Nagi Reddy, in many ways a doyen of Telugu cinema, passed away peacefully on 25th of Feb at his residence in Chennai. He is 92 years old.

Films like Maayabazaar, Missamma, Gundamma Katha will always revive those good old days, when film making was considered a sacred art practised only by a select few. Nagi Reddy was the one who produced these classics under Vijaya banner.

He was born in Pottempadu, Cuddapah district, on December 2nd 1912. Influenced by his brother B.N.Reddy, who was a producer, to make films under the banner of Vijaya Vauhini, he made almost all 40 films in Telugu, each a classic in its own right. The first film made under Vijaya Banner was 'Shavukaru' with NTR, Janaki and SV Ranga Rao in the lead. The film was not a commercial success.

The banner followed it up with films for the masses like 'Alauddin' which was a huge hit commercially. One cannot forget his association with LV Prasad to make master movies like 'Missamma' and 'Gundamma Katha'.

Apart from his filmi life, he was known for his foray into press with the Children's magazine Chandamama which came in 12 languages and was hugely popular during his time. Another successful venture started by Nagireddy is the monthly 'Andhrajyothy' which is a rage in Andhra among dailies now.

In 1981 he recevied the Dada Saheb Phalke Award, but he gave all that money to Prime minister Releif Fund.

Let's salute this great man and hope that his soul rests in peace.