Popular Telugu novelist Yaddanapudi Sulochana Rani passed away on Monday in California. She was 78 and reportedly suffered a massive heart stroke at her daughter's residence in the US.

She has written more than 60 novels and her works mainly centered around human relationship. She has had a strong fan following since the 1970s and early 80s, especially among women. Several of her stories were made into films and television serials. Director Trivikram Srinivas A... Aa is based on Sulochana Rani’s novel Meena.

Sulochana Rani was born in 1940 in Kaza village in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh and she was also considered among the top fiction writers of her time. Some of her popular works were Aagamana, Aathmeeyulu, Abhijata, Secretary, Jeevana Tarangalu and Kalala Kougili. 

Offering condolences, Andhra Pradesh leader of Opposition YS Jaganmohan Reddy said that Sulochana Rani has contributed immensely to Telugu literature and inspired writer for decades. He also said that he hopes her soul will rests in peace.