DVS Raju’s 97th Birth Anniversary Celebrations
D.V.S. Raju, a towering personality who rendered invaluable service to Telugu cinema, was remembered on the occasion of his 97th birth anniversary on December 13.
Raju played a crucial role in shifting the Telugu film industry from the erstwhile Madras State to Andhra Pradesh during his tenure as Chairman of the Film Development Corporation (FDC). As Chairman of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), he was instrumental in creating a welfare fund for Indian workers by allocating a portion of the profits earned from Gandhi, the Oscar-winning film produced by Richard Attenborough.
While actively producing films, D.V.S. Raju also worked relentlessly to strengthen film-related institutions. His association with legendary actor N.T. Rama Rao, which began in 1950, proved to be a defining turning point in his life. With Raju as his trusted partner, NTR produced several landmark films under the banner of National Art Theatre. In 1960, Raju launched his own production house, D.V.S. Productions, yet his enduring friendship and professional bond with NTR remained intact.
During times of national and regional crises such as the China War, the Rayalaseema drought, and the Diviseema cyclone, Raju efficiently coordinated relief initiatives under NTR’s leadership to support the affected people. After NTR assumed office as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh in 1983, D.V.S. Raju was appointed Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Film Development Corporation.
Raju’s contribution to bringing Telugu cinema to Hyderabad was unparalleled. His leadership was pivotal in the construction of the Lalitha Kala Thoranam at Public Gardens within a record 90 days for the 1986 Filmotsav, and in the historic organization of the International Film Festival in the state.
He made lasting contributions to the growth and development of several key institutions, including the Film Nagar Society, Film Chamber of Commerce, South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce, FDC, NFDC, Film Federation, and the Film Nagar Cultural Center. In recognition of his selfless service, dedication, and tireless efforts, the Government of India honored him with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2001.
D.V.S. Raju produced healthy, socially relevant, and message-oriented films in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi. Born on December 13, 1928, in Allavaram, East Godavari district, he passed away on November 13, 2010. He remains a revered and unforgettable figure in the history of Telugu cinema.
The 97th birth anniversary celebrations of D.V.S. Raju were held with grandeur at the Film Nagar Cultural Center (FNCC), Hyderabad. Several prominent personalities from the film and political spheres attended the event and made it a grand success. On the occasion, Atluri Poorna Chandra Rao was felicitated in a grand manner. A donation cheque of ₹1 lakh was presented to Kadambari Kiran, founder of the “Memu Saitam” Foundation, by D.V.S. Raju’s son, D.V.K. Raju.
The event was attended by K.S. Rama Rao, Raghurama Krishnam Raju, T.D. Janardhan, Gemini Kiran, K.L. Narayana, Rangarao, Narasimha Rao, Prasanna Kumar, Sivaji Raja, former corporator Kaja Surya Narayana, Edida Raja, actor Banerjee, members of D.V.S. Raju’s family, and several other distinguished guests.
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