Chiranjeevi offers his condolences for the demise of director Bobby’s father, says ‘I lost a fan’

Filmmaker KS Ravindra, known for films like Power, Venky Mama, lost his father Kolli Mohanarao on Sunday at 12.15 pm. The latter hasn’t been in the pink of his health in the recent months owing to a liver ailment. Chiranjeevi, who is headlining the director’s next film, tentatively titled Waltair Veerayya, upon hearing the news conveyed his condolences to the family of the bereaved.

“I feel sad to have lost a fan - Bobby’s father Mohanarao. He was such a huge fan that he would make his son bunk school to watch my films in theatres on the very first day, without the knowledge of his wife. I had met him recently before working on Bobby’s film and realised he wasn’t doing well. I vividly remember the day we met - on the release day of Jai Lava Kusa,” Chiranjeevi shared.

“When Mohanarao realised that his son was working with me for a film, his joy knew no bounds. That his son was working with his favourite star was a huge moment of pride for him. He constantly asked for updates about our project. Despite being in a precarious situation in a hospital, he smiled when I last met him three days ago. I am shocked that he’s no longer with us,” he added.

Chiranjeevi hoped for Mohanarao to be alive to see Waltair Veerayya seeing the light of the day. “He was constantly telling his friends of his wish to be alive till January 2023 and watch the film. I feel dejected to have lost a genuine fan and pray that Bobby’s family finds strength to move past this setback,” the star mentioned in a media statement.

Waltair Veerayya a.k.a #Chiru154 features Shruti Haasan as the female lead. It marks the reunion of Ravi Teja and Chiranjeevi after Annayya, which released 22 years ago. Catherine Tresa also plays a key role in the film that features Bobby Simha, Vennela Kishore in important characters. Before this film, Chiranjeevi’s God Father, the remake of Lucifer, will hit screens on October 5.