: Noted Telugu poet-composer, musicologist and artist Balantrapu Rajanikantha Rao died in Vijayawada today due to old age, family sources said.
He was 98.
Rao, who worked for decades in All India Radio (AIR) and headed its Vijayawada division as director, is credited with composing the signature tune of 'Akashavani.'
He wrote and composed the first Telugu song ever broadcast in independent India on the midnight of 15 August, 1947.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Leader of Opposition Y S Jaganmohan Reddy condoled Rao's death.
Naidu announced that the last rites would be performed tomorrow with full state honours.
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