Senior Telugu filmmaker Vidya Sagar Reddy, best known as Sagar, passed away in Chennai on Thursday. He was 70. Reports cite age-related illness as the cause of death.

Sagar debuted as a filmmaker with Rakasi Loya, starring Naresh and Vijaya Shanti, in 1983 and went to helm more than 35 films, including Public Rowdy (1992), Nakshatra Poratam (1993), Daadi (1993), Bharata Simham (1995), Amma Donga (1995), Alumagalu (1992), Jagadekaveerudu (1996), Osi Naa Maradala (1997), Anveshana (2002), Action No 1 (2002) and Khaidi Brothers (2002). He collaborated with actors like Kirshna, Bhanu Chander, Ravi Teja, Nagma, and Meena, to name a few.

He has been a mentor for several contemporary filmmakers like Sreenu Vaitla, VV Vinayak, Ravi Kumar Chowdhary and G Nageswar Reddy. Sagar was also elected as the president of the Telugu Directors Association thrice.

Condoling Sagar's demise, Sreenu tweeted, "It is extremely painful to know that my guru Sagar garu is no more. He took care of all his assistants very affectionately and taught many valuable things. He was a great support for all of us. You will be remembered forever sir. [SIC]" His last rites will be performed on Thursday evening in Chennai.