Dasari Narayana Rao directed/produced 151 movies in an active career spanning over three decades. He is in the Guinness book of world records for this feat. He pretty much did everything - story, dialogues, lyrics, screenplay, direction. As if that were not enough he would act in his movies as well.
He was an awesome and peerless combination of multi-faceted talent, prolific output and longevity.
Once he entered the Telugu movie industry in 1973, he became the industry. In the mid-70s, 80s and even later his movies would be released with unfailing regularity. He gave new direction to the careers of legends like NTR, ANR, introduced many new actors who went on to become stars in their own right. Mohan Babu, Murali Mohan owe their careers to him.
Dasari's Katakatala Rudraiah, set veteran star Krishnam Raju's career (uncle of Bahubali Prabhas) as a hero. Incidentally it was remade in Hindi with Jeetendra, also directed by Dasari. He introduced much technical talent like directors etc. to the industry as well.
He played a key role in moving Tollywood from Chennai to Hyderabad and establishing various colonies for film personnel in and around Hyderabad. It is difficult to put in words his significance to Tollywood. Industry workers were dear to him and Chitrapuri colony, his vision of one place for all industry workers should be named after him. Also, Dadasaheb Phalke award should be awarded to him posthumously as an exceptional case.
It is sad that no bollywood actors are seen attending the last rites of DNR...At least Jeetendra , who worked with the director in a dozen films..should have visited to pay tribute to him..
