Veteran producer Mallemaala Sundara Rami Reddy, popularly known as M S Reddy passed away on Sunday at his Filmnagar residence after a prolonged illness. He was 87.

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy expressed sorrow at the demise of Reddy. In a condolence message, the chief minister said Reddy rendered invaluable service to the Telugu film industry. He also conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved family.

TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu, BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu, producer D Rama Naidu, actors Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Krishna, Mahesh Babu and others paid tributes to Reddy.

One of the most respected personalities of the industry, Reddy, during a career that spanned about 60 years, produced hit films like 'Ankusam', 'Talambralu', 'Ahuti', 'Baala Ramayanam', 'Ankusam', 'Ammoru', 'Agraham' and the more recent 'Arundhati'.

Reddy was known as Sahaja Kavi for the lyrical simplicity of his thought-provoking poems and for penning the lyrics of 200-odd film songs. He will also be remembered for his yeoman service to the industry as president of the Telugu Film Producers’ Council