V. Doraswamy Raju

V. Doraswamy Raju (c. 1946 – 18 January 2021) was an Indian film producer, distributor, and politician. He produced and distributed several Telugu films under his banner VMC Productions. He served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly from the Telugu Desam Party representing Nagari constituency, Andhra Pradesh between 1994 and 1999. He won two Nandi Awards and two Filmfare Awards.

"Doraswamy Raju" redirects here. For Indian judge, see Doraiswamy Raju.

V. Doraswamy Raju
Member of Legislative Assembly
Andhra Pradesh
In office
1994–1999
ConstituencyNagari
Chief Minister(s)
Personal details
Born1946 or 1947
Chittoor district, Madras Presidency, British India
Died (aged 74)
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Political partyTelugu Desam Party
Occupation
  • Film producer
  • distributor
  • politician

Early life

Doraswamy Raju was born in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh in a family of farmers. He was married and has a son.[1]

Career

Films

Raju started VMC Productions in 1978, which was launched by actor-politician N. T. Rama Rao. His first film as a producer was Kirai Dada (1987), starring Nagarjuna. He later went on to produce successful films such as Seetharamayya Gari Manavaralu (1991), President Gari Pellam (1992), Madhavayya Gari Manavadu (1992), Annamayya (1997), and Simhadri (2003).[1]

In addition to production, he was also involved in film distribution in Rayalaseema. He has distributed over 750 films, giving him nickname "Rayalaseema Raju."[2]

Politics

Raju began his political career in the early 1990s. He was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly from Nagari constituency in 1994.[1] He contested the Telugu Desam Party ticket and defeated the Indian National Congress candidate R. Chenga Reddy.[3] He also held positions such as member of TTD Board and president of Andhra Pradesh Film Chamber among others.[2]

Death

Raju died on 18 January 2021 at a private hospital in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad after suffering a cardiac arrest.[4] He was 74.[5] Filmmakers such as S. S. Rajamouli, Aswani Dutt, and Murali Mohan paid last respects to Raju.[6]

Filmography

Awards
Filmfare Awards
Nandi Awards
Cinema Express Awards
  • 1991: Best Film – Seetharamayya Gari Manavaralu[10]

References
  1. "Tollywood producer V Doraswami Raju no more". Cinema Express. 18 January 2021. Retrieved 15 May 2021.
  2. "Senior Producer V.Doraswamy Raju Passes Away". Sakshi Post. 18 January 2021. Retrieved 15 May 2021.
  3. "Andhra Pradesh Assembly Election Results in 1994". Elections in India. Retrieved 15 May 2021.
  4. "Renowned Telugu film producer and distributor V Doraswamy Raju passes away". Zoom Entertainment. Retrieved 15 May 2021.
  5. "Telugu film producer Doraswami Raju dies at 74". Outlook India. Retrieved 15 May 2021.
  6. "SS Rajamouli, Aswini Dutt and others pay their last respects to producer V Doraswamy Raju". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 May 2021.
  7. "List of Awards won by Telugu movie Seetharamaiah Gari Manavaralu". Times of India. Retrieved 15 May 2021.
  8. "45th Filmfare South Best Films Winners : Santosh : Free Download & St…". Archived from the original on 5 February 2017.
  9. "నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964 - 2008)" [A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964 - 2008)] (PDF) (in Telugu). Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh. 13 March 2010. p. 74. Retrieved 15 May 2021.
  10. "'Chinnathambhi' bags Cinema Express award". The Indian Express. 25 February 1992. p. 3.
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