Dasari Narayana Rao (4 May 1942[1] – 30 May 2017) was an Indian film director, screenwriter, actor, producer, lyricist, and politician, primarily known for his work in Telugu cinema. Over his four decade career, he directed more than 150 feature films, earning a Limca World Record for directing the most films in the world.[2] He was known by the epithet "Darsaka Ratna" (transl. "Jewel among directors") and was recognized for addressing social issues such as gender discrimination, casteism, corruption and injustice through his films. Narayana Rao received numerous accolades, including two National Film Awards, 16 Nandi Awards including the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award, and five Filmfare Awards South including the Lifetime Achievement.[1]
Prior to films, Dasari worked in theatre staging plays. He entered film industry to become an actor but worked as ghost writer for 25 films and made his debut as dialogue writer with Jagath Jatteelu (1970) however it was Mohammed Bin Thuqlaq which gave him recognition.[11]
He launched a popular daily newspaper named Udayam to counter the effect of Ramoji Rao's newspaper Eenadu.[15][16]
Death
Dasari Narayana Rao died on 30 May 2017 from prolonged illness, at the age of 75.[17] His last rites were performed with full state honours. His funeral was held at his farmhouse in Moinabad village, Ranga Reddy district, where his wife Padma was cremated.[18]
^30 June 2011 – Ranjana Dave (30 June 2011). "The meaning in movement". The Asian Age. Retrieved 4 September 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)