May 4 marks the 72nd birth anniversary of late legendary director & producer Dasari Narayana Rao. Several classic movies, including Bollywood, of Dasari Narayana Rao, has brought him huge recognition. Born on May 4, 1947, in Palakollu, West Godavari, the famous actor, director and producer was praised as the pioneer of Telugu Cinema, in fact, Indian cinema.

Some of his movies which are considered to be the classics are Meghasandesham, Majnu, Bobbili Puli, Idekkadi Nyayam, Deeparadhana, Sardar Papa Rayudu, Prema Abhishekam, Osey Ramulamma, Edadugula Bandham, Lankeshwarudu and many others. In more than five decades of his film career, Mr Rao worked as actor, director, producer, screenwriter and lyricist. Narayana Rao used to experiment with colour in his cinema and he was one of the first set of the filmmakers to try colouring the frames in a very attractive way. Through his movies, the director used to emphasize on social injustice, corruption and gender discrimination.

Also, he received two National Film Awards, 9 Nandi Awards, 4 Filmfare Awards and Raghupathi Venkaiah Award. The Filmfare South has honoured him with a lifetime achievement award for his incredible work to the cinema. The legendary man later entered Politics and served as Minister of State for Coal & Mine in the Congress govt. Even after joining politics, Dasari Narayana Rao was the big brother in the Telugu industry and he was one man to approach for any sort of issues. So, he gained several followers and disciples in the industry. He also encouraged many newcomers as actors, producers and directors.

Remembering Dasari on this day, ace filmmaker Puri Jagannath today tweeted in his style and we feel that it describes the legendary man in a perfect manner:
Unke pichwade mei dum hei
Rebel at heart
King of Tollywood
Directors’ pride
Inspiration to many
Missing the LEGEND
Salute to
Sri DASARI NARAYANA RAO GARU
Happy Director’s Day

On 30 May 2017, Rao (70) died due to prolonged illness and his final last rites were performed with full state honour.

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