaru]]''

;For lyrics
*2001 - ''[[Sri Manjunatha (film)|Sri Manjunatha]]''
*1994 - ''[[Haalunda Thavaru]]''

'''Other awards:'''
*2012 - [[Dr. Rajkumar Award|Dr. Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award]] from Karnataka State Government<ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-14/news-interviews/37712086_1_second-best-film-basanth-kumar-patil-sunil-kumar-desai |title=Archived copy |website=articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518070059/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-14/news-interviews/37712086_1_second-best-film-basanth-kumar-patil-sunil-kumar-desai |archive-date=18 May 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
*2005 - Rajyostava Award (Suvarna Rajyostava)
*2020 - [[S. Janaki]] National Award
*2001 - [[Nandi Award]] - ''[[Sri Manjunatha (film)|Sri Manjunatha]]''
*2004 - Hello Gandhinagara Award Best Music Director<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.viggy.com/english/current_hello_gandhinagar_award.asp|title=Hello Gandhinagar readers choice cine awards|publisher=viggy.com}}</ref>
*2005 - ''[[Kempegowda Award|Kempegowda Prashasti]]''
*2005 - Sunfeast Udaya film award for the best lyrics - ''[[Nenapirali]]''

==Trivia==
*''[[Shanti (film)|Shanthi]]'', a film by Baraguru Ramachandrappa with music by Hamsalekha, was mentioned in the [[Guinness Book of Records]] as the film with only one character.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kollywoodtoday.com/news/kannada-movie-in-guinness-book/ |title=Kannada movie in Guinness Book |publisher=Kollywood Today |date=11 November 2007 |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref>
*''[[Mukhaputa]]'', a movie directed by [[Roopa Iyer]], featured music and an onscreen appearance by Hamsalekha.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://trak.in/news/kannada-film-mukhaputa-wins-top-honours-at-ireland-film-fest/5439/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=17 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091009232044/http://trak.in/news/kannada-film-mukhaputa-wins-top-honours-at-ireland-film-fest/5439/ |archive-date=9 October 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Discography==
{{main|Hamsalekha discography}}

===Telugu films===
* 2001: ''[[Sri Manjunatha (film)|Sri Manjunatha]]''
* 1997: ''[[Omkaram]]''
* 1993: ''[[Ankuram]]''
* 1991: ''[[Shanti Kranti (1991 Telugu film)|Shanti Kranti]]''
* 1990: ''[[Kaliyuga Abhimanyudu]]''
* 1990: ''[[Prema Yuddham]]''
* 1989: ''[[Muthyamantha Muddu]]''
* 1988: ''Avalu''

===Tamil films===
* 1991: ''[[Captain Magal]]''
* 1991: ''[[Nattukku Oru Nallavan]]''
* 1990: ''[[Velai Kidaichuduchu]]''
* 1989: ''[[Idhu Unga Kudumbam]]''
* 1988: ''[[Kodi Parakuthu]]''
* 1987: ''[[Paruva Ragam]]''
* 1988: ''[[Puthiya Vaanam]]''

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb name|0359096|Hamsalekha}}
* {{Twitter}}
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUUzCnaQkYo Song composed by Hamsalekha]

{{NationalFilmAwardBestMusicDirection}}
{{FilmfareAwardBestKannadaMusicDirector}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hamsalekha}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1951 births]]
[[Category:Kannada film score composers]]
[[Category:Kannada-language lyricists]]
[[Category:Indian male playback singers]]
[[Category:Indian male songwriters]]
[[Category:Musicians from Mysore]]
[[Category:Tamil film score composers]]
[[Category:Telugu film score composers]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards South winners]]
[[Category:Best Music Direction National Film Award winners]]
[[Category:Film musicians from Karnataka]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian composers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian composers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian dramatists and playwrights]]
[[Category:Writers from Mysore]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male writers]]
[[Category:Screenwriters from Karnataka]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Rajyotsava Award 2006]]
[[Category:Indian male film score composers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian male singers]]

Hamsalekha - Revision history

UpdateBot at 06:30, 25 June 2022