Veteran Telugu actor ‘Red star’ Madala Ranga Rao, known for his revolutionary films, passed away on Sunday while undergoing treatment at a private hospital. The actor-producer was 71. He was admitted in the hospital on May 19, after he suffered a heart attack.
Madala Ranga Rao was born in Mynampadu of Prakasam district on May 25, 1948. He also served as a key member in Praja Natya Mandali and was associated with several people’s movements.
Besides being an actor, he also directed and produced films under the banner Navataram.
Due to his Leftist ideology, the moniker ‘Red Star’ was added to his name. During the 1980s, while mainstream films were focusing on the subject of love, Rao made films addressing the social evils in the society. The actor-producer made films based on issues like unemployment, exploitation and corruption. In his career, he produced more than 12 films and acted in more than 60 films. His films received support of the working classes, because of his songs which expressed the angst of the proletariat.
Some of his popular films include Maro Kurukshetram, Yuvataram Kadilindi, Navondayam, Maha Prasthanam, Tolipoddu, Praja Shakti, Balipeetam Pai Baratanari, ViplavaSankam, Errapavuralu.
It was with Yuvataram Kadilindi that he attained fame. The film, made in 1980, also won him a Golden Nandi award—a prestigious award given by the state government of Andhra Pradesh.
CPI leaders mourned the death of their comrade and paid tribute to Rao by draping the CPI flag on his dead body.
Several other actors also paid homage to the veteran actor including Mega Star Chiranjeevi.
Speaking to media, Chiranjeevi said that it was sad loss to the industry. “I know him from the Chennai days. He was very close to me and was one of the people to encourage me in the beginning of my career. He encouraged me a lot and told me that I should bring fame to Ongole.”
Condoling the death of Rao, actor R Narayana Murthy, said, “He was a great man who believed in the idea that art form should not for money but for people.”