Ramesh Prasad, KRR vying for Padma Shri

The Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce has recommended the names of two veteran members-Ramesh Prasad, film producer, chairman and Head of Prasad Studios, Prasads IMAX and son of legendary L V Prasad and K Raghavendra Rao, seasoned filmmaker, who is known for star-studded commercial potboilers and also devotional movies like 'Annamayya' and 'Sri Ramadasu'- for Padma Shri Award, 2020.

"After thorough discussion, we recommended the names of Ramesh Prasad and K Raghavendra Rao for the coveted honour. Although we can recommend up to five members, out Executive Committee members limited it to two distinguished personalities.

We sent the letter in the last week of July," says Vijayender Reddy, Treasurer, Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce.

It is mandatory for chambers of respective fields, to recommend a list of names for the one of the Highest Civilian Awards. More than big stars and directors, members reportedly took the names of some producers like Nattikumar, Basi Reddy and Ram Satyanarayana and few others.

A source from the chamber adds, "One member claims to have introduced digital cinema to T-town, while another claims to have produced more films than thespian Rama Naidu in a span of 10 years and another one on the grounds of surviving in the industry for so long,"

However, Vijayender Reddy, was reluctant to disclose the names "I can't reveal the proposed names, but I do admit that members suggested names of few producers.

Nonetheless, the apex body took seniority and their immense contribution to Telugu cinema and zeroed in on two bigwigs. Vijaya Nirmala garu's name also came up for discussion.

The award is normally not conferred posthumously, so we had to drop it."