Legendary Telugu actor Uppalapati Venkata Krishnam Raju popular known as Krishnam Raju passed away in Hyderabad today. According to reports, he had been facing health issues for some time and was getting treated at a private hospital.
Krishnam Raju acted in more than 183 feature films in his career. He was widely known as ‘Rebel Star’ for his rebellious acting style. His last rites will be performed on Monday afternoon.
As a producer, under his Gopikrishna Movies banner, Krishnam Raju bankrolled blockbusters Bhaktha Kannappa, Thandra Paparayudu, and Billa among others. Meanwhile, he was last seen in Prabhas’ film, Radhe Shyam, in which, he essayed the role of Paramahamsa.
The veteran actor was the first actor to have served as a Union Minister in the cabinet of India’s former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He won from Narsapuram in 1999 and worked as a central minister.
Krishnam Raju is survived by his wife Shyamala Devi, and daughters Praseedi, Prakeerthi, and Pradeepthi. Baahubali star Prabhas is his nephew.