Noted Telugu Comedian Gundu Hanumantha Rao Dies at 61

Telugu comedian- actor Gundu Hanumantha Rao passed away at 61 in the wee hours today. The artiste's health suddenly deteriorated and breathed his last at his residence in Hyderabad. Soon after, he was rushed to the hospital where the doctors declared him dead. The Tollywood icon suffered from heart and kidney ailments and was already undergoing treatment for the same. The Amrutham actor's last rites will reportedly take place at Erragadda Burial Ground in SR Nagar.

Hanumantha Rao worked in about 400 films post his successful debut in Aha Na Pellanta. The renowned star also clinched three Nandi Awards for his acting in the Tollywood art works. Some of the popular films that he is known for are Pellaniki Premalekha Priyuraliki Subhalekha, Rajendradu Gajendradu, Mayaloodu, Jodi No.1, Nenu Seetamahalakshmi, Kedi No.1, Apparao Driving School, Kalyanam, Original, Neramu Siksha, High School, Kothoka Vintha, Colors, Panchamukhi, Sri Sai Sankalpam, Mano Balam to name a few.

Despite his popularity in the film fraternity, the late actor faced financial crunch. However, megastar Chiranjeevi lend his helping hand to assist him with his treatment expenses. Rao was also helped by the state government during his low phase. MAA president Sivaji Raja earlier told in an interview, "I has got an urgent call from Chiru sir 2 days go and was asked to meet him at his residence.He has said that “I has heard that both Gundu Hanumantha Rao and Potti Veeraih are facing Financial Troubles” and handovered two cheques worth Rs 2 Lakhs each,and asked to help them."

After the news of his untimely death, the Twitterati flooded the social media with the condolence messages. May Rao's family get the strength to go through the huge loss.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 19, 2018 11:20 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).