| Raj–Koti | |
| Background: | non_performing_personnel |
| Origin: | Andhra Pradesh |
| Genre: | Film score, World music |
| Occupation: | Film score composer, music director, singer |
| Years Active: | 1982–1995 |
Thotakura Somaraju (– 21 May 2023) and Saluri Koteswara Rao, popularly known as Raj–Koti, were a duo of Indian film music composers, singer-songwriters, record producers, musicians and multi-instrumentalist in Telugu cinema. In a notable career spanning a decade, the duo has garnered particular acclaim for redefining contemporary Telugu film music. They composed music for about 180 films. Out of their 3,000 songs, about 2,500 songs were sung by singers S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and K. S. Chithra.[1] [2]
The Raj–Koti duo was among the many prominent South Indian composers for whom A. R. Rahman has worked as a keyboard programmer for 8 years.[3] [4]
In a television interview aired on ABN Andhrajyothy, the duo announced that they were teaming up again in 2012 and reinstating the Raj–Koti brand.[5]
Thotakura Somaraju (Raj) was the son of T. V. Raju. He died on 21 May 2023, at the age of 68.[6]
Saluri Koteswara Rao (Koti) is the son of S. Rajeswara Rao.[7]