Personal info
Known for
Music Director
Gender
Male
Birthday
Location
Andhra Pradesh, India
Edit pageRaj–Koti
Biography
Thotakura Somaraju (c. 1954 – 21 May 2023) and Saluri Koteswara Rao, widely known as Raj–Koti, were a celebrated duo in Telugu cinema, recognized for their work as music composers, singer-songwriters, record producers, musicians, and multi-instrumentalists. Over a decade-long career, they composed music for around 180 films, creating approximately 3,000 songs, of which nearly 2,500 were performed by renowned singers S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and K. S. Chithra.
Raj–Koti played a key role in shaping modern Telugu film music and was among the South Indian composers for whom A. R. Rahman worked as a keyboard programmer for eight years. In 2012, the duo announced a reunion, reviving the Raj–Koti brand.
Background:
Thotakura Somaraju (Raj) was the son of composer T. V. Raju and passed away on 21 May 2023 at the age of 68. Saluri Koteswara Rao (Koti) is the son of composer S. Rajeswara Rao.
Awards:
Nandi Award for Best Music Director in 1994 for the film Hello Brother.
This duo remains remembered for their influential contribution to Telugu film music and their iconic melodies.
