Veteran journalist and art critic Gudipoodi Srihari passes away

A contributor to The Hindu for over five decades, the writer and art critic set a precedent in film and art reviews

Akashavani, prantiya vaartalu, chaduvutunnadi Gudipoodi Srihari!  

In the 1970s and 80s, the evenings would be ushered in on the radio by this voice.  A popular newsreader on the radio for two decades, journalist and a pioneering art and film critic in the Telugu states, Gudipoodi Srihari passed away on July 5 at the age of 88 in Hyderabad.

Born on September 8, 1934, Gudipoodi did his B.Sc., B.Ed. from Andhra University and a Postgraduate in Math from Delhi University. He taught Maths and Physics in a higher secondary school of the Delhi government for a few years before he shifted to Hyderabad and started his journalistic career. He chose to remain a freelance writer and maintained ethical standards throughout his career.

His column Harivillu, a commentary on social issues in Eenadu, was published for 25 years, making him a household name among Telugu readers. His film reviews were much awaited and his interviews with actors, analysis of films and industry developments were respected and widely read. Gudipoodi's association with The Hindu began in 1968, with the launch of the Friday Review supplement in the then unified Andhra Pradesh; he strengthened it with his unbiased coverage of dance, music, theatre, art and cinema. Generations of vocalists, dancers, musicians and theatre artists owe it to Gudipoodi for his critical feedback and support he lent in shaping their artistic careers.

Gudipoodi’s heart-warming article on Surabhi Theatre, in the Sunday Magazine of The Hindu, caught the attention of the Central Sahitya Natak Akademi who released funds to the group for their survival.

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(Ranee Kumar - Art critic)