Veteran Tollywood writer Akella Suryanarayana, 75, lost his life on Thursday after a prolonged illness. Born in Kakinada, he wrote stories, plays, and dialogues for over 80 Telugu films, including Swathi Muthyam and Sirivennela, and directed Ayyayyo Brahmayya.

A recipient of 13 Nandi Awards and the Sahitya Akademi Award, he also authored over 200 stories, 20 novels, and 800+ TV episodes. He is survived by five children; the last rites will be held on Saturday in Hyderabad.