Ajay Shastry, the director of the much-acclaimed 2008 Telugu film Nenu Meeku Telusa, passed away on Friday. The devastating news is a pain point for industry figures and film lovers alike. His maiden film opened doors for many daring cinematic leaps for the next generation directors. Even the likes of Director Nag Ashwin started his cinematic journey as an Assistant Director to Ajay Shastry.

Actor Manchu Manoj and star of Nenu Meeku Telusa? (2008) has tweeted about Ajay Shastry and iterates about the bond they shared. He posted, "Heartbreaking to inform that my best friend and the Captain of Nenu Meeku Telusa is no more. No words can describe the pain we are enduring. Praying lord shiva to give strength to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti. Will miss you ra Ajay, gone too soon. Wishing this is a dream. It’s not going to be the same without you. Love you forever babai."

Shastry worked as a writer for films like Rakhi (2006) and Danger (2005) directed by Krishna Vamsi. He has made an acclaimed short film 12 (Baarah) which was produced by Rana Daggubati. He has also been a lead singer for Indie Rock bands like Jekyll and Hyde.