Veteran director and producer Vijaya Bapineedu, who passed away this morning at his residence in Hyderabad, has a long association with Megastar Chiranjeevi. He services as an editor for Chiranjeevi fans magazine can never be forgotten. The 80-yr old Bapineedu is the man who directed cult films like Gang Leader and Khaidi 786. So, it's obvious for his fans to relate him.
Bapineedu, who directed 19 films in his career, has collaborated with Chiranjeevi for 9 times. Also, he is the first director who offered 1 Crore remuneration to Chiranjeevi. For Gang Leader, Megastar has taken home a pay cheque of Rs 1 crore for the first time in his career. Since the film went on to become the biggest blockbuster, it took the star image of Chiru to next level. Bapineedu was also very fond of Megastar and it led him to establish a magazine on Chiru's name and he served as editor to it.
The director did not even pay attention to his friends, who suggested him to maintain an equal relationship with other heroes as well. During those days, Bapineedu referred to Chiru as 'Supreme Hero' and he later gained the 'Megastar' tag. The last film in their collaboration was 'Big Boss'. Since it ended up as a disaster, he stayed from movies after that. After Big Boss, he directed a couple of films and bid adieu to movies.