Veteran Telugu actor Uppalapati Krishnam Raju passed away at the age of 83 in the wee hours of Sunday, September 11, family sources told IANS. He is survived by his wife and three daughters. Actor Prabhas is his nephew. Popularly known as the 'Rebel Star' of Tollywood, Krishnam Raju has acted in more than 180 movies in a career spanning over five decades. Krishnam Raju acted in movies ranging from social, family, romantic, and thriller movies to historical and mythological movies. His successful movies include Amara Deepam, Sita Ramulu, Katakataala Rudraiah and many more. The actor's last on-screen outing was Prabhas starrer Radhe Shyam.
In a press statement, AIG Hospitals said that Krishnam Raju succumbed to severe pneumonia and its complications and expired at 3.16 am on September 11 with cardiac arrest. The actor, who has various health complications, had been admitted to the hospital for post-COVID complications on August 5, 2022, the statement said. “He has been diagnosed with severe pneumonia caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungal organisms, severe infective bronchitis. He had heart rhythm disturbances during the hospital stay and worsening of kidney function. He was managed on ventilator support since admission,” it said.
Born on January 20, 1940, in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, Krishnam Raju made his film debut in 1966 with Chilaka Gorinka. Briefly, he also portrayed the anti-hero in some movies. Krishnam Raju became a household name in Telugu homes with movies like Bhakta Kannappa and Tandra Paparayudu. He also produced several movies under his production banner Gopi Krishna Movies.
In his later years, along with films, Krishnam Raju also pursued a career in politics. He contested as the Congress candidate from Narasapuram in 1991 but lost. He won from the same constituency as the BJP candidate in the 1999 polls and served as a junior minister in the Vajpayee cabinet till 2004.
Apart from being a two-time winner of the Andhra Pradesh government's Nandi Award, Krishnam Raju won the Filmfare Best Actor award for Tandra Paparayudu in 1986. He was awarded the Filmfare South Lifetime Achievement award in 2006. Condolences poured in for the actor from many members of the Telugu film industry Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy too expressed grief over the demise of Krishnam Raju. Jagan lauded the actor’s contribution to Telugu cinema, and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family members.
Saddened to learn about the demise of one of the most popular stars of Telugu Cinema, Rebel star Sri Krishnam Raju Garu
— KTR (@KTRTRS) September 11, 2022
My wholehearted condolences to Prabhas Garu, his family members & friends
Rest in peace #KrishnamRaju Garu
Saddened to hear about the sudden passing on of #KrishnamRaju garu.
— Sai Dharam Tej (@IamSaiDharamTej) September 11, 2022
Your contribution to the industry is irreplaceable sir.May your soul rest in peace.
My Heartfelt condolences to his family members and the dearest ones…Om Shanti
This can’t be true. Such a great human being we will miss you dearly sir. Ur contribution to the film industry and the society Wil live on forever and ever. Om Shanti #KrishnamRaju garu. We will love you forever pic.twitter.com/RwgAFG8GaM
— Manoj Manchu (@HeroManoj1) September 11, 2022
Deeply saddened by the news that legendary Krishnam Raju garu is no more.
— Sreenu Vaitla (@SreenuVaitla) September 11, 2022
Grew up admiring his films and ended up admiring his personality also.
His talent and contributions as a Hero, Producer, Central Minister, a Magnanimous Person, left an indelible mark in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/dOakbw65yv
With IANS inputs