Veteran Tollywood comedian Kolluru Chidambara Rao, passed away on Monday, while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Hyderabad.

The actor more popularly known as 'Kallu Chidambaram', was reportedly suffering from a respiratory ailment for the past few weeks and was admitted a few days ago.

Born in Akkayapalem, he was drawn to theatre from an early age and started his career as a stage artist.

A report in The Hindu adds:

Chidambaram made his screen debut with “Kallu” based on noted writer Gollapudi Maruti Rao’s play-let and directed by cinematographer M. V. Raghu in 1987. He went on to win a Nandi award for his performance in the film. He acted in comic roles in more than 300 films including April 1 Vidudala, Aa Okkati Adakku, Govinda Govinda, Jambalakadipamba and Money, Money, Money.

Chidambaram was 67 and is survived by his wife, two daughters and two sons. Scores of people from the Telugu film industry paid their tributes to the comedian.