Veteran Telugu actor Rallapalli Venkata Narasimha Rao dies At 74

Veteran Telugu actor Rallapalli Venkata Narasimha Rao, popularly known by his surname Rallapalli, died at a private hospital in Hyderabad on Friday evening after a cardiac arrest. He was 74.

Rallappali, who had been suffering from a liver problem, died at 6:16 pm following a cardiac arrest, hospital sources said. He was admitted to the hospital on May 15, they said.

Rallapalli began his acting career in theater at a young age and subsequently entered films. He had also worked as a staff artiste in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. He acted in more than 800 films and was popular as a comedian and character artiste.

Born in Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh in 1955 and known for his comic roles, Narasimha Rao began his career in 1960 as a stage artist before going on to make his debut in films in 1974, with the movie Stree. One of his more famous roles was that of a transgender person in Mani Ratnam's Bombay. 

Other films that Narasimha Rao has acted in, include Mantrigari Viyyankudu, Sitara, Chillara Devullu, Chali Cheemalu, Oorimadi Bratkulu, Toorpu velle railu, Srivariki Premalekha, Khaidi and Alaya Sikharam. 

Read: 'Diff'rent Strokes' Star Charlotte Rae Died At The Age Of 92

He received three state Nandi Awards, including the Nandi Award for Best Actor in 1976 for the National Award winning film Oorummadi Brathukulu, the Nandi Award for Best Male Comedian in 1986, and the Nandi Award for Best Supporting actor – Television for Ganapathi.