Vijaya Bapineedu (86), born as Gutta Bapineedu Chowdary, today breathed his last at his Hyderabad residence. He was one of the most renowned directors and producers in Tollywood in the 1980s and 1990s.

Born in 1936, Bapineedu hails from Eluru. After studying Mathematics, the talented man started out as the editor of a magazine. He always took a keen interest in cinema and dared to bankroll movies. Some of his directorial projects, with top heroes of the day (mainly Megastar Chiranjeevi), were mass hits. 'Khaidi No. 786' (1988) and 'Gang Leader' (1991) are two of his landmark movies. 'Maga Maharaju' (1983), 'Valu Jada Tolu Beltu' (1992), etc are also in his kitty as a director. He wielded the megaphone for 22 movies.

Bapineedu ably handled heroes as different as Shoban Babu and Rajendra Prasad.

It may be recalled that, after his favourite hero made a re-entry into cinema, the celebrated veteran expressed his desire to direct Chiranjeevi once more. His wish will remain unfulfilled.

IndiaGlitz condoles the demise of Bapineedu. May his soul attain Sadgati.