P. Lalita Kumari (Olga), 1950-

Select page numbers to listen or LCCN to display the bibliographic record.

Readings:

1. Rajakiya kathalu.
   Hyderabad : Sweccha Pracuranalu, 1997.
   (LCCN: 93903182. LC has different edition)
• "Ayoni"
  MP3 excerpts: pp. viii-x, pp. 51-59
2. Prayogam.
   Hyderabad : Manavi Pracuranalu, 1995.
   (LC is in the process of acquiring it)
   MP3 excerpt: pp. 49-54
3. Gulabilu.
   Hyderabad : Sweccha Pracuranalu, 2000.
   (LCCN: 00288620)
   MP3 excerpts: pp. 28-30, pp. 64-68
4. Kanniti keratala vennela.
   Sweccha Pracuranalu, 1999.
   (LCCN: 00288356)
   MP3 excerpt: pp. 45-53

Olga is a well known Telugu writer. She was born in Guntur, one of the big towns and educational centers in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Her stories, novels, and poetry reflect well-articulated feminist positions without compromising either the quality of literary form or failing to represent the ‘reality' of the characters. In her poetry, metaphor not only facilitates form but also celebrates the ‘ideas' depicted.

Through her works Olga created a constituency of readers among both men and women. Chalam and Kodavatiganti Kutumbarao (forerunners of feminism in Telugu literature) influenced her, but she discovered a distinct style in whatever she wrote and a place for herself in Telugu literary world. The literary context of her characters is never a product of circumstance but a consequence of the hard choices they make.

Olga initiated major debates in newspaper columns on the questions of feminism and literature. Even her translations provoked serious debates. Apart from being a writer she has been an important filmmaker too. After a long teaching stint, she worked as the head of the scripting division in Usha Kiran Movies. She made three feature films, which won critical acclaim and awards.

Among her works are the novels Sweccha (1994), Sahaja (1995), Manavi (1998), Kanniti keratala vennela (1999), Gulabilu (2000), and Rajakiya kathalu (1993), Prayogam (1995) (two short story collections).

Olga is associated with ASMITA, a well-known feminist voluntary organization. The Library of Congress has acquired all twelve of her major published works, including the English translation of her selected short stories.