D.Ramanaidu, Dada Saheb Phalke award winner, dies at the age of 79.

Hyderabad, Feb 18:Renowned Telugu producer, who is also known for producing films in the maximum number of languages, expired at the age of 79 today. He was also a Dadasaheb Phalke awardee.

The veteran's publicist said,"Ramanaidu, who was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, passed away at a private hospital. His body is being shifted to his studio for public to pay their last respects."

Born on June 6, 1936, Ramanaidu started his journey as a co-producer in 1963 with the film "Anuragam". The very next year, he made his solo debut as a producer with N.T Rama Rao-starrer drama "Ramudu Bheemudu".

He is known for his popular Telugu films, which include "Prem Nagar", "Jeevana Tarangalu", "Soggadu", "Kaliyuga Pandavulu", "Coolie No 1" and "Ganesh" among others He also launched the Ramanaidu Studios in 1989, followed by Ramanaidu Colour Lab and Cine Village.

He has produced numerous films in languages spanning Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Oriya, Punjabi and English under his home banner Suresh Productions. It has now been taken over by his eldest son D. Suresh Prabhu. Ramanaidu is survived by his sons Suresh Babu, Venkatesh Daggubati and grandsons Rana and Naga Chaitanya.

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