Telugu playwright, scriptwriter and actor MVS Haranatha Rao died on Monday in Ongole, Andhra Pradesh. Rao, aged 70, suffered a cardiac arrest, reported The Hindu.
Haranatha Rao was a prolific and progressive writer who penned dialogues for over 150 Telugu films including works like Pratighatana, Bharata Nari, Anna and Ammayi Kapuram, for which he won Nandi awards.
Not just dialogues, he also scripted screenplay for 150 films and acted in 20 films. In his acting avatar, he won acclaim for his work in films like Rakshasudu and Swayamkrushi.
Drama was the most abiding passion of his life. Rakta Bali was his first play while, his last work Kanya Varasulkam spoke of an assertive woman in modern-day Andhra Pradesh. His other plays include Jagannatha Ratha Chakralu, Kshirasagara Mathanam, Antham Kadidi Aarambham, Redlight Area, Mee Peremiti and Yakshaaganam.
He was closely associated with late filmmaker Tottempudi Krishna, reports Times of India.
He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.
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