Veteran producer-turned-director U Visweswar Rao is no more. The Tollywood screenwriter, who was the legendary NT Rama Rao's 'viyankudu', passed away earlier today in Chennai.

Known for films like 'Nagna Sathyam', 'Harischandrudu', 'Keerthi Kantha Kanakan' (which won him the Best Director Nandi) and 'Pellila Chadarangam' (which won the Best Screenplay Nandi), he won two National Film Awards as well.

He made films like 'Kanchu Kota', 'Niluvu Dopidi', 'Desoddharakulu' and 'Petthamdarlu' with NTR. His plans to make 'Kanchu Kagada' with NTR and Pruthviraj Kapoor failed. As a director, Rao made 'Theerpu', 'Maarpu' and others. P Pullaiah was his guru.

Rao's films espoused a radical ideology. He was known for both art movies and commercial entertainers. He received an honorary award from the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy.

Having produced more than two dozen films, Visweswar Rao made a name for himself in the world of south Indian cinema. Reputed for being a producer of taste, Rao touched upon various genres with ease. He flipped from big-ticket films to experimental ones with great conviction.

IndiaGlitz condoles the demise of Rao. May his family members have the strength to overcome the grief.