'RawKing' Manoj Manchu Cleans Dasari Narayana Rao's Samadhi, Returns with Mounika Bhuma Manchu to Pay Tribute

This evening, 'RawKing' Manoj Manchu and Mounika Bhuma Manchu visited the ghat of the late Dasari Narayana Rao garu and paid their heartfelt tributes to the legendary filmmaker after restoration and cleaning efforts were carried out at the site earlier in the day. The visit marked the culmination of an initiative personally undertaken by Manoj after he came across a social media video highlighting the memorial's condition, prompting him to act immediately out of respect for one of Telugu Cinema's most influential icons.

Deeply moved by the visuals, Manoj responded publicly on social media Friday night, expressing his disappointment over the samadhi's condition and promising to contribute toward restoring it. True to his word, he arrived at the memorial by 7:00 AM the following morning with members of his team before heading to a scheduled film shoot. Throughout the day, dried leaves, accumulated debris and neglected portions of the ghat premises were cleared as part of a comprehensive cleanup effort aimed at restoring cleanliness and dignity to the site. After the work was completed, Manoj returned to the memorial in the evening with Mounika Bhuma Manchu to pay his respects once again and honour the legendary filmmaker's memory.

Addressing the media during the visit, Manoj revealed that he had recently been reminded of Dasari garu while passing his statue at Chitrapuri Colony and had even spoken with members of the Dasari family. He explained that when the video highlighting the memorial's condition reached him, he immediately decided to prioritise the restoration effort.

Speaking emotionally about Dasari Narayana Rao garu's contribution to Indian cinema, Manoj described him as a rare icon who excelled across all 24 crafts of filmmaking and remained a guru-like figure for his family. Recalling his childhood association with the legendary filmmaker, Manoj said he had the privilege of working with and learning under him, adding that much of his passion for cinema came from both his father and Dasari garu.

Calling Dasari Narayana Rao an institution in himself, Manoj highlighted the filmmaker's extraordinary body of work across multiple genres and stressed that his films remain relevant even today. He particularly pointed to Osey Ramulamma as an example of Dasari garu's vision, noting how the filmmaker created a major commercial success centred around a female protagonist at a time when mainstream cinema was overwhelmingly driven by male stars. Manoj also recalled Dasari garu's role in addressing issues faced by producers and distributors while simultaneously creating employment opportunities for thousands of film workers by directing numerous films every year.

Importantly, Manoj clarified that no individual or family was to blame for the memorial's condition. He explained that Dasari Arun Kumar and family members regularly conduct commemorative activities and were preparing for observances according to the thithi later this month. Describing the situation as an unfortunate oversight, Manoj said he too shared responsibility and expressed gratitude to everyone who helped bring attention to the issue. He also thanked MLA Kale Yadaiah and all those who coordinated and supported the restoration effort.

Mounika Bhuma Manchu also paid her respects to the legendary filmmaker and reflected on his enduring influence both within and beyond cinema. Describing Dasari Narayana Rao garu as a figure whose contributions extended across filmmaking and social service, she noted that his films consistently addressed social inequalities and gave voice to the underrepresented. Calling it a responsibility to honour such a towering personality, Mounika said she felt the overwhelming public response urging Manoj to visit the memorial was almost as if the legendary filmmaker himself had called upon him for the service. She further shared that Manoj has always remembered Dasari Narayana Rao garu during the most important milestones of his life and credited the legendary filmmaker as a major source of inspiration behind many of Manoj's creative interests, including writing, editing, stunt design and filmmaking itself. Concluding her remarks, she offered prayers for peace to the legendary filmmaker's soul.

The visit also reflects the larger spirit behind AIKYA DHAIRYA SENA SAMITHI, the social service movement recently launched by Manoj and Mounika Bhuma Manchu with the motto Unity, Courage, Service, Impact. Following recent humanitarian initiatives and public outreach efforts, Manoj's tribute to Dasari Narayana Rao garu serves as another reminder that service can also mean preserving memory, honouring legacy and ensuring that the contributions of those who shaped Telugu Cinema continue to be remembered with the respect they deserve.