KS Prakash Rao was born on 1914 in Kolavennu, Krishna district.
After his education, he is employed briefly as an insurance agent
and by a gold jewellery film. He was also associated with Praja
Natya Mandali, the Telugu wing of IPTA (Indian People's Theater
Association).
He
started his film career as an actor in Ramabrahmam's Apavadu(1941)
and Patni (made in 1940, released in 1942, he played Kovalan).
He also acted in RS Prakash's Babruvahana(1942). He turned
into production with Drohi, in which he played the hero role.
LV Prasad directed this film in 1948 on the banner of Swatantra
Pictures. Later on, he changed the banner name to Prakash Productions
in 1949 and produced and directed films like Modadi Raathri
and Deeksha. After that he expanded his banner into studio
by renaming it as Prakash Studios.
His
films in 1950's were melodramas. Later on his films became psychological
fantasies. E.g. Prem Nagar, a story of unrequited love drowned
in liquor written by Kousalya Devi. He also made Kode Nagu,
a remake of Kanagal's demented love Nagara Haavu (1972). He made
kannada films in 1970's. His son K Raghavendra Rao has become a
legend of Telugu cinema by producing the most successful commercial
films. KS Prakash, another son, is a reputed cinematographer in
Telugu cinema.
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