K. Raghavendra Rao, one of the greatest directors of Telugu cinema, celebrated his 70th birthday on Wednesday, 23rd May, 2012.
He is credited for being the pioneer of commercial cinema in Tollywood. The ace director has earned the nickname 'Darsakendrudu' for his pioneering contributions to Telugu cinema ever since his debut in 1975.
Right from 'Jyothi', where he touched a novel point, to 'Adavi Ramudu', which was one of Tollywood's greatest mass hits ever, to 'Annamayya', Raghavendra Rao has an illustrious track record to his credit.
He has also made feminine oriented films like 'Aame Katha' and 'Kalpana' and devotional films such as 'Sri Manjunatha', 'Sri Ramadasu' and 'Pandurangadu'.
His film 'Pelli Sandadi' has become one of the biggest musical hits of Telugu cinema. He also won the best choreographer Nandi Award for his dance direction in that film. Rao is responsible for boosting the careers of many actresses like Vijayashanti, Radha, Ramya Krishna, Raadhika, Rambha, and Ravali.