Manoj Manchu, Mounika Bhuma Pay Tribute to Dasari Narayana Rao After Restoring Memorial Ghat

In a heartfelt gesture of respect and gratitude, ‘RawKing’ Manoj Manchu and Mounika Bhuma Manchu on Saturday evening visited the memorial ghat of legendary filmmaker Dasari Narayana Rao and paid their tributes following extensive restoration and cleaning efforts carried out earlier in the day.

The visit marked the culmination of an initiative personally undertaken by Manoj after a social media video highlighting the neglected condition of the memorial surfaced online. Deeply disturbed by the visuals, Manoj immediately responded on social media on Friday night, expressing his disappointment and pledging to restore the site out of respect for one of Telugu cinema’s most influential personalities.

Keeping his promise, Manoj arrived at the memorial at 7:00 AM on Saturday along with members of his team before heading to a scheduled film shoot. Throughout the day, dried leaves, accumulated debris and other neglected portions of the premises were cleared in a comprehensive cleanup drive aimed at restoring the dignity and cleanliness of the memorial. After the restoration work was completed, Manoj returned to the site in the evening accompanied by Mounika Bhuma Manchu to offer prayers and pay homage to the legendary filmmaker.

Speaking to the media during the visit, Manoj revealed that he had recently been reminded of Dasari Narayana Rao garu while passing his statue at Chitrapuri Colony and had also spoken with members of the Dasari family. When the video showcasing the memorial’s condition reached him, he felt an immediate responsibility to act.

Reflecting on Dasari Narayana Rao garu’s unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema, Manoj described him as a rare icon who excelled across all facets of filmmaking and remained a guru-like figure for his family. Recalling his childhood association with the filmmaker, Manoj said he had the privilege of learning under him and credited both his father and Dasari garu for inspiring his passion for cinema.

Calling Dasari Narayana Rao an institution in himself, Manoj highlighted the filmmaker’s extraordinary body of work and enduring influence. He cited the classic film Osey Ramulamma as a shining example of Dasari garu’s visionary storytelling, noting how the filmmaker delivered a major commercial success centred on a female protagonist during an era dominated by male stars. He also remembered Dasari garu’s relentless efforts to support producers, distributors and thousands of film workers through his prolific filmmaking career.

Importantly, Manoj clarified that no individual or family member should be blamed for the memorial’s condition. He stated that Dasari Arun Kumar and family members regularly conduct commemorative activities and were already preparing for the filmmaker’s upcoming thithi observances. Describing the situation as an unfortunate oversight, Manoj said he too shared responsibility and thanked everyone who helped bring attention to the issue. He also expressed gratitude to MLA Kale Yadaiah and all those who coordinated and supported the restoration efforts.

Mounika Bhuma Manchu also paid her respects and spoke about Dasari Narayana Rao garu’s lasting impact beyond cinema. She described him as a visionary whose contributions extended into social service and whose films consistently addressed social inequalities while giving voice to the underrepresented. Calling it a privilege and responsibility to honour such a towering personality, she said the overwhelming public response urging Manoj to visit the memorial felt as though the legendary filmmaker himself had called upon them for the service.

She further revealed that Manoj has always remembered Dasari Narayana Rao garu during the most significant milestones of his life and credited the legendary filmmaker as a major inspiration behind many of Manoj’s creative pursuits, including writing, editing, stunt design and filmmaking. Concluding her remarks, she offered prayers for peace to the legendary filmmaker’s soul.

The visit also reflects the larger vision behind AIKYA DHAIRYA SENA SAMITHI, the social service movement recently launched by Manoj and Mounika Bhuma Manchu under the motto “Unity, Courage, Service, Impact.” Following several humanitarian initiatives and public outreach activities, their tribute to Dasari Narayana Rao garu serves as a reminder that service is not only about helping the living but also about preserving memories, honouring legacies and ensuring that the contributions of cinema’s greatest icons continue to be remembered with the respect they deserve.