Many political leaders, writers, and others have been mourning the demise of renowned balladeer, writer and activist Gaddar on Sunday, August 6. A former Maoist ideologue, Gaddar’s songs were popular for highlighting the state’s alleged exploitation of marginalised communities. Gaddar’s singing and oratory skills also played a key role in the Telangana statehood movement.
A statement from Apollo Spectra Hospital, Ameerpet, said that he passed away at 3 pm on Sunday “due to lung and urinary problems and advanced age.” “He was suffering from severe heart disease and got admitted on July 20, 2023. He underwent a bypass surgery on August 3, 2023 and recovered from it. However, he is a past patient of lung and urinary problems, which along with advanced age aggravated and led to his passing away,” the hospital’s statement said.
Offering his condolences, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wrote: “Saddened to hear about the demise of Shri Gummadi Vittal Rao, Telangana’s iconic poet, balladeer and fiery activist. His love for the people of Telangana drove him to fight tirelessly for the marginalised. May his legacy continue to inspire us all.”
Saddened to hear about the demise of Shri Gummadi Vittal Rao, Telangana’s iconic poet, balladeer and fiery activist.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 6, 2023
His love for the people of Telangana drove him to fight tirelessly for the marginalised. May his legacy continue to inspire us all. pic.twitter.com/IlHcV6pObs
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh said, “The one and only Gaddar — revolutionary poet, balladeer, folk singer and activist who electrified audiences in Telangana especially, has just passed away. His fiercely passionate commitment to social justice was legendary. I recall my many interactions with him and would always be struck by his charisma and moved by the saga of his struggles.”
The one and only Gaddar (pronounced ग़दर)—revolutionary poet, balladeer, folk singer and activist who electrified audiences in Telangana especially, has just passed away. His fiercely passionate commitment to social justice was legendary.
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) August 6, 2023
I recall my many interactions with him…
Telangana Congress leaders Danasari Seethakka and Revanth Reddy, filmmaker Venu Udugula and many others fondly remembered Gaddar and his work.
It is very sad to know that Revolutionary People’s singer, Telangana fighter Gaddar anna is no more..
— Danasari Seethakka (@seethakkaMLA) August 6, 2023
My support to their family members in this loss.#RIP @RahulGandhi @priyankagandhi #Gaddar pic.twitter.com/uNs7lxupXT
పాట కు మరణం లేదు#gaddar pic.twitter.com/YthHKSwelp
— v e n u u d u g u l a (@venuudugulafilm) August 6, 2023
Anyone growing up in Hyderabad & Telangana will know what #Gaddar (Gummadi Vittal Rao) meant for the revolutionary movement.
— N Sai Balaji | ఎన్ సాయి బాలాజీ (@nsaibalaji) August 6, 2023
His songs & his voice stood for the marginalized. In his death let's remember his revolutionary spirit & his role in #TelanganaState struggle. pic.twitter.com/uB7YI2wRpp
నీ గానం…
— Revanth Reddy (@revanth_anumula) August 6, 2023
తెలంగాణ వేదం
నీ గజ్జె…
తెలంగాణ గర్జన
నీ గొంగడి…
తెలంగాణ నడవడి
నీ గొంతుక…
తెలంగాణ ధిక్కార స్వరం
నీ రూపం…
తెలంగాణ స్వరూపం
గద్దరన్నా…
నువ్వు నా జీవిత కాల జ్ఞాపకం
నీ మరణం…
నా గుండెకు శాశ్వత గాయం#Gaddar pic.twitter.com/Hgp1Edvsl8
#Gaddar leaves behind irreplaceable void. He spearheaded the era of mass mobilisation using native cultural forms. He electrified crores of people to action & empowerment through his songs, boundless energy, clarity of thought & articulation. True #Legendhttps://t.co/q0QlvNdW3o
— Dr PV Ramesh (@RameshPV2010) August 6, 2023
Saddened to hear about the passing of Shri Gummadi Vittal Rao garu, the iconic poet and relentless activist.
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) August 6, 2023
His unwavering dedication to social causes and the fight for Telangana's statehood was truly inspiring. Gaddar ji's powerful verses echoed the aspirations of millions,… pic.twitter.com/Zaq7Ev7zv6