Bapu(1933-2014)

Popularly known as Bapu was born on 15th December,1933 in Narsapur, Andhrapradesh. Before this Bapu met Ramana in Taylor high school in Narasapur where they studied as classmates for three years until second world war ended. Later when their families moved to Madras where they continued their studies, in 1945 All India Radio (Madras) published a children's story Amma maata vinakapothe which was written by Mollapudi Venkataramana for which Bapu worked as a cartoonist making this their first collaboration. Later Bapu was got graduated from University of Madras in B.com B.L in 1953 and 1955 respectively. Bapu became an expert cartoonist and painter own his own with his own style which caught everyone's eyes. Soon when Bapu wanted to make films Ramana also joined him. By the time Bapu became a director Ramana has got some chances as a writer in the industry. Later Bapu debuted with his directorial and written by Ramana Saakshi in 1967 starring Krishna and Vijaya nirmala which became an instant hit. Entire movie was known to be shot in just 17days completely in outdoors which was first of its kind at that time. This director-writer duo went on to make many well known and noted movies like Balaraju katha, Sampoorna ramayanam, Andala ramudu, Muthyala muggu, Seetha kalyanam, Bhaktha kannappa, Gorantha deepam, Manavoori pandavulu, Tyagayya, Manthrigaari viyyankudu, Pelli pustakam, Mister pellaam. Bapu and Ramana are known for their friendship in Telugu film industry even today. While they collaborated for Srirama Rajyam in 2011 Ramana passed away in the film making and soon after the film's release Bapu also passed away making this film their last one. Bapu has received 2 National film awards, 3 Filmfare awards, 7 state Nandi awards and prestigious Raghupathi Venkaiah award from the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Bapu's direction with simplistic and cultural aspects in his films is widely appreciated. Especially his way of showing lead actresses with 'Telugu thanam' is considered undeniably the best. Bapu also widely known for his paintings of characters of epics like ramayana and Mahabharata. Both Bapu and Ramana collaborated for some popular books namely Budugu, Kothi kommachi, Bommalu geeyandi. Bapu who is especially fond Lord Rama has drawn a numerous portraits of him which are unique in field of line drawing. He also received a Life time achievement award from Indian institute of cartoonists. He has designed and illustrated a number of books of puranas and folklore for which he received government awards. Bapu is also known for introducing a whole new font in Telugu which is known to be used even today.