February 19, 2017
Veteran comedian of Telugu cinema Gundu Hanumantha Rao passed
away here on Monday. He was 61.
The actor, who was suffering from kidney
ailment for some time, suffered cardiac arrest in the early on Monday at his
house in SR Nagar. He was rushed him to a private hospital but doctors there
declared him dead, his family members said.
His last rites were performed
at Erragadda crematorium Monday evening. His son lit the funeral pyre.
Born in Vijayawada on October 10, 1956, Rao acted in about 400 films. He was a
small trader before he started doing stage plays.
In mid-1980s, he made
his debut in Tollywood with "Satyagraham". He became popular with "Aaha Naa
Pellanta" in 1987. "Kobbari Bondam", "Top Hero", "Mayalodu", "Rajendrudu
Gajendrudu", "Babai Hotel", "Shubhalagnam", "Vinodam", "Ghatotkachudu" and
"Yamaleela" were some of his memorable movies.
Gundu, as he was popularly
known in film circles, also acted in television serials. Comic serial "Amrutham"
had become hugely popular.
The actor was badly affected by the death of
his daughter and wife a few years ago. He was also facing financial problems.
Leading actor Chiranjeevi, who had recently extended him financial
assistance of Rs 2 lakh, condoled his death. He termed Gundu's death as a huge
loss to Tollywood.
Leading comedian Brahmanandam, who acted in many films
with Gundu, recalled his association with him.
Leading Tollywood
personalities visited Gundu's house to pay their last respects.