Veteran Telugu film director, producer and actor Dasari Narayana Rao passed away on Tuesday in Hyderabad after a prolonged illness. He was 75.
Rao was admitted to the KIMS hospital in Hyderabad on January 29 after he complained of respiratory problems. Two days after he was admitted, the veteran filmmaker suffered from kidney failure. He was discharged in March, but was readmitted to KIMS a week ago. In the last 5 months, he had undergone two surgeries as well.
Dasari Narayana Rao is survived by two sons and a daughter. His wife Padma had died in 2011 at the age of 61.
The National Award-winning filmmaker directed over 150 films and producing 50 others. In fact, Rao holds the Guiness World Record for directing the highest number of films in the world.
Some of his best films include Premabhishekam, Meghasandesham, Osey Ramulamma and Tata Manavadu among others.
His debut film, Thata Manabadu, won him a Nandi award in 1974.
He had recently announced his plans to make a biopic on late actor and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.
Rao also forayed into politics, and was a Congress MP in Rajya Sabha during UPA II. In 2006, Rao also became the Minister of State for Coal. According to his website, Rao was a confidante of Congress president Sonia Gandhi.
While he was a Minister, Rao was also accused of receiving Rs 2.25 crore from Congress MP and steel baron Naveen Jindal for allocating a coal block to one of his companies.
Andhra Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said he was shocked by the death of Dasari Narayana Rao.
Deeply shocked by the sudden demise of Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao. The Telugu community & film industry have lost a pillar today.
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) May 30, 2017
#DasariNarayanaRao garu's death is a huge loss to the Telugu Film Industry. My deepest condolences to his family.
— Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) May 30, 2017
Members of the Telugu film industry and Dasari Narayana Rao's fans and well wishers condoled his death on Twitter.
Rest in Peace Dr Dasari Narayana Rao Garu. A huge loss to the Telugu Film Industry. Praying for strength to the family
— Kalyanram Nandamuri (@NANDAMURIKALYAN) May 30, 2017
Our industry has lost a guiding light. RIP Dasari Narayana Rao garu. pic.twitter.com/kNIbfinrwA
— Allari Naresh (@allarinaresh) May 30, 2017
One of the Iconic Personalities in Telugu Cinema, Great Film maker Dasari Narayana Rao is no more. May his soul Rest In Peace. #RIPDasari pic.twitter.com/61auuLoATS
— BARaju (@baraju_SuperHit) May 30, 2017
V R deeply saddened by the loss of DASARI NARAYANA RAO GARU, may our prayers guide his soul to our Heavenly Father. Sincere condolences! RIP pic.twitter.com/jlgwsNQMRl
— Raghu Karumanchi (@raghukarumanchi) May 30, 2017
One of the Iconic Personalities in Telugu Cinema, Great Film maker Dasari Narayana Rao is no more. May his soul Rest In Peace. #RIPDasari pic.twitter.com/61auuLoATS
— BARaju (@baraju_SuperHit) May 30, 2017