MUMBAI: Veteran Telugu film director V Madhusudhan Rao passed away on 12 January. He was 95 and had been ailing for the last few years.

The 95-year-old Rao made his debut as a filmmaker with the film Sathi Thulasi in 1959. Some of his films include hits like Anthasthulu, Aathma Balam, Mallepuvu, Angadibomma, Premalu Pellillu and Aradhana. He also directed a Hindi film called Lava Kusha.

Rao was responsible for introducing actor Nagarjuna to Tollywood; he also introduced Jagapathi Babu and Suresh to the silver screen.

Rao is survived by his wife and two sons.