I bow my head only to Raghava: Dasari

Commemorating 40 years of the release of 'Tata Manavadu', which introduced director-writer-actor Dasari Narayana Rao to Telugu film industry, celebrations were held on Saturday at Dasari's residence in Hyderabad with who's who of Tollywood attending it.

Speaking at the event, Dasari said, 'Today is memorable for me as my first film completed 40 years. I attribute my career's success to producer K Raghava who gave me my first opportunity.'

Modestly admitting, he added, 'Industry might have more talented and hardworking people than me, but the opportunities I got differentiated them from me. Opportunities are quite necessary to prove ourselves and I found it in the form of K Raghava of Pratap Arts banner. I bow my head only to him. I will never forget my roots.'

Reminiscing his early days, Dasari turned nostalgic and said, 'Film distribution was key to cinema in those days and when I first narrated the story, a leading distribution company then was quite impressed with it, but suggested Raghava to rope in a leading director.

It was bluntly refused by him. He told them that he would change the distribution company, but not the director which shocked many including me. Raghava believed in the script and it worked.

The equation we share stands as an example to the producers and directors of these days. I'd be happy if any one learns from us. The music composed by Ramesh Naidu was an asset for the film.

Many people of this generation might not know about him, but he was a legend. Noted music duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal were his assistants. We started our film with song 'Eenade Babu Nee Puttinaroju' which was penned by lyricist C Narayana Reddy.

Another song of him in the film 'Anubandham Atmiyata Anta Oka Bootakam''was received well and is still spoken about. Since then he has been writing at least one song in my every film till date and he was credited single-card for lyrics in above 40 films of mine.'

Veering towards the cast, he added, 'Vijaya Nirmala who was a leading and beautiful heroine then, agreed to be paired opposite comedian Rajababu and set a new trend. She enthralled one and all as Nookalamma. '

Dasari honoured K Raghava with a shawl and a memento while staunch followers of the veteran and Director's Association felicitated Dasari. Krishnam Raju, Krishna, Vijaya Nirmala, Manchu Vishnu, Jayasudha, Tammareddy and others were also present at the event.