Legendary film producer Daggubati Ramanaidu (79) passed away in Hyderabad on Wednesday after fighting prostate cancer. Father of noted film hero, D. Venkatesh and grandfather of upcoming actor, Rana, Ramanaidu established the well-known film house Suresh Productions, named after his elder son.
He produced over 150 films in most of the Indian languages with Telugu topping the list. Considered as an icon of film industry, he introduced several film personalities through his Suresh Productions.
Recipient of Dada Saheb Phalke Award for lifetime achievement in 2009 and also Padma Bhushan in 2012 in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema, Ramanaidu also holds the record for producing highest number of films in the world.
Born in an agricultural family in Karamchedu in Prakasam District of Andhra Pradesh, Ramanaidu also represented the Bapatla constituency in Parliament during 1999 - 2004 getting elected on the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) ticket.
He started Ramanaidu Studios in Hyderabad in 1989 and offered the film-makers the facility of walking in with a script and leaving with the final copy. He was also known for appearing in guest roles in the films produced by him. Some of his well-known films include Prem Nagar, Mundadugu, Soggadu, Jeevana Tarangalu, Devatha, Sangharshana, Prathidwani, Aha Na Pellanta, Prema, Indrudu Chandrudu and the latest being Gopala Gopala starring Venkatesh and Pawan Kalyan.
Some of his runaway hits in Hindi include Tohfa, Insaf Ki Awaz and Prem Qaidi in which he introduced Karishma Kapoor to the silver screen.
A large number of film personalities made a beeline to his residence in the city soon after his demise. Among them actor Nagarjuna, Rajasekhar, Chiranjeevi, Allu Arjun, Nagachaitanya, film maker Allu Arvind paid floral tributes to the departed film producer.
Cremation on Thursday
D. Venkatesh, actor son of Rama Naidu came out of his residence and announced that his father had died at 2.30 p.m. The body would be kept at Rama Naidu Studious on Thursday morning. The funeral would be held later in the day, he added.
Condolences pour in
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Governor E.S.L Narasimhan, has conveyed his condolences at the demise of the noted film producer. He said Ramanaidu's death created a vacuum not only in Telugu film industry but also in the film fraternity across India. The Governor conveyed his deep condolences to the bereaved family members.
Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao condoled the untimely demise of Daggubati Ramanaidu. In a condolence message issued by his office here, Mr. Rao said veteran producer of over 100 films in various languages, which itself was a World record, late Ramanaidu was instrumental in getting Telugu film industry relocated to Hyderabad.
The Chief Minister recalled that the veteran film-maker not only introduced new actors and actresses but several technical personalities to the film industry. Mr. Rao said Ramanaidu created a niche for himself with wonderful creativity and meticulous planning and action plan.
He recalled that super hit movies such as Premabhishekam, Ramudu Bheemudu, Premanagar under the banner of Suresh Productions brought out his keen interest in film making. The awards presented by Central and State Governments and the affection shown by people would make late Ramanaidu immortal. His death was a big loss to the Telugu film industry, he said and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
Chandrababu Naidu condoles
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said: "My sincere condolences over the demise of Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner and legendary producer D. Ramanaidu. He was a great man who worked hard to churn out several blockbusters in Telugu cinema industry. His contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema is immeasurable. He was also a great philanthropist,".
YSR Congress president Y. S.Jaganmohan Reddy in a statement said late Ramanaidu, known as Movie Moghul rose to the present position with sheer hard work. “He was known for his gentle nature and the despite earning fame, he was down to earth,” Mr. Jaganmohan Reddy said adding that he was the guiding force for many new producers and directors.
A.P. Assembly Speaker Kodela Siva Prasada Rao, Union Minister Y.S.Chowdary, AP Minister Palle Raghunatha Reddy, Telangana Roads and Buildings Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao condoled his death.
