Photos: Telugu director Bapu Funeral with State Honors

The renowned and pioneer film maker Sattiraju Lakshmi Narayana aka Bapu passed away on Sunday, August 31st 2014 at his residence in Chennai leaving the Telugu industry in dark and distress.

The 80-year-old director’s last rites will be performed after the arrival of his son from Japan on Tuesday.

Following a severe cardiac arrest, Bapu left this world and took away with him the immense knowledge and expertise that he had displayed in so many of his films.

All that is left behind are his memories and the extraordinary work that he did in his career.

In his career, Bapu has been a part of some of the most amazing telugu films. He started his career as a cartoonist and thereafter joined the filmmaking line in the 1960 with his first venture ‘Sakshi’.

The man was a follower of Lord Rama and most of his stories were influenced by his life or they took inspiration from him in some way or the other.

Some of the memorable works of his are; Mutyala Muggu, Mister Pellam, Pelli Pusthakam and Seetha Kalyanam.

Bapu’s last directorial was 2011 Telugu mythological drama Sri Rama Rajyam. During his overwhelming career spree, Bapu had Ramana as one of his closest friends who was also a part of many of his projects.

After his demise a few months back Bapu was never in his pink of health. Ramana’s death was a shock for Bapu because it meant the end of a 60 year old friendship, something that was treasured strongly by both of them.

Bapu had also directed a few Hindi films such as Hum Paanch, Seeta Swayamwar, Woh Saat Din and Mera Dharam. Bapu was honoured by the Padma Shri award in 2013 and has also bagged away a number of national awards.

Bapu’s death has been a shock for many of the Telugu celebrities who have taken to Twitter to express their feelings and sadness. He was indeed a backbone for the Tollywood industry.

May his soul rest in peace.