Veteran Telugu actor Krishnam Raju passes away; condolences pour in from the film fraternity

Legendary Telugu actor Uppalapati Venkata Krishnam Raju has passed away in Hyderabad. He was 83. The actor, we hear, has been facing health issues for quite some time now and was undergoing treatment for the same at a private hospital. The actor, who was known as Rebel star for his rebellious acting style, is also the uncle of Bahubali star Prabhas. Krishnam Raju has more than 180 films to his credit and some of the popular ones include Mana Voori Pandavulu, Jeevana Tarangalu, Antima Theerpu, Amara Deepam, Tandra Paprayudu, and Palnati Pourusham. He was last seen onscreen in Prabhas's period drama Radhe Shyam. The actor also ventured into politics and was a Union Minister in former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's cabinet.

The film industry has been expressing its condolences on social media page. Manchu Manoj wrote on his social media page, "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🙏🏼 (sic)."

Nikhil Siddhartha of Karthikeya 2 fame wrote that a legend had left them. “A Legend Has left us… A man with a Heart of Gold.. Rest in Peace sir will miss your Presence and Motivational words always… @UVKrishnamRaju #KrishnamRaju (sic).”

A shocked director Maruthi wrote, "Shocking to know this sad news Legendary actor Rebel star Krishnam Raju garu is no more .My deepest condolences to Prabhas garu and his family.Rest in peace Sir #KrishnamRaju sir, you ll be in our hearts for ever (sic)."

Nandamuri Kalyan stated that the film industry had lost a legend. "Extremely saddened to know about the demise of Krishnam Raju garu. Today we have lost a legend of Indian cinema. My condolences to his family (sic)."

Nithiin wrote that he was deeply sadded by the news. "Deeply saddened to hear that Krishnam Raju Garu is no more. Sending my deepest condolences to his near and dear. May his soul rest in peace. (sic)."

Sharwanand wrote, "Heartbreaking news 🙏🏼Om Shanti Krishnam Raju sir 🙏🏼 My thoughts and prayers with Prabhas anna and the entire family 🙏🏼 (sic)."

Sreenu Vaitla stated that he grew up admiring his films. "Deeply saddened by the news that legendary Krishnam Raju garu is no more. 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 (sic)." 

Naga Shaurya wrote, "A Bad Morning! Truly shocking..Hard to believe that #KrishnamRaju garu is more!REST IN PEACE SIR My deepest condolences to Prabhas Anna, family and friends (sic)."