Chitalkar Ramchandra was born in Punatambe, Maharashtra. Notably known as C. Ramchandra, he also signed his name as Annasaheb (Bahadur Pratap, Matwale, Madadgaar), Ram Chitalkar (Mrjhatpat, Bahadur, Sukhi Jeevan, Badla, Dosti), Shyamoo (Yeh Hai Duniya).
Often sang as well as acted in the Marathi films under the name R.N. Chitalkar. Music student under Vinayakabua Patwardhan at Gandharva Mahavidyalaya music school. Joined films playing the lead in Y.V. Rao’s flop, Naganand. Then bit roles at Minerva Movietone (Saeed-e-Havas, Atma Tarang). Became harmonium accompanist for Minerva composers Bundu Khan and Habib Khan. Debut as music director in Tamil films with Jayakkodi and Vanamohini. Broke through as composer in Master Bhagwan’s Sukhi Jeevan, establishing a long-term collaboration that culminated with the musical megabit Albela. Inspired by Benny Goodman, he introduced the alto sax in combination with guitar and harmonica, also whistling in one of his most famous songs, Aana merijaan Sunday ke Sunday in Shehnai. He also used bongo, oboe, trumpet, clarinet and sax combination for Sholajo bhadke in Albela. Shin Shinaki Boobla Boo featured him singing the title song with Lata Mangeshkar assimilating with some rock rhythms.
Introduced scat singing for Ina mina dika in Aasha. Worked on Marathi, Telugu, Tamil and Bhojpuri films. briefly turned producer with New Said Prod, in 1953 (Jhanjhar, Lehren, Duniya Gol Hai). To survive in his hard times period in the late 60s, he relaunched himself as music director, producer and actor, and received a number of successful Marathi films including Dhananjay, Gharkul.
Some of his songs include:-
1. Mein Jaagu Sari Rain, Sajan Tum So Jao
2. Kaam Krodh Aur Lobh Ka Mara
3. Ye Husn Mera Ye Ishq Tera Rangeen To Hai Badnaam Nahi
5. Eetal Ke Ghar Mein Teetal Baahar Acchha Ke Bheetar Ja Poochh Ke Aao Cheetal
