Telugu comedian Gundu Hanumantha Rao passes away

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.

--IANS

ms/vd