Southern film industry suffered two back to back shocks as Dasari Narayana Rao passed away on Tuesday, followed by the death of Parvathamma Rajkumar on Wednesday. Dasari was one of the most popular film directors in Telugu industry, and producer Parvathamma was the wife of late Kannada actor Rajkumar.
As soon as the news of Dasari's demise broke, fans and celebrities took to Twitter to express their grief. The veteran film-maker was 75 when he breathed his last. Dasari's health was not well since quite some time as he had been in and out of the hospital multiple times, and had a couple of surgeries.
Apart from being a renowned director, Dasari was also a former Union Minister of Coal. The National Award winning director's death came as a big loss for the entire south film industry. Several celebrities arrived at his residence in Hyderabad to pay their last respects.
While the industry was grappling with the loss of Dasari, another shocker came in the form of Parvathamma's death a day later. She was a very well-known face in the Southern film fraternity.
Apart from being legendary actor Rajkumar's wife, Parvathamma was also a well-known movie producer. Died at the age of 77, Parvathamma is survived by three sons – Shivaraj, Raghavendra and Puneeth Rajkumar – and two daughters – Poornima and Lakshmi. Funeral ceremonies of both the deceased souls are scheduled to take place on Wednesday.
This certainly is one of the saddest phases in the southern film industry. It is very rare that two popular celebrities from the same industry died in a gap of just a few hours. The deaths of the two veteran personalities are being considered as the end of an era.
As a mark of respect for the two departed souls, all activities in the South film industry will remain shut on Wednesday. Twitter is flooded with condolences after the deaths of Dasari and Parvathamma.
Check some of the tweets:
N Chandrababu Naidu: Deeply shocked by the sudden demise of Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao. The Telugu community & film industry have lost a pillar today.
SS Rajamouli: Dasari Narayana Rao garu brought respect and recognition to the clan of directors. His authority irreplaceable.
Allari Naresh: Our industry has lost a guiding light. RIP Dasari Narayana Rao garu.
Kalyanram Nandamuri: Rest in Peace Dr Dasari Narayana Rao Garu. A huge loss to the Telugu Film Industry. Praying for strength to the family
Allu Arjun: Legendary Director Dasari Narayana Rao garu no more. RIP. Condolences to his family & all his people.
AR Murugadoss: Deeply distressed to learn about the passing away of one of the Greatest Stalwarts of Indian Film Industry #DasariNarayanaRao Sir. #RIP
Mahesh Babu: Shocked and saddened by the news of Dasari Narayana Rao Garu's passing away. May his soul rest in peace.
Priyank Kharge: RIP #ParvathammaRajkumar, a lady with great determination to succeed in the male dominated film industry. A legend in her own right!
Pranitha Subhash: Deeply saddened on hearing about Parvathamma Rajkumar ma'am's demise.. RIP .. Strength to her family..
RJ Nethra: RIP #ParvathammaRajkumar! An Iron Lady instrumental in building brand Rajkumar to what it is today.. Deepest condolences to the family..
Aadarsh Balakrishna: Deepest condolences to the families of #dasarinarayanarao gaaru and #ParvathammaRajkumar gaaru.
