Andhra Pradesh fisherman's son breaks barriers, wins literary award
ANAKAPALLE: In the small coastal hamlet of Vada Rambilli under Rambilli mandal in Anakapalle district, a powerful story of resilience and literary achievement has emerged. Surada Prasad, a 25-year-old writer known by his pen name Prasad Suri, has become the first—and youngest—member of the fishermen community to receive the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar in 2025.
His Telugu novel Mairaavana earned him the prestigious award, marking a significant milestone not just for himself but also for his Vada Balija community along the Visakhapatnam coast.
Prasad's journey is one of determination, passion, and an unwavering commitment to storytelling. Born to Surada Chandrarao and Nukaratnam, a fishermen couple who moved from Vada Narsapuram to the Buggavagu reservoir in Macherla of Palnadu district in search of a livelihood, he grew up in a family unfamiliar with reading or writing.
Neither of his parents nor grandparents were literate, making him the first in his family to attend school and later graduate. He spent his early years in Macherla, completing primary education before returning to Vada Rambilli to live with his maternal uncle and grandmother for secondary schooling. He pursued Intermediate in Yelamanchili and went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University, Hyderabad. He is currently pursuing Master's degree in Archaeology at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda.
Prasad's artistic journey began with childhood sketching and painting, later growing into a passion for history, mythology, and literature. Despite financial struggles, he worked various jobs to support his education and pursue meaningful storytelling.
He began his literary career with 'My Name is Chiranjeevi,' a semi-autobiographical novel set against the backdrop of Vizag's culture and slang. Written at the age of 19, it follows the struggles of a teenager named after Prasad's favourite film star, Chiranjeevi, navigating life through high school and Intermediate years.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
an hour ago
- Hans India
23: A heart-wrenching tale of love, crime, and redemption
Telugu film '23' is more than just a cinematic experience — it is a deeply moving story inspired by real-life events that explores the devastating consequences of a single mistake. Now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, the film begins in a quiet village named Chilakaluripet and unfolds into a powerful narrative of love, responsibility, social stigma, and redemption. The film centers around a young couple whose love is tested by societal norms. A lapse in judgment before marriage results in an unexpected pregnancy. In an effort to secure a better future for his unborn child, the young man, driven by desperation, commits a minor theft with a friend. But the plan spirals out of control and inadvertently leads to the tragic deaths of 23 people. The story follows the aftermath of this event. The protagonist is sentenced to life imprisonment, the young woman is forced to give up their child for adoption, and what was once a hopeful future becomes a haunting reality. What makes the story even more impactful is that it's based on the real-life experiences of a Dalit man whose journey of guilt and transformation is documented in a book he wrote while in prison — a book that the government ultimately refused to publish, fearing it could inspire change from an unexpected voice. Titled "Sagar – A Book For Crime-Free Society," the manuscript remains unpublished, reflecting society's reluctance to accept reformation from those it deems irredeemable. The film doesn't rely on cinematic gimmicks. With a modest budget and a heartfelt vision, the creators have delivered a raw and honest story. The lead actor delivers a gripping performance, capturing the anguish, inner turmoil, and emotional complexity of a man caught between regret and redemption. The actress too stands out with a poignant portrayal of sacrifice and strength. Supporting roles and a strong emotional climax enhance the storytelling. The direction is restrained but powerful, the cinematography captures the rural setting beautifully, and the music deeply complements the mood. In essence, '23' is not just a film — it's a sobering reminder of how one mistake can change lives forever. It is a must-watch for anyone who values cinema that dares to mirror real life and speak truth to power.
Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
Sitaare Zameen Par Box Office Collection Day 7: Aamir Khan's film earnings rise, mints THIS amount on Sunday
Sitaare Zameen Par Box Office Collection Day 10: Aamir Khan's film, Sitaare Zameen Par, entered into the second week of release and has maintained its grip at the box office. Directed by RS Prasanna, it is the spiritual sequel of Taare Zameen Par. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, Sitaare Zameen Par made an estimated business of ₹ 10.76 crore on Sunday, June 29. The film saw an overall 36.46% occupancy in Hindi language on Sunday. It also released in Tamil and Telugu. Evening Shows: yet to be accessed Night Shows: yet to be accessed As per Sacnilk, Sitaare Zameen Par collected an overall ₹ 165.5 crore worldwide till Saturday, which includes ₹ 108.15 crore (India net) and ₹ 36 crore from overseas. The film earned ₹ 62 lakh in Tamil and ₹ 38 lakh in Telegu. Earlier on Saturday, the film earned ₹ 12.6 crore. The Aamir Khan movie was reported to release in theatres with over ₹ 6 crore business on day 1 if advance booking is considered. As per the website, the film had sold 1,15,344 tickets for 9,542 shows in all languages nationwide in advance booking. Alongside lead actor Amir Khan, Sitaare Zameen Par star cast includes Genelia Deshmukh, Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishnan Varma, Vedant Sharmaa, Naman Misra, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Ashish Pendse, Samvit Desai, Simran Mangeshkar, Aayush Bhansali, Dolly Ahluwalia, Gurpal Singh, Brijendra Kala and Ankita Sehgal in key roles. The filmmakers will not be releasing 'Sitaare Zameen Par' on any streaming platform. Hence, the movie is theatre-only release. Aamir Khan Productions reacted after Multiplex Association of India praised this decision. The makers shared the statement of Multiplex Association of India on their official Instagram account and stated, 'Grateful for the overwhelming love and support MAI (red heart emoticon).'
Hans India
2 hours ago
- Hans India
‘Oka Pathakam Prakaram' garners OTT success after positive theatrical run
The gripping crime thriller Oka Pathakam Prakaram, featuring Sai Ram Shankar in a powerful comeback role, has been receiving widespread appreciation following its digital release. Directed by Vinod Vijayan and jointly produced by Vinod Kumar Vijayan and Garlapati Ramesh under Vinod Vijayan Films and Vihari Cinema House Pvt. Ltd., the film hit theatres on February 7 and began streaming on Sun NXT from June 27. The film's unique promotional campaign made headlines, with the makers announcing a ₹10,000 reward for viewers who could accurately guess the villain's identity post-interval. The strategy was a hit among moviegoers, with 50 winners—one from each of 50 selected theatres—receiving a share of ₹5 lakh in prize money. The special screening for the media and real-time reward handouts further boosted engagement and enthusiasm around the film. Sai Ram Shankar's performance as public prosecutor Siddharth Neelakanta has drawn particular praise. The story revolves around a gripping murder investigation in Visakhapatnam, where Siddharth becomes a prime suspect. The film's suspenseful narrative keeps audiences guessing: Is Siddharth truly behind the murders, or is a more sinister force at play? Following its OTT debut, Oka Pathakam Prakaram has garnered record-breaking viewership on Sun NXT, with audiences hailing it as a compelling thriller and a significant milestone in Sai Ram Shankar's acting career. Producers Garlapati Ramesh and Vinod Vijayan expressed gratitude for the support: 'This proves that audiences always support well-made films. We're grateful for the overwhelming response both in theatres and now on OTT. Special thanks to Sun NXT Content Head Mr. Shashi Kiran Narayan for facilitating a smooth digital release, and heartfelt appreciation to our hero Sai Ram Shankar and the entire team for their dedication.' With its layered narrative and gripping performances, Oka Pathakam Prakaram continues to impress, cementing its place as one of 2024's surprise hits in Telugu cinema.
