• Dadasaheb Phalke awardee and renowned filmmaker K. Viswanath passed away in Hyderabad. He was 92.

• A prominent name not just in Telugu cinema but also in other languages, he became the 48th recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke award, the highest recognition in Indian cinema. He was conferred with the award for the year 2016.

• His other honours include Padma Shri in 1992, five National Awards, 20 Nandi Awards (given by the Andhra Pradesh government) and 10 Filmfare trophies including the Lifetime Achievement award.

Director of ‘Sankarabharanam’

• Kasinadhuni Viswanath, popularly known as ‘Kalatapasvi’, was born in February 1930 in Andhra Pradesh.

• He debuted as a director with ‘Aatma Gowravam’, which starred Akkineni Nageswara Rao and won the Nandi Award for the best feature film.

• The filmmaker followed it with ‘Chelleli Kapuram’, ‘O Seeta Katha’, ‘Jeevana Jyoti’ and ‘Sarada’.

• ‘Sankarabharanam’ released on February 2, 1980 and created ripples in the Telugu film industry with movie critics and lovers unequivocally showering accolades. 

• He directed award-winning films such as ‘Sagara Sangamam’, ‘Swati Mutyam’, ‘Saptapadi’, ‘Kaamchor’, ‘Sanjog’ and ‘Jaag Utha Insaan’ in his decades-long career that included an equally successful stint in front of the camera.

• Viswanath has made a series of films based on varied themes of art, music and dance. Culture, along with music and dance always played a prominent role in the progression of the story of his films.  

• In spite of the sensitivity of these subjects, they are presented in a creative manner that puts the right amount of emphasis on the intended message. 

• Viswanath, who made over 50 movies since 1965, had also been active in Tamil and Hindi cinema.

• Viswanath, who started his journey in the film industry as a sound artist, also made superhit movies in Hindi as well. 

• His long career included an equally successful stint in front of the camera.

• With over 50 films in his kitty in a career spanning almost six decades, he was honoured with the prestigious Raghupathy Venkaiah Award for his contribution to Telugu cinema in 1991.

Manorama Yearbook app is now available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store