Veteran Tollywood Actor Krishnam Raju Dies At 83
In a five-decade-long career, Krishnam Raju, also known as the 'Rebel Star' of Tollywood, has appeared in more than 180 films.
New Delhi: Sunday morning in the early hours, 83-year-old veteran Telugu actor Uppalapati Krishnam Raju died, according to family sources. His wife and three children are his surviving relatives. His nephew is "Bahubali" actor Prabhas.
In a five-decade-long career, Krishnam Raju, also known as the 'Rebel Star' of Tollywood, has appeared in more than 180 films.
Krishnam Raju acted in movies ranging from social, family, romantic, thriller movies to historical and mythological movies. His successful movies include 'Amara Deepam', 'Sita Ramulu', 'Katakataala Rudraiah' and many more.
Apart from being a two-time Andhra Pradesh government's Nandi Award winner, Krishnam Raju won the Filmfare best actor award for 'Tandra Paparayudu' in 1986. He was awarded the Filmfare South 'Lifetime Achievement' award in 2006.
Born, January 20, 1940 in the West Godavari district, 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 'Gopi Krishna Movies' banner.
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 list. He won the same seat as the BJP candidate in the 1999 polls and served as a junior minister in the Vajpayee cabinet till 2004.
K. Chandrasekhar Rao, the chief minister of India's Andhra Pradesh state, has expressed his condolences on the passing of famous film actor, Telugu cinema star, and former Union minister Krishnam Raju (Uppalapati Venkata Krishnam Raju).
CM KCR said that the death of Krishnan Raju, who appeared as a hero in several films over his fifty-year career and earned the hearts of moviegoers as a "rebel star" with his distinctive acting style, is a big loss for the Telugu film industry.
The Chief Minister lamented the passing of Krishnam Raju, who served the Indian people as a member of the Lok Sabha, a Union Minister, and in the area of political administration.
He prayed for his soul's eternal rest CM KCR extended his sincere sympathies to Krishnam Raju's family members.
Shri Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, also took to Twitter to pay tribute to the actor.
(With inputs from IANS)
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