Ravi Shankar Prasad was supportive, positive, say colleagues

The mysterious death of popular producer and entrepreneur Ravi Shankar Prasad Saturday has shocked members of southern film industry. Those who knew him from close quarters remembered him as "supportive" and "positive".

Ravi Shankar Prasad, who was missing since July 8, was found dead Saturday afternoon in Gogulalanka, a small village near East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh.

Tamil director Vignesh Shivan, whose debut film "Pod Podi" was produced by Ravi Shankar Prasad, spoke highly of his supportive nature.

"(I'm) Shocked to know that Ravi Shankar Prasad is no more! (He was) such a nice human being! (He) was so supportive for 'Poda Podi'. (Rest in Peace) RIP Ravi sir. Sad day," Vignesh posted on his Twitter page.

"Poda Podi", which released in 2012, was produced by Gemini Film Circuit, which had Ravi Shankar on board as the managing director.

Cinematographer Arvind Krishna remembers him as "one of the nicest person" he had ever met, and added: "(I) can't believe he is no more. (I'm) feeling terrible. RIP Ravi Shankar Prasad."

Ravi Shankar was also the chairman of Regency Group of chain hotels, where he was staying since July 7. On the next day, he left the hotel early in the morning for a walk, and then he never returned.

According to police officials, he could have committed suicide due heavy losses in business. The possibility of kidnapping has also been not ruled out.

Popular Telugu actor Nani said on his Twitter page: "RIP Ravi Shankar Prasad garu. (I) don't know why or how, (but) shocking. (He was) such a positive person."

Ravi Shankar was raised in a family that has been associated with cinema for generations now. From film processing labs to studios to multiplexes to even eye institutes, the family was involved in an array of business ventures.

The popular IMAX cinema in Hyderabad was founded by Prasad's family a few years ago.

As a producer, Ravi Shankar was associated with films such as "Shankar Dada MBBS", "Nanban" and yet-to-be-released "Madha Gadha Raja".