Dasari Narayana Rao (4 May 1942[1] – 30 May 2017) was an Indian film director, screenwriter, actor, producer, lyricist, and politician, primarily known for his work in Telugu cinema.

"Jewel among directors") and was recognized for addressing social issues such as gender discrimination, casteism, corruption and injustice through his films.

[1] In addition to his work in Telugu cinema, Narayana Rao directed notable Hindi films like Swarag Narak (1978), Jyoti Bane Jwala (1980), Aaj Ka M.L.A.

[12] On 11 June 2013 the Central Bureau of Investigation booked Dasari Narayana Rao for receiving ₹2.25 crores from Naveen Jindal in connection with the Coal scam, and filed FIR against both.

His funeral was held at his farmhouse in Moinabad village, Ranga Reddy district, where his wife Padma was cremated.