Tributes for D Ramanaidu flooded Facebook and Twitter as the renowned producer passed away in Hyderabad yesterday after a brief battle with prostate cancer. He was 79.
Under his banner – Suresh Productions (named after his elder son) – Ramanaidu produced over 150 movies in 13 languages (most in Telugu). The enormous number fetched the ‘Movie Mogul’ a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records while the Government of India conferred the Dada Saheb Phalke Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2009, followed by the Padma Bhushan in 2012.
According to The Hindu, some of the popular Hindi films produced by Ramanaidu include Tohfa, Insaf Ki Awaz and Prem Qaidi (Karishma Kapoor’s debut). He also produced quite a few Tamil films, besides dubbing many Telugu films in Tamil. Some of his straight Tamil films were Sivaji Ganesan’s Vasantha Maligai, Rajinikanth’s Thani Kaatu Raja, and Jayalalithaa’s Thirumangalyam.
Father of popular Telugu hero Venkatesh, and grandfather to Rana Daggubati, Ramanaidu is remembered for his philanthropic activities and for being incredibly considerate towards upcoming filmmakers.
In his video tribute to Ramanaidu, Kamal Haasan remembered the producer as passionate and well-informed. “Regardless of how one wants to categorize his films, he produced all of it out of his great love for cinema,” he said.
Many Telugu stars paid their last respects to Ramanaidu yesterday, and Twitter was abuzz with condolence messages as well.
I condole the demise of Shri D Ramanaidu, a stalwart of the film industry. My thoughts are with his family & countless well-wishers: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 18, 2015
A giant tree has fallen. One of the greatest film producers our nation has ever known has left us. RIP movie moghul Ramanaidu garu. #legend
— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) February 18, 2015
Cant believe d shockin news of d demise of Legendary Producer Ramanaidu garu.:( he was a Trend Setter n Inspiration 2 d Industry! R.I.P SIR
— DEVI SRI PRASAD (@ThisIsDSP) February 18, 2015
Another day another loss. RIP Ramanaidu garu . Strength to the family.
— Samantha Ruth Prabhu (@Samanthaprabhu2) February 18, 2015
A legend left us today. Privileged to have met him in person a few times. RIP Ramanaidu garu. Strength to the family @RanaDaggubati
— taapsee pannu (@taapsee) February 18, 2015
Had the good fortune of spending more than an hour with #RamaNaidu sir at his.plc in Hyderabad last month..will alwz cherish the memories..
— khushbusundar (@khushsundar) February 18, 2015
A legend leaves .. Goodbye sir .. U might have left in one form but you are alive in many .. RIP RAMANAIDU GAARU .
— Nani (@NameisNani) February 18, 2015
RIP one of the greatest producer Dr.RamaNaidu Garu, an inspiration to many producers and I have learnt a lot from him. Disheartening news
— Mohan Babu M (@themohanbabu) February 18, 2015
Image courtesy: The Hindu
