Meka Rangaiah Appa Rao

Who was Meka Rangaiah Appa Rao?

Meka Rangaiah Appa Rao shortly M. R. Appa Rao was Vice Chancellor of Andhra University, Member of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Minister in Government of Andhra Pradesh, Member of Rajya Sabha and Telugu film producer.

He is son of Meka Venkatadri Appa Rao born on 21 March 1915 at Nuzvid, Krishna district. His father was Maharajah of Nuzvid and Indian freedom activist. He was Chairman of Andhra Mahasabha in 1913 and translated and published the "Gita Govinda" in Telugu language. He was recipient of "Kala Prapoorna" from Andhra University in 1953.

He married famous actress and singer Krishnaveni and produced some Telugu films during the 1950s.

He has entered politics and elected to the Madras Legislative Assembly in Madras State legislative assembly election, 1952 from Nuzvid constituency. He was elected to the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly from Nuzvid constituency in 1955, 1962, 1967 and 1972 as a member of Indian National Congress. He held the portfolio of Minister of Cultural Affairs in the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

He held the position of Vice Chancellor of Andhra University for two terms between 13 December 1974 and 12 December 1980. He has written Prajaswamika Socialism Pranalikalu and Bharateeya Chitrakala in Telugu language and Land Development Banks in Andhra Pradesh and Round the World in English.