RIP! Veteran Telugu Actor Jaya Prakash Reddy Dies At 74; Nagarjuna, Mahesh Babu, Venkatesh, Rajamouli, Prakash Raj And Other Tollywood Celebs Pay Tributes!

According to Reddy's wife Rajyalakshmi, the veteran actor did not suffer a heart attack but had diabetes problem

Popular villain-turned-comedian Jaya Prakash Reddy passed away on Tuesday at his home in Guntur. He was 74 and a diabetic. The 74-year-old breathed his last following a cardiac arrest. Hailing from Allagadda in Kurnool district, Jaya Prakash Reddy was immensely popular for villainy roles with his trademark Rayalaseema dialect and from ‘Kabaddi Kabaddi’ in 2003. Tributes poured in from Tollywood personalities, politicians and others for the late actor. "Telugu cinema and theatre has lost a gem today with the demise of Jaya Prakash Reddy garu. His versatile performances over several decades have given us many memorable cinematic moments," said former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Telugu cinema and theatre has lost a gem today with the demise of Jayaprakash Reddy Garu. His versatile performances over several decades have given us many a memorable cinematic moments. My heart goes out to his family and friends in this hour of grief. #JayaPrakashReddy pic.twitter.com/gOCfffmQjP

— N Chandrababu Naidu #StayHomeSaveLives (@ncbn) September 8, 2020

Naidu expressed solidarity with Reddy's family and friends. Nagarjuna, Venkatesh Daggubati, Mahesh Babu, Prakash Raj, Jr NTR, SS Rajamouli, Sudheer Babu, Genelia D'Souza, Kajal Aggarwal and other Tollywood celebs also mourned his death on Twitter. Leading Telugu actor Venkatesh Daggubati reminisced the time when both the actors worked together. "I am extremely sad to hear about the sudden demise of my dear friend Jaya Prakash Reddy garu. We were such a great combination on screen. Will definitely miss him," Daggubati added.

I am extremely sad to hear about the sudden demise of my dear friend #Jayaprakashreddy garu. We were such a great combination on screen. Will definitely miss him. #RIP 🙏😢 Praying for his family and loved ones 💔 pic.twitter.com/9E2FCVVXod

— Venkatesh Daggubati (@VenkyMama) September 8, 2020

He was a fine gentle man mr. Jaiprakash reddy Garu .. my condolences to his family and may his soul rest in peace🙏

— Nagarjuna Akkineni (@iamnagarjuna) September 8, 2020

Saddened by the passing of #JayaPrakashReddy garu. One of TFI's finest actor-comedians. Will always cherish the experience of working with him. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.

— Mahesh Babu (@urstrulyMahesh) September 8, 2020

Shocked & saddened to know about the sudden demise of #JayaPrakashReddy garu. Had great times working with him. Thanks for entertaining us with your versatility by portraying some memorable comedy and villian roles over the decades. May your soul rest in peace 🙏

— rajamouli ss (@ssrajamouli) September 8, 2020

Woke up to a terrible news. Rest in peace sir. #JayaprakashReddy pic.twitter.com/pjadwyFblI

— Sudheer Babu (@isudheerbabu) September 8, 2020

సహచర నటుడు జయప్రకాష్ రెడ్డి గారు హఠాన్మరణం నన్ను తీవ్రంగా కలచివేసింది. నటనంటే ఆయనకు ప్రాణం. అటు వెండితెరపైన, ఇటు స్టేజ్ నాటకాలలోను పోషించిన పాత్రలకు ప్రాణం పోసిన నటుడాయన. ఆయన కుటుంబ సభ్యులకు నా ప్రగాఢ సానుభూతి తెలియ చేస్తున్నాను. Thank you for entertaining us CHIEF 🙏🏻🙏🏻 RIP pic.twitter.com/AVCvnnPGfT

— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) September 8, 2020

RIP #Jayaprakashreddy garu .. Remembering fondly our great times at shoots.. Was always fun interacting with you.. Prayers and strength to the family

— Genelia Deshmukh (@geneliad) September 8, 2020

Om Shanti #Jayaprakashreddy Garu 🙏🏻 condolences your his family.

— Kajal Aggarwal (@MsKajalAggarwal) September 8, 2020

Reddy died at his home, where he was living with his wife for the past three years. The actor visited Hyderabad only when there was some film shooting. According to Reddy's wife Rajyalakshmi, the veteran actor did not suffer a heart attack but had diabetes problem. "My husband used to encourage new talent," she said about the teacher-turned-actor. Starting off with serious roles as a villain in movies like "Preminchukundamra", "Samarasimhareddy", "Narasimhanaidu" and others, Reddy later transitioned into a highly successful comedian as well. Some movies in which he essayed popular comedy roles include "Nuvvu Vasthannante Ninoddanta", "Kick" and others.