M. S. Reddy | |
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Born | Mallemala Sundara Rami Reddy 15 August 1924 near Nellore, British India |
Died | 11 December 2011 | (aged 87)
Occupations |
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Years active | 1962–2011 |
Children | Shyam Prasad Reddy |
Mallemala Sundararami Reddy (15 August 1924 – 11 December 2011), popularly known as M. S. Reddy and Mallemala, was an Indian film producer, lyricist, and screenwriter in Telugu cinema. Over his career, he produced more than 25 films, several of which received Nandi and National Awards. He penned over 5,000 songs and poems, earning the title "Sahaja Kavi" (The Natural Poet) for his simple and accessible writing style. In recognition of his significant contributions to cinema, he was honoured with the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award in 2005.[1]
M. S. Reddy established the Kaumudi Pictures and M. S. Arts banners, under which he produced notable films like Sri Krishna Vijayam (1971), Kode Nagu (1974), Muthyala Pallaki (1977), Palnati Simham (1985), Aahuthi (1987), Ankusam (1989), Ammoru (1995), Baala Ramayanam (1997), and Arundhati (2009). Baala Ramayanam, featuring 3,000 child artistes, won the National Film Award for Best Children's Film.[2]
M. S. Reddy played a key role in the relocation of the Telugu film industry from Madras to Hyderabad and founded Sabdalaya Studios, a prominent recording studio in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. In addition to his contributions to filmmaking, Reddy held several leadership positions within the industry, including President of the Telugu Film Producers Council, the South Indian Film Writers Association, the Film Nagar Cooperative Housing Society, and as Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Film Development Corporation.[1]