HYDERABAD – He was 83 and had been battling a prolonged illness. His death comes just two days after celebrating his 83rd birthday.

Born in Kankipadu in Andhra Pradesh’s Krishna district, Rao made his cinematic debut in 1978 with ‘Pranam Khareedhu’. Over the next four decades, he became a household name in South Indian cinema, featuring in over 750 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi. Known for his distinctive style and unmatched versatility, he excelled in a wide range of roles—especially villainous and character parts.
Among his most memorable performances are roles in films such as ‘Aha Naa Pellanta!’, ‘Pratigatana’, ‘Khaidi Number 786’, ‘Shiva’, and ‘Yamaleela’, which cemented his legacy as a transformative figure in Telugu cinema.

In recognition of his contributions to the arts, Rao was awarded the Padma Shri in 2015 and won nine Nandi Awards over the course of his career.

Outside the film world, Rao also made his mark in politics, serving as a BJP MLA from the Vijayawada East constituency between 1999 and 2004.

The Telugu film industry is in mourning, with tributes pouring in from actors, filmmakers, and fans across the country who remember him not only for his powerful screen presence but also for his dedication to public service.