Krishnam Raju
Veteran Telugu actor and former union minister Krishnam Raju passes away
Hyderabad, Sep 11, UNI/IBNS: Renowned 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.
He was 83 and is survived by his wife and three daughters.
Popularly known as 'Rebel star' for his rebellious acting style among fans and Telugu Industry, Krishnam Raju was battling with health issues and was getting treated in AIG Hospitals in Gachibowli.
He breathed his last at 0325 hours.
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 legendary 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).
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 Ministry of External Affairs in the third Vajpayee Ministry from 1999 to 2004.
In March 2009, he joined Praja Rajyam Party, founded by noted actor K Chiranjeevi.
In the 2009 Lok Sabha election, he contested for from Rajahmundry constituency and lost.
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.
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