Telugu comedian Gundu Hanumantha Rao, known for his iconic chef character in the TV serial Amrutham, died on Monday morning at the age of 61.
The actor was suffering from heart and kidney ailments and was undergoing treatment.
He died in the wee hours at his residence in SR Nagar, Hyderabad.
The actor was facing a financial crisis, following which the state government and actor Chiranjeevi came forward to help with his treatment expenses.
He acted in nearly 400 films and received three Nandi state awards.
Rao made his film debut in 1987 with Jandhyala's iconic film Aha Na Pellanta.
He acted in films like Pellaniki Premalekha Priyuraliki Subhalekha, Rajendradu Gajendradu, Mayaloodu, Jodi No.1, Nenu Seetamahalakshmi, Kedi No.1, Apparao Driving School, Kalyanam, Original, Neramu Siksha, High School, Kothoka Vintha, Colors, Panchamukhi, Sri Sai Sankalpam, Mano Balam among many others.
The Telugu film fraternity and the Movie Artistes Association have expressed their condolences at the untimely death of Hanumantha Rao.
The final rites are likely to take place at Erragadda Burial Ground in SR Nagar.
Many film and TV actors are expected to turn up to pay their last respects.
Meanwhile, several users took to Twitter and expressed grief at the demise of the actor.
R.i.p gundu hanumantha rao garu.amrutham serial lo anjaneeyulu character eppatiki marchipolemu. pic.twitter.com/wN0bSgHhmZ
— manoj kumar (@939394manoj) February 19, 2018
R.i.p gundu hanumantha rao garu.amrutham serial lo anjaneeyulu character eppatiki marchipolemu. pic.twitter.com/wN0bSgHhmZ
— manoj kumar (@939394manoj) February 19, 2018
I've been re-watching Amrutham series lately. Such a stress reliever and I forget all the other issues. We seldom come across actors who create such humor without being hanky-panky. One such person is Gundu Hanumantha Rao Garu. His comedy timing is perfect. Rip pic.twitter.com/BFh6ainSIT
— Bumble Bee (@Priyaa_km) February 19, 2018