Legendary Burrakatha artist Shri Miriyala Apparao has been posthumously awarded the Padma Shri 2025 for his outstanding contribution to Art, particularly in preserving and popularizing the traditional Telugu storytelling form of Burrakatha.
Born in Nadakuduru village in the Konaseema region, Apparao dedicated over five decades of his life to keeping this vibrant oral art form alive. Known for his deep voice, masterful storytelling, and powerful social messages, he earned the affectionate title “Burrakatha Tiger” from audiences across India and abroad.
Shri Apparao performed over 5,000 Burrakatha shows, addressing critical themes like women’s empowerment, education, anti-dowry, environmental conservation, and national integration. His performances weren’t just entertainment—they were instruments of change.
He modernized Burrakatha by blending traditional narrative techniques with contemporary issues, thereby ensuring its relevance in the 21st century. His troupe also performed internationally, taking Telugu culture to audiences in Singapore, Kuwait, and other countries.
Besides performing, Apparao trained hundreds of young artists, ensuring that Burrakatha did not vanish with time. His disciples continue to carry forward his legacy in villages, towns, and cultural festivals across Andhra Pradesh.
He received several state honors, including the YSR Achievement Award, and titles like Ganakokila in recognition of his artistic mastery.
Shri Apparao passed away on January 15, 2025, just days before the Padma award announcement. In a deeply emotional turn, the award was announced on the day of his Pedda Karma (final rites). His family called it a “divine coincidence” and a “blessing from the nation.”
- Cultural Revivalist: Kept Burrakatha relevant through decades of changing tastes.
- Educator & Mentor: Nurtured future generations of folk artists.
- Voice of the People: Used his art to inform and inspire rural communities.
The Padma Shri awarded to Shri Miriyala Apparao is not just a recognition of one man’s talent—it is a tribute to the soul of Andhra Pradesh’s cultural identity and the enduring power of traditional storytelling.
