Hyderabad: Journalist Prabhu’s birthday celebrations were held in a grand manner at the Film Nagar Cultural Centre (FNCC), Hyderabad, in the presence of several prominent personalities from the Telugu film industry and media fraternity. The event also marked his remarkable 40-year journey in film journalism, spanning 1986 to 2026.
The occasion witnessed the launch of ‘Shoonyam Nundi Shikharagralaku – Part 2’, a book authored by Prabhu that received the Gaddar Award. Another significant highlight was the launch of the Adepu Durga Madhavi Prabhu Charitable Trust, established in memory of his late wife, Adepu Durga Madhavi Prabhu.
Several prominent film personalities, producers, directors, actors, journalists and well-wishers attended the event and conveyed their birthday wishes to Prabhu, sharing memories of their association with him over the decades.
Among those present were directors S. V. Krishna Reddy and Relangi Narasimha Rao; producers Achchi Reddy, Kommuri Pratap Reddy, Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao, Aditya Ram, Katragadda Prasad and Tummalapalli Rama Satyanarayana; actors Suman, J. D. Chakravarthy and Uttej; choreographer Suchitra Chandrabose; and music director R. P. Patnaik, among others.
Aditya Ram Buys First Copy of Prabhu’s Book for ₹5 Lakh
One of the most memorable moments of the event was the purchase of the first copy of ‘Shoonyam Nundi Shikharagralaku – Part 2’ for ₹5 lakh by producer Aditya Ram, chairman of the Chennai-based Aditya Ram Group of Companies.
During the programme, anchor Nagendra Kumar initially invited bids for the first copy at ₹1 lakh. Aditya Ram responded by offering ₹5 lakh to purchase the book, drawing enthusiastic appreciation from those present.
Congratulating Prabhu, Aditya Ram praised his passion for film journalism and the extensive information included in the book. He observed that the volume contained so much material that it could potentially be published as three separate books. He wished Prabhu continued energy and success in his journalistic career.
Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao Announces ₹11,11,111 Donation
In a significant gesture of support, producer Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao announced a donation of ₹11,11,111 (₹11 lakh, 11 thousand, 111) to the Adepu Durga Madhavi Prabhu Charitable Trust.
He said he would extend assistance to people in need through the trust and coordinate the support through producer Prasanna Kumar. He also praised Prabhu’s journalistic talent, personal character and efforts to help others, expressing his wish to celebrate many more of Prabhu’s birthdays in the years ahead.
Film Industry Remembers Prabhu’s Four-Decade Journey
Producer Achchi Reddy praised Prabhu for his distinctive contribution to film journalism, noting that he had earned appreciation by communicating relevant information to the public. He wished Prabhu continued success and many more years of association with the film industry.
Actor Suman expressed his deep respect and affection for Prabhu, recalling the many memories they had shared over the past four decades. He extended his best wishes for Prabhu’s continued success.The presence of Aditya Ram, who travelled from Chennai to attend the celebration, was another notable aspect of the event.
Prabhu Reflects on 40 Years in Film Journalism
Speaking on the occasion, journalist Prabhu said that his professional journey in film journalism had reached the milestone of 40 years, from 1986 to 2026, making it one of the most memorable moments of his career.
He expressed gratitude for the relationships he had built with eminent personalities in the film industry and for the affection, encouragement and appreciation he had received throughout his career.Prabhu said he had always believed that journalism should contribute to the growth and development of the film industry. He emphasised the importance of responsible reporting and maintaining a professional approach while covering cinema and its personalities.
The celebration brought together the film industry and media fraternity to honour Prabhu’s four decades of professional commitment, while the book launch and charitable trust inauguration added special significance to the occasion.
