The Telugu Film Directors Association (TFDA) celebrates May 4, the birth anniversary of the legendary director Dasari Narayana Rao, as Directors Day. Under the aegis of the Kalayika Foundation, an event was held grandly on Monday this year. Several stalwarts graced the occasion.
Bollywood filmmaker R Balki was presented an award. "Today, Tollywood has become the center of Indian cinema. The kind of love the audience here shows for films cannot be seen anywhere else. There are many directors here whom I admire, especially Singeetham Srinivas Rao garu. Hats off to the Telugu film industry for organizing such events and setting an example for many,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Mohan Babu said, "I will feel the void of Dasari garu, who was like a father to me, for the rest of my life. He took an ordinary person and transformed him into Mohan Babu. I am happy to present this award to Hindi film director Balki. Dasari garu is the only person who truly defined the meaning of the word 'director'. Hats off to VN Aditya and his team for organizing this event so grandly. At our university, we have built an auditorium in the name of Dasari garu. I am contributing Rs 15 lakh as a financial donation to the TFDA."
Jaya Prada described Dasari as a mentor who taught her the basics of acting. "He will always remain in our hearts. Jayasudha and I acted in many films with him. Both of us played sisters in several movies. R. Narayana Murthy has always made great films on public issues. K. Viswanath garu is like a teacher and father to me," she added.
Jayasudha said that it is only because of Dasari that she is what she is. "The void left by his absence is something I still feel and will always feel. He has left an indelible mark on my film journey. This award is greater than all other awards. Many great directors are entering the film industry. I request everyone to participate in the upcoming fests as well,” she shared.
R. Narayana Murthy said, “We celebrate Sarvepalli’s birthday as Teachers’ Day. Similarly, I am happy that we are celebrating Dasari garu’s birthday as Directors Day. My respects to everyone organizing this event so grandly. My guru, Dasari garu, fed me and made me a hero. The industry will thrive only when heroes and directors continue making more films."
Tammareddy Bharadwaja said, 'Following the suggestion of K. Viswanath garu, we are observing May 4, Dasari garu’s birthday, as Directors Day. It is no ordinary feat for a director to helm over 150 films, write dialogues for more than 250 films, and pen 500–600 songs. He also produced over 50 films, played many great roles, and even started the ‘Udayam’ newspaper. His intellect was remarkable. Despite all these works, he engaged in service activities and resolved workers’ issues."
SV Krishna Reddy said, “I feel truly delighted seeing such great directors on this stage. It is a joy to organize this event among so many distinguished personalities."
Y Ravi Shankar of Mythri Movie Makers said, "I am happy that director Sai Rajesh is dedicating more time to this organization after Baby. Aditya is coordinating everyone and conducting the event wonderfully. I hope this association continues to progress like this."
Senior comedy actor Babu Mohan described Dasari as an extraordinary person. "He loved me a lot and treated me like his own child. It is unfortunate that he passed away," he said.
Vallabhaneni Anil mentioned N. Shankar, Veera Shankar, Aditya in his speech. Veera Shankar said that no other film industry in the world celebrates a day like this. N Shankar said that a person like Dasari will never be born again in the film world. Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao said that filmmakers inspire society. "They have the power to turn an artist into a god-like figure. Only those with such power are directors. I hope our Telugu directors reach even greater heights. The day is not far when Telugu filmmakers will win awards at the global level,” he added.
PG Vinda said that a director works day and night for the sake of cinema. Karthik Raja thanked VN Aditya. Uday Kumar said, "I feel proud to be standing on this stage today. It is a pleasure to see directors from the Indian film industry being honored in this way. Dasari garu served as the president of the South Indian Film Directors Association. He gave opportunities to many people. Directors also create many heroes, including chief ministers."
Ram Jagadeesh said, “There are many great directors on this stage. I don’t even feel worthy enough to speak here. No matter how much we say about TFDA for organizing such a great event, it is not enough. I feel fortunate to have emerged as a director from the Telugu film industry."
