Hyderabad, Jan 22 (IANS): Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR) passed away Wednesday and celebrities like Madhur Bhandarkar and S.S. Rajamouli remember him as "the doyen" and "towering father figure" of Telugu cinema.

Nageswara Rao was 89.

Here's what the film fraternity has to say:

Madhur Bhandarkar: (I'm) sad to hear the demise of the doyen of Telugu cinema Akkineni Nageswara Rao. The stalwart of memorable performances will be missed. R.I.P

S.S. Rajamouli: Saddened by the news of the legendary Nageswara Rao garu. He stood as a towering father figure for the Telugu film industry. Irreparable loss.

Siddharth: A true legend (and) a giant has left us. R.I.P Akkineni Nageswara Rao garu. What a life. What a man. (I) will cherish every second I spent with you.

Ram Pothineni: R.I.P ANR garu. Thank you for all that you've taught (or) given us. You shall live on forever. Strength to all of us.

Kona Venkat: A great loss not only to Akkineni family but to all the movie lovers. What a great journey! You will live forever in the hearts of millions.

Khushbu Sundar: ANR the legendary actor no more? Sad, really sad. (He's) known to be a thorough gentleman. May his family find the strength to cope with the loss!

Radikaa Sarathkumar: Deeply saddened by the demise of ANR, worked with him (and) shared a warm friendship. Learnt so much of professional discipline from him.

Mohanlal: Saddened by the death of legendary actor Nageswara Rao sir. (His death is) irreparable loss to the film industry. May his soul rest in peace!

R.P. Patnaik: He came, he conquered and (is) gone. (He has) left for us many great epic movies, industry in AP (Andhra Pradesh), Annapurna Studios and his legacy as Akkineni Nagarjuna and many more. He will remain in the hearts till there is cinema.