T. Rama Rao passes away at 83

The man synonymous with actor Jeetendra’s blockbusters in the 1980s, veteran director-producer T. Rama Rao passed away in Chennai during the early hours of Wednesday. He was 83. Rama Rao had helmed 70 films in Telugu and Hindi, besides bankrolling blockbusters in Tamil.

A resident of Chennai’s T. Nagar neighbourhood, Rama Rao died at around 12.30 am because of an age-related illness. He’s survived by his wife Tatineni Jayashree and children Chamundeswari, Naga Suseela and Ajay. Rama Rao entered the Hindi film industry in 1979 and got to team up with leading actors such as Amitabh Bachchan, Jeetendra, Dharmendra, Sanjay Dutt, Anil Kapoor, Govinda and Mithun Chakraborty.

He was credited with introducing Superstar Rajinikanth in Hindi cinema with Andhaa Kanoon. He also made several superhit movies in Hindi such as Judai, Jeevan Dhara, Ek Hi Bhool, Andhaa Kanoon, Inqulaab, Insaf Ki Pukar, Watan Ke Rakhwale, Dosti Dushmani, Nache Mayuri, John Jani Janardhan, Raavan Raj, Muqabla, Hathkadi and Jung.

Rama Rao started the Madras Movie trend in which Hindi films produced by southern production houses emerged as successful commercial propositions in traditional Hindi film markets. Several movie celebrities condoled the death of the stalwart director. Anupam Kher tweeted: “Deeply saddened to know about the demise of veteran filmmaker & a dear friend Shri #TRamaRao ji. I had the privilege of working with him in #AakhriRaasta and #Sansaar. He was compassionate, commanding & had a great sense of humour. My condolences to his family! Om Shanti!” Rama Rao received many awards. —IANS