D.V.S. Raju, the legendary figure who rendered immense service to Telugu cinema, was fondly remembered on his 97th birth anniversary today, December 13th.
D.V.S. Raju played a pivotal role in the history of Telugu cinema. As the President of the Film Development Corporation (FDC), he was instrumental in relocating the Telugu film industry from the combined Madras State to Andhra Pradesh. Furthermore, as the President of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), he helped establish the Indian Labourers Fund using a portion of the profits from Richard Attenborough's Oscar-winning film, Gandhi.
A Partner to the Stars
Raju Garu was known for strengthening film industry organizations while actively producing movies. His association with the legendary actor N. T. Rama Rao (NTR), which began in 1950, took his life in an unexpected direction. NTR made him his partner in the National Art Theatre organization, producing many great films. Though Raju Garu started his own production house, D.V.S. Productions, in 1960, his bond of friendship with Rama Rao Garu remained strong.
During major calamities like the Sino-Indian War, the Rayalaseema famine, and the Diviseema cyclone, Raju Garu took the lead in coordinating relief efforts, standing in solidarity with the people under NTR's leadership.
Architect of Film City's Growth
When NTR became Chief Minister in 1983, he appointed Raju Garu as the Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh State Film Development Corporation. Raju Garu's role was exceptional in bringing Telugu cinema to Hyderabad, in the construction of the Lalitha Kala Thoranam at Public Gardens in just 90 days for Filmotsav 1986, and in the historic organization of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Hyderabad.
His tireless efforts benefited several organizations, including the Film Nagar Society, Film Chamber of Commerce, South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce, FDC, NFDC, Film Federation, and the Film Nagar Cultural Centre. Recognizing his selfless service, dedication, and unwavering commitment, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri Award in 2001.
Raju Garu produced healthy and message-oriented films in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi languages. He was born on December 13, 1928, in Allavaram, East Godavari District, and passed away on November 13, 2010. D.V.S. Raju Garu will forever be remembered in the annals of Telugu cinema.
🎉 97th Jayanti Celebrations in Hyderabad
The D.V.S. Raju Jayanti celebrations were held grandly today at the FNCC in Hyderabad. Film and political dignitaries attended the event to make it a success.
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During the program, Atluri Purna Chandra Rao Garu was felicitated.
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DVK Raju, son of D.V.S. Raju Garu, presented a donation check of ₹1 lakh to Kadambari Kiran, founder of the Memu Saitham Foundation.
The event saw the participation of prominent personalities including K. S. Rama Rao, Raghurama Krishnam Raju, T. D. Janardhan, Gemini Kiran, K. L. Narayana, Ranga Rao, Narasimha Rao, Prasanna Kumar, Sivaji Raja, former corporator Kaja Suryanarayana, Edida Raja, actor Banerjee, and members of the D.V.S. Raju family.
