Desiraju Hanumanta Rao

Desiraju Hanumanta Rao was a personality in Telugu Theatre, TV, Film and literary circles, of Andhra Pradesh State of India. Encouraging many a writer, actor, director into Theatre, TV & films, he launched novices into stardom. Well-read in classical and traditional literature, his interests remain in Vedanta, literature and other performing arts.

Retiring from service and the active theatre, he participated in digitalizing Indian classics and culture. The saying "Every generation shall have its own translation..." enthused him to take up this work.

With an intention to reach very casual readers, besides scholars, Valmiki Ramayana — the first epic poem of India — was rendered for easy readability and comprehension for all those, including present day Indians, to whom Sanskrit has become an antique language.

He passed away in 2010.