Veteran film editor Gowtham Raju, who predominantly works in the Telugu film industry, died on Tuesday, at a private hospital in Hyderabad.

He was 68. Reportedly, the late technician was undergoing treatment for kidney related issues, but succumbed during the late hours of Tuesday.

Gowtham Raju, who has extensively worked in Telugu films, has edited over 800 films during his career. His works include Nandamuri Balakrishna’s Aditya 369, Tagore and Khaidi No 150 of Chiranjeevi, Gabbar Singh of Pawan Kalyan, among others. Notably, he has also edited Tamil cult classic Thalapathi (1991), helmed by Mani Ratnam, starring Rajinikanth and Mammootty.

Various film personalities from the Telugu film industry condoled the death of Gowtham Raju, on social media. Chiranjeevi mourned that his demise and said that it is a great loss to the industry.

“Saddened by premature exit of Gouthamraju garu . Happened to work with him for Dhammu. Huge respect for his humility and talent,” wrote music composer MM Keeravaani.

Actor Junior NTR shared a note on Twitter which said that Gowtham Raju earned a special name for himself in Telugu cinema by editing more than 850 films. The actor also paid condolences to his family.

Vishnu Manchu wrote, “Saddened to hear the passing away of Sri. Gautham Raju garu, one of the most respected legendary editors of TFI. Learnt a lot from him since childhood. He was crucial for many blockbusters in Telugu. Will miss him a lot.”  Gowtham Raju edited Vishnu’s Mosagallu.

Several others from the film industry also condoled Gowtham Raju’s demise.