Veteran Telugu actor-filmmaker Mannava Balayya dies at 92

Veteran Telugu artiste and filmmaker Mannava Balayya passed away on Saturday at the age of 92.

Balayya made his acting debut with Etthuku Pai Etthu and starred in more than 300 movies. Apart from that, he also bankrolled films such as Chelleli Kapuram, Neramu – Shiksha, Chuttalunnaru Jagratha and Oorikichchina Maata among others. He made his directorial debut with the 1983 release Nijam Chebite Nerama?, which starred Krishnam Raju and Jaya Prada. He also helmed Pasupu Tadu and



Police Alludu, which released in 1986 and 1994, respectively.

He made his debut as a writer with Chellili Kapuram, a Sobhan Babu and Vanisri starrer, which released in 1971. The 2013 release Ramachari was his last film as an actor, while the 1987 release Allari Paandavulu was his last film as a producer.

Balayya received State Nandi Award in the Best Story Writer category for Oorikichchina Maata. He also bagged Nandi Award for his production Chelleli Kapuram.