Veteran actor Rallapalli passes away

Renowned character artiste Rallapalli, who was one of the most recognisable faces in the Telugu cinema, breathed his last in Hyderabad today. He was diagnosed with liver disease and brought to the hospital about four days ago. On Friday evening, his condition remained critical and at about 6 pm, he was declared dead.

He was 73, and is survived by his daughter. Born in Kambadur village in Anantapur district in 1945, Rallapalli Venkata Narasimha Rao dabbled in theatre initially while working in Song and Drama Division at Ministry of Information and Broadcasting before being introduced as an actor with Stree. He has acted in about 850 films in a variety of roles and has made a name for himself for his inimitable and witty acting style 

Rallapalli won three Nandi awards as Best Actor for the National Award winning film Oorummadi Brathukulu (1976), Best Male Comedian for Patnam Pilla Palletoori Chinnodu (1986) and Best Supporting actor – Television for Ganapathi (1998). He shot to fame with late director Eranki Sharma's Kukka Katuki Cheppu Debba (1979). His performances in films like Khaidi, Abhilasha, Anveshana, Rendu Rellu Aaru, Ladies Tailor, Shri Kanakamalaxmi Recording Dance Troupe, April 1 Vidudala, Kalisundam Raa, and Jayam won him many laurels. His portrayal of a eunuch in Mani Ratnam's Bombay won him critical acclaim.

Allu Arjun-starrer Duvvada Jagannadham (DJ) was his last film, which got a release in 2017.

In a press release, actor Chiranjeevi expressed grief, terming it as the loss of a versatile actor known for his hard work and punctuality. 

“I was spellbound seeing Rallapalli garu perform in stage plays at Vani Mahal, Chennai. We acted together in several hits and I admire him a lot for his sincerity and discipline. My deepest condolences to his family,” said Chiranjeevi.

The mortal remains of the late actor would be kept at his residence in AG Colony on Saturday.