Andhra Pradesh

‘End of an era’: Condolences pour in for veteran Telugu actor Krishna

The actor, who was 79 years old, had succumbed to a cardiac arrest.
Veteran Telugu actor Krishna
Veteran Telugu actor Krishna
Written by:
TNM Staff

Veteran Telugu actor Ghattamaneni Krishna, who was popularly known as Superstar Krishna, passed away on Tuesday, November 15. The 79-year-old was admitted to the Continental Hospital in Hyderabad’s Gachibowli at around 2 am on Monday after he fell unconscious. The actor had suffered a cardiac arrest and was kept under observation. 

Several members of the film fraternity including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi as well as Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu expressed their condolences. Mourning the death, the Prime Minister said that it was a collosal loss to the world of cinema. 

In a statement from the Andhra Pradesh CM’s office, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed deep shock and grief over the demise of Super Star Sri Ghattamaneni Krishna. He also noted that the “Andhra James Bond'' had a large following in his long innings in Tollywood, and had immortalized the role of the eponymous hero in Alluri Seetharama Raju and created many hits in his illustrious career. The Chief Minister also conveyed his condolences to his actor son Mahesh Babu and other bereaved family members.

Telangana CM Chandrasekhar Rao recalled Krishna's five decades of contribution to the Telugu film industry as an actor, producer and director. "Krishna, who acted in over 350 movies, left an indelible mark on the hearts of movie-goers and his death is a huge loss for the Telugu film industry," he said  in a statement. Condoling the death, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin said his demise is an irreparable loss to Indian cinema.

Former minister and actor Chiranjeevi remembered Krishna as a “kind-hearted Himalayan mountain”. Expressing his condolences, he wrote, “I can't believe that Superstar Krishna has left us. He was a kind hearted Himalayan mountain. He gave breath to courage and was synonymous with adventure. Krishna is a combination of courage, adventure, perseverance, humanity, and goodness. Such a great man is rare not only in the Telugu film industry but also in the Indian film industry. A tearful tribute to Krishna, whose many adventures the Telugu film industry can be proud of. May his soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences to Mahesh Babu, his family, and his innumerable fans.” Chiranjeevi and the late actor had teamed up for films like Kotta Alludu (1979), Kottapeta Rowdy (1980), and Thodu Dongalu (1981).

Telugu actor Nagarjuna Akkineni shared a photo of himself with Krishna and wrote, “A Fearless man who attempted every genre! The original cowboy of Telugu films! I could sit with him for hours which were filled with his positivity, the man, the legend, the superstar! Krishna garu, we will miss you.” Nagarjuna had shared screen space with the late actor in the 1995 Telugu film Varasudu which also co-starred actor Nagma. 

Condoling the actor’s death, Junior NTR wrote, “Krishna garu's name is synonymous with adventure. Apart from many experimental films and distinctive characters, you will always be remembered for introducing many technologies to Telugu cinema.” Actor Nani said that the death of the superstar was the “end of an era.” “My deepest condolences to Mahesh Babu sir, family and Krishna garu’s extended family which includes you, me and every telugu cinema fan,” he said.

Other members from the Telugu film fraternity such as actor Rakul Preet, music composer Thaman S, director Anil Ravipudi, Samantha, Adivi Sesh, and Anushka Shetty shared their condolences. 

Celebrities from other film industries also took to social media to condole the veteran actor’s demise. Superstar Rajinikanth wrote, “The demise of Krishna garu is a great loss to the Telugu film industry. I will always cherish the memories of working with him in three films. My heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace.”

Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle tweeted, “Another name from my childhood passes on. Telugu star Krishna. Apart from the trinity of NTR, ANR and SVR, I remember movies with Krishna, Sobhan Babu, Chandramohan, Mohan Babu, Jaggayya, Gummadi, Relangi. Mainly on Doordarshan.”

Fondly recollecting his experience sharing the screen with Krishna, Tamil actor Sarathkumar wrote, “I am shocked and saddened to hear the demise of the legendary actor, politician, and philanthropist Shri Krishna garu. I fondly recollect having acted with him, may his soul rest in peace.”

Superstar Krishna debuted as lead actor in the 1965 film Thene Manasulu. He earned the reputation of being a trendsetter when he signed the first Telugu detective film Gudachari 116 (1989).

Some of Krishna’s popular movies include Private Master, Asadhyudu, Sabash Satyam, Agni Pariksha, and Alluri Seetharama Raju, among others. Credited for being a technological pioneer in the Telugu film industry, he presented the first Cinemascope film Alluri Seetharama Raju in 1974. He was widely appreciated for his portrayal of the titular freedom fighter in the same film.

Besides acting, Krishna also worked as a producer, studio owner, exhibitor, and distributor. He directed 17 feature films under his production company Padmalaya Studios, in collaboration with his brothers Adiseshagiri Rao and Hanumantha Rao.

He was also involved in politics and was a member of the Congress party. He was elected as Member of Parliament from Eluru constituency in 1989. His son-in-law Jayadev Galla is presently a Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Lok Sabha member representing the Guntur constituency.

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