Edida Nageswara Rao (24 April 1934 – 4 October 2015) was an Indian film producer and actor known for his work in Telugu cinema. He was celebrated for blending artistic values with mainstream appeal, making him one of the most respected producers in the industry. Nageswara Rao began his career with minor acting roles and as a dubbing artist before establishing Poornodaya Movie Creations, a production house that produced several critically acclaimed and commercially successful films.

Nageswara Rao collaborated with prominent directors such as K. Viswanath, Bharathiraja, and Vamsy, creating iconic films like Sankarabharanam (1980), Seethakoka Chilaka (1981), Sagara Sangamam (1983), Sitaara (1984), Swati Mutyam (1986), Swayam Krushi (1987), and Aapadbandhavudu (1992). His productions were renowned for their cultural significance and garnered numerous awards, including National Film Awards and Nandi Awards. Swati Mutyam was India's official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 59th Academy Awards. Additionally, Sankarabharanam and Sagara Sangamam were included in CNN-IBN's list of the "100 Greatest Indian Films of All Time."

In addition to his success in India, several of Nageswara Rao's films gained international recognition and were showcased at festivals like the Moscow International Film Festival. Throughout his career, he won five Nandi Awards and held significant roles in the Telugu film industry, serving as the Secretary of the Telugu Film Producers' Council, Chairman of the Nandi Awards Committee, and a member of the National Film Awards Committee.

Edida Nageswara Rao was born on 24 April 1934 into a Kapu family to Sattiraju Naidu and Papalakshmi in Kothapeta, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. In 1953, after his father’s retirement, the family settled in Kakinada, where Nageswara Rao spent most of his formative years. He completed his early education in Kothapeta and at McLaurin High School in Kakinada. He later pursued intermediate studies in Vizianagaram before obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from P. R. Government College, Kakinada. During his college years, he was friends with V. B. Rajendra Prasad, who later became a notable producer.

Nageswara Rao developed an early interest in acting and theatre, actively participating in several plays. Although Nageswara Rao was invited to act in V. B. Rajendra Prasad’s first production, Annapurna (1960), he was unable to participate at that time. He settled in Madras and began his acting career, gaining recognition with his role as S. V. Ranga Rao's second son in Aatma Bandhuvu (1964). He appeared in minor roles in films such as Sangeeta Lakshmi (1966), Ranabheri (1968), Pavitra Bandham (1971), Mattilo Manikyam (1971), Chinnanati Snehitulu (1971), Manavadu Danavudu (1972), Neramu Siksha (1973), Bangaru Babu (1973), and Devude Digivaste (1975). Nageswara Rao appeared in minor roles in around 30 films and worked as a dubbing artist for over 100 films before transitioning into film production. His collaboration with director K. Viswanath, beginning with Chinnanati Snehitulu and Neramu Siksha, proved to be a significant aspect of his career.

Nageswara Rao collaborated with friends from Kakinada, including Bhaskara Reddy, to dub a Tamil film and release it in Telugu as Venkateswara Kalyanam. The film was financially successful, prompting the group to consider making a straight Telugu film.

Leveraging his connection with K. Viswanath, Nageswara Rao approached him to direct a new project, resulting in Siri Siri Muvva (1976), where Nageswara Rao managed all production activities as the executive producer. The film was a success, earning profits for the group. It was remade in Hindi as Sargam (1979), which also became a box office hit.

Following the success of Siri Siri Muvva, Nageswara Rao, along with his relative Akasam Sriramulu, founded his production company, Poornodaya Movies, with the aim of producing films that focused on artistic and socially relevant themes. His first production under this banner was Tayaramma Bangarayya (1979), directed by Kommineni Seshagiri Rao. The film, which dealt with an elderly couple counseling young couples on marital issues, became a commercial success and was remade in Tamil as Sathya Sundharam (1981) and in Hindi as Shriman Shrimati (1982).