Hamsalekha Biography

Hamsalekha (alias Govindaraju Gangaraju) is a Music Director and lyricist in the Kannada film industry. He also has written many stories, screenplays and dialogs for several movies in Kannada. He has composed music for over 300 feature films and written lyrics for 300 odd feature films. He stormed Kannada music industry with his catchy tunes and racy lyrics through the movie Premaloka [1987]. His mother tongue is Kannada and his native place is Mysore.

Early Career

Hamsalekha was born on 23 June as Govindaraju Gangaraju, he is married to Latha, who is an established playback singer. Hamsalekha was introduced into feature films by M.N. Prasad (director) through a chance to write for the film Triveni. His debut film as a musician was the 1981 film Rahuchandra. But his popularity soared only after his association with Actor-Director Ravichandran. Premaloka released in 1987 and brought the pair together to unleash a musical extravaganza for the Kannada audience for over 12 years. There is not a single song by this duo which is not melodious. Hamsalekha's style included traces of western music, Hindustani and carnatic classical music. His favourite actors include Dr. Rajkumar, Richard Burton and Marilyn Monroe, and his favourite directors list includes Guru Dutt, Shantaram, etc. Great contribution of magical guitarist Gopi B, helped him getting more success. He is well versed in playing Keyboards, guitar, piano, harmonium, percussion and is good in vocal singing.

Later Career

After Premaloka, he became the most sought-after music director and lyricist in Kannada movies. He literally ruled the Kannada music scenario of the 90's with his back to back hits. Even his lyrics are top notched, praised by critics as well as the audience. He tried almost all genres of music, including western pop, rock, hip hop to Indian classical, folk, ghazals, sufi and item songs too. A ghazal composed by him in the movie Sparsha, Chandakinta Chanda sung by Pankaj Udhas was a huge hit, which was praised by one and all. Over the past 20 plus years, Hams (he is fondly called by his fans) has continued to give us songs on every aspect of human emotions ranging from a philosophical 'Le le marula' in Shaapa (story written by himself) to the naughty 'Kaayi kaayi nuggekaayi mahimege' in Halli Mestru. From patriotic 'Huttidhare kannada nadalli hutta bekku' in Aaksmika of Dr. Rajkumar (which became unofficial anthem of Karnataka) to evergreen love song 'Ele hombisile.' in Halunda Tavaru. He also composed the background score for a movie with just a single instrument and made the music for a movie Kona Eedaita with absolutely no musical instruments. His music in the movie Hagalu Vesha had a totally rustic and folk feel without the use of synthetic sounds.