Venkataswamy Maddimsetti Naidu was born in Madras on 22 March 1909, the son of Sitiah Naidu, a magistrate. His early education was at schools in Karinada and Raramudry in Madras and then he entered Andhra Medical College. After qualifying he was tutor in physiology and during the war years served in the medical services of the Royal Indian Air Force with the rank of Squadron Leader. He came to England after the war and passed the DLO in 1953 and the FRCS in 1958. After returning to India he served as surgeon to the Singareni collieries near Hyderabad. He married Dr Prema Naidu MD, FRCS Edinburgh, FRCOG, on 26 November 1939 and they had a daughter Renuka, who held the Cambridge MSc and MA. A keen sportsman, he was College champion in tennis and cricket and was also fond of hockey, billiards and swimming. He died on 3 October 1985 aged 76, survived by his wife and daughter.