Noted Telugu playwright, script writer and actor M. V. S. Haranatha Rao died of cardiac arrest here on Monday. He was 70. He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.

The progressive playwright has also carved a niche for himself in the Telugu tinsel world, writing dialogues for over 150 films, including Nandi award winning films like ‘Pratighatana,’ ‘Bharata Nari,’ ‘Anna’ and ‘Ammayi Kapuram.’Drama continued to be his passion though Haranatha Rao entered the cine field through noted film-maker T. Krishna. He has penned screenplay for over 150 films. He has also acted in 20 films and won acclaim for his stellar performance in ‘Rakshasudu’ and ‘Swayamkrushi.’

The first play he penned was ‘Rakta Bali.’ His latest play ‘Kanya Varasulkam,’ which portrays the assertive modern day Telugu women in the present social milieu, has won the best drama award of the Andhra Pradesh Cultural Affairs Department. Forest Minister Sidda Raghava Rao condoled the death of the playwright.

Indian People’s Theatre Association State honorary president Nalluri Venkateswarlu, NTR Kala Parishad founder Edara Haribabu and playwright Patibandla Ananda Rao were among those who paid their last respects.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Andhra Pradesh / by Special Correspondent / Ongole – October 10th, 2017