Gundu Hanumantha Rao, a renowned Tollywood comedian, who featured in over 400 films, breathed his last in the wee hours of Monday at his residence in Sanath Nagar, Hyderabad. He was 61 and had been suffering from a kidney-related ailment.
Born on October 10, 1956, in Vijayawada, Hanumantha Rao made his acting debut with Satyagraham (1987), but got his first break as a comedian in late director Jandhyala's Aha Naa Pellanta (1987). He continued to enjoy success in several films including Pellaniki Premalekha Priyuraliki Subhalekha, Rajendrudu Gajendrudu, Mayalodu, Yamaleela, Top Hero, Subhalagnam, Criminal, Annamayya and Pellam Oorelithe. Drawn to acting from his childhood, Hanumantha Rao also went on to act in several Telugu serials and won a Nandi award for his performance as Anji in the popular serial, Amrutham. He is survived by his son.
Film and television personalities visited Hanumantha Rao's house to pay their last respects. Among them were actors Rajendra Prasad, Brahmanandam, Murali Mohan, MAA president and actor Sivaji Raja.
"Hanumantha Rao's demise is a great loss to the industry. He was a humble and jovial person," said Brahmanandam. "I've called Sivaji Raja thrice to check if the news is true. I believed it only after Hanumantha Rao's brother called me this morning."
Actors Mohan Babu and Balakrishna also expressed their condolences to the bereaved family.
Hanumantha Rao's last rites will be performed later today at the Erragadda crematorium.