Noted film producer-distributor A.R. Raju no more

Sahodarara Saval, produced by him, was the first colour film of Tamil superstar Rajinikanth

In this file photo, the then Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa is presenting Dr. Vishnuvardhan Award for lifetime contribution to Kannada cinema to producer and distributor A.R. Raju in Bangalore. Others in the picture include actress B. Saroja Devi, actor Ambareesh, Irrigation Minister Basavaraja Bommai, President of Karnataka Film Chamber Basanthkumar Patil and Home Minister R. Ashok. File Photo: K. Bhagya Prakash

Noted film producer and distributor Alluri Reddappa Raju, popularly known as A.R. Raju, (74) died here on Wednesday. He was ill for the past few days and treated at a private hospital in the city. Mortal remains of Raju's body have been kept for public viewing at his Sanjay Nagar residence.

Born on September 30, 1940, Raju produced over 25 films and served in the film industry for more than five decades. Through his Ajanta Movies he distributed hundreds of films made in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.

Sahodarara Saval , produced by him, was the first colour film of Tamil superstar Rajinikanth. Vishnuvardhan acted as Rajnikanth's brother in the film, which ran for 25 weeks. His

Vijay Vikram was the first double role film in Vishnuvardhan’s film career. Besides the two, Raju had produced movies including

Snehitara Saval,

Simha Gharjane, Oorige Upakari, Sati Sakkubai, Pooja Phala, Belli Naga, Vajrada Jalapata, Asadhya Aliya, Simhasana.

He also served as the President of Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce. Karnataka government honoured him with Rajyotsava award for his contribution to the Kannada film industry.

During a recent interaction with media, Raju had said that, his dream was unity of Kannada film industry and hero culture was detrimental to the growth of Kannada film industry.