Noted film producer Sridhar Rao dead

Chennai, July 28 (UNI) Well-known Telugu Film Producer Koppolu Sridhar Rao died here today following a prolonged illness.

He was 84. Mr Rao is survived by his two sons.His wife Lakshmi Rajyam was an accomplished actress of yesteryear.

Mr Rao, who hailed from Gajuluru in Tenali, shifted to then Madras about 60 years ago. He settled down as producer as his very first film 'Dasi' with NTR (1956) was a hit.

He married Lakshmi Rajyam and their Rajyam Films produced some of the classics and hit films like 'Harischandra, Sri Krishna Leelalu, Nartanasala, Govula Gopanna, Rangeli Raja and Magadu (a remake of Amitabh Bachchan blockbuster 'Dewaar').' His hit film 'Nartanasala' in the early 60s was screened at the Asian Film Festival in Jakarta and was awarded the Silver Medal.

Most of the films were hits at the box office. He produced films with stalwarts of the film industry like N T Rama Rao, Akkineni Nageswara Rao and S V Ranga Rao.

He had been resting due to old age at his residence for quite some time and the end came at 1015 hrs.

Soon after the news broke, several film luminaries visited his house and paid their respects. The last rites were performed this evening.

Mr Sridhar Rao's grand son Kishore lit the pyre.

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