Film Doyen D Ramanaidu no more

Feb 18, Hyderabad

Legendary producer, multi-talented film doyen and former Lok Sabha member Daggubati Ramanaidu died Wednesday afternoon. He was 79 years old.

Founder of Suresh Productions, Rama Naidu has been suffering for the past some time. He survived by sons Suresh Babu, eminent film producer and Venkatesh Daggubati, an iconic Telugu actor and grandsons Rana and Naga Chaitanya who are also well known personalities in the film industry.

Dr Ramanaidu was recipient of Dadasaheb Phalke in 2009 for his life-time achievement in the industry and Padma Bhushan award in 2012 for his outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.

He produced about 140 films in about 15 Indian languages including Hindi. Ramanaidu held Guinness Book of World Record for making more number of films individually in less time. He began his film production career in 1964 with Ramudu Bhimudu -in Telugu with NT Ramarao in lead role. He never looked back after the film became a blockbuster hit with audience receiving it well. In 1989 he set up Ramanaidu Studios in Hyderabad.

He also acted in several films in guest appearance. He forayed into Politics by joining Telugu Desam Party and elected from Bapatla Lok Sabha constituency in 1999.

Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Chandrababu Naidu and Chief Minister of Telangana Chandrasekhara Rao and a host of leaders from all walks of life have condoled his demise.