HYDERABAD: Highly-respected and renowned author, Dasarathi Rangacharya (87), passed away after a brief illness at a private hospital here Monday.
He is survived by wife Kamalamma, a son and two daughters. His brother Dasarathi Krishnamcharya was also a famous writer. Born into an orthodox Brahmin family at Guduru village in Warangal district in 1928, Dasarathi was both progressive and traditional in his outlook. He translated the Vedas into simple Telugu for the benefit of the common man. He followed up the monumental work entitled, Srimadandhra Vachana Vedamulu, with a similar translation of the Mahabharat and Bhagavatham.
Besides, he authored popular novels like Chillara Devullu. Published in 1969, the novel, which depicts the plight of the people under the Nizam rule, won the Sahitya Akademi Award and was also made into a movie. He also penned his autobiography. Dasarathi is known as much for his literary works as for his participation in the Telangana Struggle and the freedom movement. His last rites will be performed with State honours Tuesday. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and Governor ESL Narasimhan condoled his death.