Yesteryear Actor Bet On Mega Director

Kodandarami Reddy and yesteryear actor Sobhan Babu used to be good friends. Sobhan Babu once gave him his blanket when he was shivering in cold in Hyderabad and asked him to return back in Chennai. When Kodandarami Reddy did not do so, he started asking many times and Kodandarami Reddy asked him why he was after a blanket doesn’t worth even Rs 50. Sobhan Babu said he was sentimentally attached to it. Kodandarami Reddy at once got that dry-cleaned and handed it over Sobhan Babu.

Sobhan Babu used to say that Kodandarami Reddy would become a great director. Kodandarami Reddy at that time worked as an assistant under Madhusudhan Rao who was known for his temper. Many times he scolded and shouted as Sobhan Babu asking him to return back to farming if he doesn't know acting.

When Kodadarami Reddy was hesitating to buy a land at not so developed Annanagar in Chennai, Sobhan Babu told him that he would give him two days and if he (Kodandarami Reddy) does not buy, he would go ahead and acquire it.

Madhusudhan Rao got confidence in Kodandarami Reddy and gave him free hand over inclusion and deletion of scenes. In Mallepoovu he deleted half of the scenes and few songs too. He used to send Kodandarami Reddy to Kashmir schedules.

During Madras schedule, Madhusudhan Rao was not there and cinematographer S Venkataratnam was present. Sobhan Babu and Lakshmi were shooting for the scenes. Sobhan Babu and Venkataratnam were talking in the shooting gap.

Venkataratnam remarked “Ee edavalu jeevitamlo directorlu kaleruraa.” Kodandarami Reddy understood that he was referring to him. He remained silent. But Sobhan Bau retorted saying “Migatavaalla sangati naaku teleedu kaani, kodandarami Reddy maatram tappakunda director avutadu raa.”

Venkataratnam shouted, “Aadi bonda, vaadi sangati neekem telusunani atlaa matladatavuraa. neeku burra undaa.” Both started arguing intensely and Kodandarami Reddy couldn't walk away from the place. Both got agitated and ordered 100Rs stamp paper. While Sobhan Babu bet that Kodandarami Reddy would turn director, Venkataratnam bet he would fail and also decided what they would do if they lose the bet. Kodandarami Reddy got tear struck as Sobhan Babu who was very particular about his finances, bet Rs 100 on him.

Sobhan Babu always used to tell Kodandarami Reddy that he would present him a wrist watch but before he could, he passed away.