Gutta Bapineedu Chowdary, more popularly known as as Vijaya Bapineedu is no more. He breathed his last on Tuesday morning at his residence in Hyderabad. The senior director and producer had long association with Megastar Chiranjeevi as he directed several blockbusters such as Maga Maharaju, Mgadheerudu, Khaidi No.786, and Gang Leader.

Born on September 22, 1936 in Eluru, he began his career as an editor of Vijaya, a magazine. He later turned producer and went on to produce direct many hit movies that include Maga Maharaju (1983), Bhaaryamani, Mahanagaramlo Mayagadu (1984), Hero (1984), Khaidi No.786 (1988), Gang Leader (1991), Valu Jada Tolu Beltu (1992) and Big Boss (1995).