Telugu film industry lost a valuable personality, when veteran producer and actor Atluri Pundarikakshayya breathed his last in Chennai last week. He was a relative of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and matinee idol N T Rama Rao.

The man behind some of the memorable movies of Telugu cinema, like "Mahamantri Thimmarusu", "Sreekrishnavataram", "Manushullo Devudu", "Aaraadhana", "Maavaari Manchitanam", "Bhale Thammudu", "Melukolupu", died due to prolonged illness, sources said.

He had acted in Telugu, Tamil and Kannada movies. Pundarikakshayya was best remembered for his powerful role in Vijayashanthi starrer "Karthavyam". The veteran was always instrumental in backing quality films.

Pundarikakshayya made his debut as a supporting actor in the film "Palletooru" which came in the year 1952. Later, he made his mark as a producer, supporting actor and villain in noted Telugu films.