Sankarabharanam producer E N Rao passes away

Hyderabad: Popular film personality Edida Nageswara Rao, who produced many classics like ‘Sankarabharanam’, ‘Sagara Sangamam’, ‘Swathi Muthyam’ and ‘Seethakoka Chiluka’ among other flicks, passed away here on Sunday. He was 81 and was suffering from age-related ailments.

Entering into the industry to test his luck as an actor, the West Godavari-born dabbled in dubbing before venturing into film production with ‘Siri Siri Muvva’ (1978). The film, made on Poornodaya Movie Creations, made a killing at the box-office. The film, made on Poornodaya Movie Creations, made a killing at the box-office. He followed it up by making smash hits like ‘Sankarabaranam’, ‘Seethakoka Chiluka’, ‘Sagara Sangamam’, ‘Sitaara’ and ‘Swayam Krushi’.

Besides five Nandi awards, ‘Sankarabharanam’ was the first Telugu film to win the national award Swarna Kamal for the Best film with mass appeal, wholesome entertainment and aesthetic values. It has also won the Prize of the Public at the Besancon Film Festival of France in 1981.

‘Sagara Sangamam’ and ‘Sitaara’ too got recognition at the national level. Many of Edida’s films have participated in international film festivals; ‘Swathi Muthyam’ was the first South Indian entry to the Oscars. He had a long association with acclaimed talents like K Viswanath, Ilayaraja, Kamal Haasan and Chiranjeevi.

After taking a break from film production in early 90s, Edida held important positions such as Telugu Film Producer’s Council Secretary, Nandi Awards Committee Chairman, National Film Award Committee member and Honorary secretary of South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce. His last rites will be performed here today. He is survived by wife and actor-son Edida Sriram.