Thotakura Somaraju (c. 1954 – 21 May 2023) and Saluri Koteswara Rao, popularly known as Raj–Koti, were a duo of Indian film music composers, singer-songwriters, record producers, musicians and multi-instrumentalist in Telugu cinema. In a notable career spanning a decade, the duo has garnered particular acclaim for redefining contemporary Telugu film music. They composed music for about 180 films. Out of their 3,000 songs, about 2,500 songs were sung by singers S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and K. S. Chithra.[1][2]

Raj–Koti
OriginAndhra Pradesh
GenresFilm score, World music
Occupation(s)Film score composer, music director, singer
Years active1982–1995

The Raj–Koti duo was among the many prominent South Indian composers for whom A. R. Rahman has worked as a keyboard programmer for 8 years.[3][4]

In a television interview aired on ABN Andhrajyothy, the duo announced that they were teaming up again in 2012 and reinstating the Raj–Koti brand.[5]

Background

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Thotakura Somaraju (Raj) was the son of T. V. Raju. He died on 21 May 2023, at the age of 68.[6]

Saluri Koteswara Rao (Koti) is the son of S. Rajeswara Rao.[7]

Awards

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Nandi Awards

Filmography

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Raj–Koti
Raj's Solo career filmography

References

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  1. ^ "Music duo". My First Show. Archived from the original on 4 September 2012. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
  2. ^ "Raj-Koti Reunited : Special Live show". 16 June 2011. Archived from the original on 16 June 2011. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  3. ^ The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Visakhapatnam News : Teaching does not diminish his love for music
  4. ^ "A.R.Rahman- Indian under Spotlight | Indians in Paris | Musi". Archived from the original on 22 March 2012. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  5. ^ "- YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  6. ^ Gopal, Nanda (21 May 2023). "Raj of Raj-Koti Passes Away". Gulte. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  7. ^ "The Hindu : Metro Plus Hyderabad : 'Good music emanates from the story'". 31 October 2004. Archived from the original on 31 October 2004. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  8. ^ "James Bond 999 (1984) Telugu Movie Review, Rating - Suman". www.thecinebay.com. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  9. ^ "PRALAYA SIMHAM (1984)". MovieGQ. Retrieved 11 April 2023.
  10. ^ "Super Express 1991 Telugu Movie Wiki,Cast Crew,Songs,Videos,Release Date". MovieGQ. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
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