A commemorative postal stamp on legendary film producer B. Nagi Reddy will be released today (Feb. 23) at an event in the city by Vice-president Venkaiah Naidu and governor Banwarilal Purohit. The day incidentally marks the 105th death anniversary of the multitalented personality. He set up the Vijaya Vauhini Studio in Vadapalani, the hub of Kollywood, which was then Asia’s biggest film studio. The famed production house has made several memorable films like Paathaala Bairavi, Missiamma, Maya Bazaar, Nam Naadu and Enga Veetu Pillai.
“Not only in films but he also brought a revolution in printing segment and was a philanthropist who founded the Vijaya medical and educational trust. Our long wait to achieve this honour is over,” Bharathi Reddy, wife of Nagi Reddy’s son Venkatrama Reddy who is also the CEO of Vijaya Medical & Educational Trust, tells DC .
“We have been requesting the government to release a stamp on illustrious B.Nagi Reddygaru for many years. Later only, I realised the real confusion why it was not happening. Nagi Reddygaru had an elder brother who was also a filmmaker and his name was also B.N.Reddy. The government had earlier released a stamp in his name and they were wondering why we are asking again. However, I met Mr Venkaiah Naidu a year and a half back and finally, it is happening now (smiles).” Sharing a few unknown details of the doyen, she said, “He was also the founder of Prasad Process Pvt. Ltd, the biggest printing press in South East Asia. He won nine awards for bringing new techniques in printing posters, banners etc. He shared a close rapport with Indira Gandhi and I have heard him writing features on her for her personal use.”
Bharathi also revealed that they are also launching a book on the occasion called ‘The Legend’. “The foreword is being penned by Mr Venkaiah Naidu himself,” she signs off!
