One can sum up the personality of MS Reddy (Mallemala) as a person who knows no fear and can call spade a spade. Popularly known as Mallemala, the octogenarian who died two days ago after a prolonged illness was a straight forward person much to the dislike of many in Tollywood, where sycophancy rules the roost.
His book ‘Idi Na Katha’ has stirred a hornet’s nest as he made some remarks on Jr. NTR and others. Like all cases where popular people are involved even this issue was hushed up. Mallemala’s son, who is also a producer expressed displeasure over his father’s book. Some said that he was senile.
The issue that irked many people was he called Jr. NTR an arrogant. It was Mallemala who introduced Jr. NTR in ‘Ramayanam.’ It was film that won acclaim and also the dissent from some quarters. The film is ‘Ramayanam’ acted by kids and Jr. NTR played the role of Rama. The same year, another film with kids as the main role came and was a commercial hit. The awards went to ‘Ramayanam’ and that became a big issue. Mallemala has nothing to do with the awards.
When MS Reddy wanted to produce film with Jr. NTR a hero, the first opportunity was given to someone else, he writes. Finally when the youngster and the old man came together and were discussing the script, MS Reddy had some visitor and went to attend him. When he returned Jr. NTR was gone and did not take the calls. ‘Who is this Reddy to make me wait,’ asked Jr. NTR when the assistants came on line, the old man wrote in his book.
It was not just Jr. NTR…there were some adverse remarks on Chiranjeevi and director Gunasekhar as well. Biggies of Tollywood, Chief Minister N. Kiran kumar Reddy, BJP leaders M Venkaiah Naidu and Kishen Reddy condoled the death of Mallemala. The funeral took place yesterday.
Click this link for MS Reddy Funeral Photos