Veteran Telugu Actor, Ex-Union Minister Krishnam Raju passes away while undergoing treatment in the early hours of Sunday.
Famous Telugu Actor and former Union Minister Uppalapati Venkata Krishnam Raju passed away while undergoing treatment at a private hospital here in the early hours of Sunday morning. Krishnam Raju was fighting health issues and was getting treated in AIG Hospitals in Gachibowli. He breathed his last at 0325 hours. He was 83 and is survived by his wife and three daughters.
In the late 1990s, he became active in politics. He joined Bharatiya Janata Party and was elected to the 12th and 13th Lok Sabha from Kakinada and Narasapuram constituencies. He served as a Minister of State for the Ministry of External Affairs in the third Vajpayee Ministry from 1999 to 2004. In March 2009, he joined Praja Rajyam Party, founded by Chiranjeevi. In the 2009 general elections, he contested the MP seat from the Rajahmundry constituency and lost.
In 2000, Krishnam Raju moved a motion in the Lok Sabha for the introduction of The Prohibition of Cow Slaughter Bill, 2000 with the following statement of objects and reasons, “Article 48 of the Constitution enjoins upon the State to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and in particular to take steps for preserving and improving the breeds and prohibiting the slaughter of cow and its progeny.
Accordingly, the Chair permitted the introduction of the Bill by Krishnam Raju.”
Popularly known as ‘Rebel star’ for his revolutionary acting style among fans and Telugu Industry.
Born in Mogalthur in West Godavari district on January 20, 1940, he first married Seeta Devi who died, and later married Syamala Devi on September 20, 1996, with whom he has three daughters.
Film producer U. Suryanarayana Raju is his younger brother and actor Prabhas is his nephew. He worked as a Journalist for the Andhra Ratna. He was also the winner of the inaugural Nandi Award for Best Actor.
Krishnam Raju had starred in more than 183 feature films in his career. The former Union Minister made his film debut with the 1966 film Chilaka Gorinka produced and directed by K. Pratyagatma.
The actor had won five Filmfare Awards and three state Nandi Awards. Krishnam Raju acted in several successful films such as Jeevana Tarangalu (1973), Krishnaveni (1974), Bhakta Kannappa (1976), Amara Deepam (1977), Sati Savitri (1978), Katakataala Rudraiah (1978), Mana Voori Pandavulu (1978), Rangoon Rowdy (1979), Sri Vinayaka Vijayamu (1979), Sita Ramulu (1980), Taxi Driver (1981), Trisulam (1982), Dharmaatmudu (1983), Bobbili Brahmanna (1984), Tandra Paprayudu (1986), Marana Sasanam (1987), Viswanatha Nayakudu (1987), Antima Theerpu (1988), Bava Bavamaridi (1993) and Palnati Pourusham (1994).
Krishnam Raju’s body will be brought to his residence later in the day and the last rites will be held here tomorrow afternoon, family sources said.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said ‘Saddened by the passing away of Shri UV Krishnam Raju Garu. The coming generations will remember his cinematic brilliance and creativity. He was also at the forefront of community service and made a mark as a political leader. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti’.