Demarcation of a film star with the common man means just the rule of the Tinsel world. But, there will always remain some of those pleasant yet the rarest moments with members of the fleeting generation like Echuri Chalapati Rao alias Echuri, a lesser-known artiste of the yesteryears, though he started his career as a film journalist. He cherished unblemished friendship with Andhra Andhagadu who mesmerized the romantic audiences with that magical curl of hair on his forehead – Sobhan Babu.
Echuri saw Sobhan Babu in 1959 when the latter was working in the film Baktha Sabhari. In the years that followed, friendship flourished between them. You might even call it … in a cinematic way. But, it's true. For about five years or more, they exchanged letters between Kakinada and Madras. Sobhan Babu fondly addressed Echuri as "Tammudu". Their bond which saw the spirit of the purest friendship later saw Echuri becoming an inseparable part of the actor's family… for more than three decades. The sudden demise of his beloved friend made Echuri forlorn. In the recent days, he visited Hyderabad all the way from Chennai, where he lives in poverty. With age crippling his strengths, this 70-year-old man holds to his heart… the treasure trove of his life. That is the letters of his friend in heaven, written nearly half a century ago. Time and tide have played havoc with his priceless wealth… some letters have worn out or torn out. But, they represent the heart beat of one of the finest actors of our time … for his poor friend. All lovers of Friendship can have a glimpse of the eternal letter of the actor… addressed to his good old friend. (to know more about Echuri - read Krishna Nagar Kathalu in Telugulo.com).
Here is the transcript of the letter
Madras,
Date. 26-11-1960
Dear Mr.Chalapathi Rao Garu….
Let me at the outset, thank you for such fine opinions you expressed regarding my character ‘KARUNA’ in ‘Bhakta Shabari’ in almost every popular journal of the date.
Since a very long time, I am very particularly observing your criticism on pictures, and to tell you frankly I am very much bleased for your concreted criticism, cemented on the basement of reality. Hope, you continue this, in future too
You Criticism tells us, where we stand!! And so for Heavens’ Sake, you please don’t stop it at any rate.
