Remembering BA Raju on His 65th Birth Anniversary

Remembering BA Raju on His 65th Birth Anniversary: The Pillar of Telugu Cinema 

BA Raju, a name synonymous with dedication and passion for the Telugu film industry, is remembered on January 7th, his 65th birth anniversary. For over four decades, he was a towering figure in the industry, leaving an indelible mark as a film journalist, public relations officer (PRO), magazine editor, website head, and producer.  

Raju began his career as a PRO, managing the publicity for Superstar Krishna, and soon showcased his exceptional skills under Krishna's guidance. He excelled as a journalist, contributing to leading publications like Andhra Jyoti, Jyoti Chitra, Samabha, Shivaranjani, and Pimmata. In 1994, with his wife, B. Jaya, he founded Super Hit Weekly, which quickly became a cornerstone of Telugu film journalism. Remarkably, the magazine continued uninterrupted for 27 years until his passing.  

As a PRO for over 1,500 films, Raju played a crucial role in shaping the success of countless projects. His insights and guidance were invaluable to many directors, actors, and technicians, earning him a reputation as a trusted mentor and friend across all levels of the industry.  

In 2001, Raju and his wife ventured into film production under the RJ Cinemas banner, debuting with Premalo Pavani Kalyan, directed by B. Jaya. This was followed by hits like Chantigadu, Premikulu, Gundamma Gari Manavadu, Sawaal, Lovely, and Vaisakham. He also established the popular web portal IndustryHit.com, which continues to provide timely updates under his well-trained team. His active presence on social media, particularly on Twitter (now X), garnered a following of nearly 700,000 fans.  

BA Raju shared a special bond with Evergreen Superstar Krishna and Superstar Mahesh Babu, standing by them through various milestones. As the president of the Film Critics Association, he was a beacon of support for fellow journalists, offering both financial and emotional aid during challenging times.  

Renowned as a living encyclopedia of Telugu cinema, Raju had an unmatched memory for details—filmographies, release dates, box office runs, and more. His absence is an irreplaceable loss to the industry, as he lived and breathed cinema every moment of his life.  

On this solemn occasion, we pay heartfelt tribute to BA Raju, celebrating his unparalleled contributions and cherishing his enduring legacy. His son, Sivakumar B, continues his vision, revitalizing the RJ Cinemas banner to create new milestones in Telugu cinema.