Date:12/06/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/06/12/stories/2004061203530400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Atchutharama Raju dead

By Our Special Correspondent

VISAKHAPATNAM, JUNE 11. `Kalaprapoorna' Ganapathiraju Atchutharama Raju (80), stage artiste and litterateur, died here on Thursday night. He is survived by two sons and a daughter.

Dr. Raju has been suffering from lung cancer for the last four years. Four days ago, he was admitted to a private hospital where he breathed his last. A noted playwright, he was also a reputed stage actor, poet and associated with several literary organisations in the city. He was the founder of Visakha Sahithi through which he organised Telugu literary programmes for the last 33 years.

Andhra University honoured him with `Kalaprapoorna' doctorate in 1993. Several literary and cultural organisations condoled the death of Raju and paid rich tributes.