Hyderabad, Oct 5 (IANS): Renowned Telugu producer Edida Nageswara Rao passed away here on Sunday at a private hospital. He was 81.

"He was admitted for old-age related ailments a week ago. He passed away while undergoing treatment this evening at the hospital," a family source told IANS.

Born on April 24, 1934 in Kotha Peta, East Godavari, Rao was known for producing path breaking Telugu films such as "Sankarabharanam", "Swati Mutyam" and "Swayam Krushi" under Poornodaya Movie Creations banner.

He was popular for his regular collaboration with legendary director K. Vishwanath. The duo worked together in six films.

Rao's "Swati Mutyam", starring Kamal Haasan and directed by K. Vishwanath, was sent by India as its official entry for Best Foreign Language Film for the Academy Awards in 1986, but was not nominated.

Three of Rao's films have won National awards.

He was also nominated for the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke Award.

His last rites will be conducted on Monday here.