Krishnam Raju was 83. (Photo: PR Handout)Telugu actor and Prabhas’ uncle passed away in the wee hours of Sunday in a private hospital in Hyderabad. He was 83.
Born on January 20, 1940 in Mogalthur of West Godavari district, Krishnam made his screen debut in 1966 with Chilaka Gorinka. Some of his popular movies saw him playing the bad guy. His antagonist in the film Avekallu brought him good recognition besides proving his acting mettle. Later in his film career, he emerged as the ‘Rebel Star’ by portraying characters that were high on emotions. His movies Hanthakulu Devanthakulu, Bhaktha Kannappa, Thandra Paparayudu, Bobbili Brahmanna, Rangoon Rowdy, Trishoolam, Katakatala Rudrayya, Mana Voori Pandavulu, Two Town Rowdy, Palnati Pourusham established his position as a solid and irreplaceable action star of his generation.
As a producer, Krishnam Raju bankrolled blockbusters Bhaktha Kannappa, Thandra Paparayudu and Billa among others, under his Gopikrishna Movies banner. His last film under the banner was Prabhas-starrer Radhe Shyam.
Krishnam Raju made his political entry in 1991. He was a two-time Lok Sabha member and served as Union Minister of state in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.
Krishnam Raju is survived by wife Shyamala Devi, and daughters Praseedi, Prakeerthi and Pradeepthi. His last rites will be performed on Monday afternoon.