Darshaka Ratna Dasari Narayana Rao’s birth anniversary was grandly celebrated by the Telugu Film Directors Association. President of the Directors Association, Veera Shankar, and directors Anil Ravipudi, Vashishta, Gopichand Malineni, Vijay Kanakamedala, Shankar, Relangi Narasimha Rao, director-producer Tammareddy Bharadwaja, Producer Council President Damodara Prasad, Producer C Kalyan, Federation President Anil Kumar Vallabhaneni, and Filmnagar Corporator Kaja Suryanarayana participated in the event held at the Hyderabad Film Chamber. Telangana Film Chamber Secretary Anupama Reddy, Producer Prasanna Kumar, and others also attended. Garlands were placed on Dasari Narayana Rao’s statue within the Film chamber premises. During this program, it was announced that the Director’s Day celebrations would take place on the 19th of this month at 6 pm at Hyderabad’s LB Stadium. The event date poster was unveiled by Tammareddy Bharadwaja.
Directors Association President Veera Shankar stated, “Dasari not only resolved issues for the Directors’ Association but also for all film trade unions. He was a pivotal figure in the film industry. 151 directors were honored on the occasion of Dasari’s 151st film. Kalathapaswi K Vishwanath, who attended that day’s program, suggested that Dasari’s birthday be celebrated as Director’s Day. This incident highlights the bond between the two great directors. The Director’s Day event is set to be held on the 19th of this month. All our young directors are working hard to make this event a success. I extend my thanks to all of them.”
Tammareddy Bharadwaja commented, “Director’s Day used to be celebrated in Indoors on the occasion of Dasari’s birthday. I wondered why it wasn’t made into a bigger event. However, I agree with Veera shankar’s view that if Dasari’s greatness is to be recognized globally, it should be a grand event. I am pleased that all the prominent directors are coming forward for this. If they come, heroes will follow. Only then will the event be successful. I appreciate the efforts of the directors association committee and the cultural committee in this direction.”
Producer Damodara Prasad remarked, “I met Dasari for the first time 40 years ago. Although he is no longer physically with us, many people have come today to commemorate his birth anniversary. It’s unprecedented for a director to be remembered like this. Dasari would welcome everyone who approached him and would assist them, understanding their difficulties. Dasari is still remembered for his exceptional qualities. In the industry, he was a major guiding force. No other director could match that. It was possible only for Dasari.”
Producer C Kalyan stated, “Dasari’s efforts in creating associations for 24 crafts, along with the directors’ association, are remarkable. That is why Tollywood is number one in the welfare of film workers across the country today. This legacy is Dasari’s. The current committee is making the Director’s Day event a success, and you always have our support.”
Telangana Film Chamber Secretary Anupama Reddy remarked, “Director Rathna Dasari garu has not only directed and written words and songs but also displayed talent in acting. Many directors have contributed to the film industry, but his fame will endure forever in Tollywood.”
Federation President Anil Kumar Vallabhaneni expressed, “It is saddening that Mr. Dasari is no longer with us. He was a guiding force for the industry, and his absence is palpable. We are prepared to offer whatever support is necessary from our 24 trade unions for the Director’s Day event.”
Director Shankar stated, “Dasari was a pillar of strength for the industry. The Directors Association founded by him has grown significantly today. Megastar Chiranjeevi donated 25 lakh rupees to our Directors’ Trust during the Directors’ Day celebrations in the past, which greatly boosted the event’s popularity. We are grateful to Chiranjeevi for his support. The Director’s Day event enjoys the backing of all our directors. It should be managed diligently, and any suggestions for improvement should be addressed.”
Filmnagar Corporator Kaja Suryanarayana observed, “Dasari’s foresight is the reason why the film industry has flourished so greatly in Filmnagar. A temple was erected alongside the film chamber. As long as Dasari’s statue stands here in the chamber premises, we should consider him to be among us.”
Director Relangi Narasimha Rao shared, “I share a strong bond with director Ratna Dasari. I joined him even before he became a director, and we traveled together for many years. It’s an honor to come forward to organize Director’s Day in a grand manner. I extend my gratitude to all the prominent directors contributing to this event. Their participation, despite their busy schedules, is a testament to their admiration for our mentor. I hope this program is a resounding success.”
Director Mehr Ramesh reminisced, “Our family has a close relationship with Dasari. Whenever he visited our home on his birthday, he would sign a hundred rupee note and gift it to me. I have five or six such notes. The Director’s Day event is going to be celebrated grandly on Dasari’s birthday, and I hope it turns out to be a tremendous success.”
Producer Prasanna Kumar reflected, “Today, we are commemorating a program in this Filmchamber office because of Dasari. He shouldered many responsibilities as a director, producer, actor, writer, and press owner. He not only made significant contributions to Telugu cinema but also served as the president of the Madras Movie Industry Association. Dasari was truly one of a kind.”
Director Anil Ravipudi clarified, “We are organizing Director’s Day celebrations on May 19, which coincided with an IPL match. A recent statement I made about the IPL was misconstrued. I watch IPL matches, just like everyone else. I hope we can gather like this every year on director Rathna Dasari’s birthday. All our directors are gearing up for the Director’s Day event, where we will present skits and other engaging programs. This event is for our community and the welfare of our members. Every rupee collected through this program will benefit the members of the Directors Association.”
Director Gopichand Malineni conveyed, “Greetings to all my fellow directors on the occasion of Director’s Day. Dasari graced the audio function of my debut film, ‘Don Seenu,’ as a guest. Following that, he praised my movie ‘Balupu’ as well. He blessed me, saying that I would gain fame as a director. Dasari’s blessings continue to be with us all. We should all come together to celebrate Director’s Day.”
