The credit for the revival of the Lava-Kusha issue, however, goes to Akruthi, a city based Cultural Association, which through an unique programme brought up the issue of aging actors without much to look forward financially in this fast changing world.    

This programme had bought in great artiste-duo, Nagaraju and Subrahmanyam to share a common platform after long gap of 43 years of the release of the film ‘Lava Kusa’. Important scenes of the film were also screened amidst applause of thousands of audiences.

The overwhelming response for this programme reminds the past glory of the film ‘Lava Kusa’ the first ever colour film of Tollywood. The production of this movie started in the year 1958 and was released in 1963. The tremendous success of the movie had raked in huge financial gains to the producers, besides some prestigious national awards.

The theme of this film has its origin in 'Uttara Ramayana', the story of post-Sri Rama Pattabhishekam. The story line moves around the

Twins: Lava, Kusa born to Sri Rama and Sita, during her exile. It finally ends with the union of Rama with his twin sons and Sita returns  to the lap of her mother-earth.

Master Nagaraju and Master Subrahmanyam played the roles of Lava & Kusa at that time. The movie was a runaway hit for its melodious songs, music and superb acting of these two kids.

Unfortunately, the highly competitive industry did not allow them to convert their talent & fame to establish themselves in this field. Consequently those who created a history through their performances as early as in the early 60s, are now in desperate situation and unable to meet both ends. In spite of their immense talent, glamour they have remain unnoticed.

  
Both Nagaraju & Subramanyam hail from highly talented artistic families with film-background.

The touching incident is that ‘Nagaraju’ himself confirmed his physical existence on the ‘Dias’ removing apprehensions that he ‘is long gone’.

He started his career at the age of eight with the film ‘Bhakta Ramdas’, Chittor Nagaih’s film. Shootings for the movie began in the year 1957 and it was released in 1965.

 His father Sri AV Subba Rao was also a senior artiste, who played important roles in movies like ‘Kelu Gurram & Palleturi pilla’.

Besides playing as Lava, his major assets are his roles as Lakshmana in Sampoorna Ramayanam & Narada. He even excelled in the role of Lord Krishna in the theatre. Even after such qualitative outputs, spanning over decades, recognition still eludes him.

In his own words the never-say-die actor claims:

“I am a 57-year-young, still with the same zeal & enthusiasm.
I don’t want to go with a begging bowl for the sake of roles.

It is really unfortunate that the Industry totally ignored us.

The state of impoverishment, made me dumb in front of media.

 With renewed enthusiasm I am ready to plunge into the second innings”.

At the same time the veteran actor admits that he needs slight push to to achieve what he aims to.

 “I do not need charity but should get the  opportunity based on my talent,” he stresses”.

The man is ready to explore Telugu channels to showcase his talents.   

His father taught him Burakatha at the age of three and then entered to the theatre. He received a thorough training for nearly two years to play his part in Lava Kusa. Finally he was successful in 1958, with the first performance at Majestic Theater, Kakinada.

His performance caught the eyes of veteran director C. Pullaih & producer Shankar Reddy at the tender age of 11 he bagged his first role in the silver screen.  That made him to move to Madras along with his father and brother. Since the film took 5 years time to complete, he acted in films like Velugu-needalu, Sitarama Kalyanam (as Balaramudu), Venkateswara Mahatyam. He had bitter experiences even when the film was in making.

In his own words:
 

“I had entered into the Industry with full fledged confidence to excel in the silver screen.

I was kept waiting for a period of 6 months in Madras to confirm my role

In the meanwhile the one of the production executives used to get other artistes for the same role, probably for his own commission

It was not at all a safe journey even after confirmation. The irregular payment of salary was not sufficient for a family of three members in Madras

Our survival would have been impossible without Producer Adinarayana rao and his wife Anjali Devi, who happened to be our relatives.   

With this sole experience of the film industry I returned home and never got back to the industry

Of course my family circumstances also made me remain in my native place

I was totally unnoticed until MAA TV reporter spotted me.

I really wonder why we are forgotten even as the old artistes?

Acting talents are still fresh in me, with this new exposure I would like to act once again”

These statements need no explanation to reflect the self respect & positive attitude of these filmy-twins.