Producer K Raghava passes away at 105

Reputable Telugu film producer K Raghava, often referred to in the industry and by the media as Pratap Arts Raghava, passed away in the early hours on Tuesday at Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad. Born in 1913 in Kotipally in West Godavari district, he was 105.

He had produced about 27 films, 25 of which were blockbusters.  Raghava’s beginning was a humble one.  He started out as a labourer with the British East India film company in Calcutta.  Over the years, he went on to become a big name.

It was by watching English-language films during his stint with the East India company that Ragahva got inspired to become a producer.  ‘Jagat Kiladilu’, ‘Jagat Jentrilu’, ‘Tatha Manavadu’, ‘Turupu Padamara’, ‘Intlo Ramayya Veedhilo Krishnayya’, ‘Tarangini, among others, are some of his notable films.  It was Raghava who introduced Dasari Narayana Rao with the film ‘Thatha Manavadu’ and Kodi Ramakrishna with ‘Intlo Ramayya Veedhilo Krishnayya’.

A recipient of the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award, Raghava has been paid rich tributes.  His dead body will be placed at Film Chamber complex tomorrow between 9:30 to 10:30 am.