Latest news with #FishVenkat


Mint
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Who was Venkat Raj? Telugu actor aka ‘Fish Venkat' dies at 53 after kidney-related ailment
Telugu actor and comedian Venkat Raj, popularly known as Fish Venkat, passed away on Friday at a hospital in Hyderabad after dealing with kidney-related ailments. He was 53, according to a report by 123 Telugu. Fish Venkat gained popularity for his comedic and villainous roles. He featured in more than 100 Telugu films. Introduced by Dasari Narayana Rao, Raj made his debut with the film Sammakka Sarakka. Known for his strong Telugu dialect, he acted in several hit films, such as Bunny, Adhurs, Dhee, and Mirapakay. His most recent film was the Aha thriller Coffee with a Killer. Fish Venkat also starred in Maa Vintha Gaadha Vinuma with Siddhu Jonnalagadda and DJ Tillu during the COVID-19 pandemic. Venkat Raj was recently admitted to the hospital after his kidney condition deteriorated, leading to kidney failure. He was hospitalised and moved to the ICU, needing a kidney transplant. Venkat's daughter, Sravanthi, in an interview with One India this month, said that actor Prabhas' team had extended financial support to them. 'Daddy isn't well at all. He is very serious and in the ICU. He needs a kidney transplant. It will cost us at least ₹ 50 lakh. Prabhas' assistant called us and offered financial assistance. They asked us to inform them when his transplant happens to cover the cost,' she said. However, Venkat's family later clarified that the offer was fake. 'Actually, nothing like that happened. We have been answering every call we get to see if anyone can help us. Some unknown person called us pretending to be Prabhas Anna's assistant. We found out after that it was a fake call. He doesn't even know something like this is happening. We have not received any financial help yet,' a family member told Suman TV.


News18
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Telugu Actor-Comedian Fish Venkat Dies At 53 Due To Kidney Disease
Last Updated: Fish Venkat was admitted to the hospital recently after he suffered a kidney failure. He was in the ICU in need of a kidney transplant. Veteran actor and comedian Fish Venkat passed away on Friday, July 18. He breathed his last at a hospital in Hyderabad after battling kidney-related ailments. He was 53. Fish Venkat was admitted to the hospital recently after he suffered a kidney failure. He was in the ICU in need of a kidney transplant. Earlier this month, Venkat's daughter, Sravanthi, spoke to One India when she shared her father's health status and revealed that Prabhas' team had offered them financial support. 'Daddy isn't well at all. He is very serious and in the ICU. He needs a kidney transplant. It will cost us at least ₹50 lakh. Prabhas' assistant called us and offered financial assistance. They asked us to inform them when his transplant happens to cover the cost," she had said. However, another member of Venkat's family later told Suman TV that the call was fake and that they received no help from Prabhas. 'Actually, nothing like that happened. We have been answering every call we get to see if anyone can help us. Some unknown person called us pretending to be Prabhas Anna's assistant. We found out after that it was a fake call. He doesn't even know something like this is happening. We have not received any financial help yet," he stated. Who Is Fish Venkat? Fish Venkat was a renowned Indian actor and comedian in the Telugu film industry. He was known for his impeccable comic timing and unique Telangana accent. Born Mangalampalli Venkatesh, he earned the nickname 'Fish" due to his ability to use a Telangana dialect reminiscent of fishermen. With a career spanning over two decades, Venkat appeared in numerous hit films, including 'Gabbar Singh," 'Adhurs," 'DJ Tillu," 'Bunny," and 'Kushi". Venkat was known for his versatility in playing both comedic and negative roles, with his dialogue 'Thodagottu Chinna" from the movie 'Aadi" becoming particularly iconic. First Published: July 19, 2025, 08:31 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Time of India
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Telugu Comedian Fish Venkat Dies at 53 After Long Battle with Kidney Disease
Beloved Telugu comedian and character actor Fish Venkat, famed for his comic timing and distinctive Telangana accent, passed away on July 18, 2025, in Hyderabad at age 53. He had been battling kidney and liver failure, undergoing months of dialysis, and was placed on a ventilator. Despite rumors of potential financial help from industry giants like Prabhas, his family clarified it was a scam. Fish Venkat earned a special place in fans' hearts with roles in hits like 'Bunny', 'Adhurs', 'DJ Tillu', and 'Coffee with a Killer'. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes across Tollywood.


New Indian Express
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Telugu comedian Fish Venkat passes away at 53
Notable Telugu comedian Venkat Raj, popularly known as Fish Venkat, passed away in Hyderabad on Friday. The actor, who was 53 years old, was battling severe health issues, including kidney failure, for a long time. While the Hyderabad-born actor was largely known for his comic roles and his unique Telangana dialect, especially in films like Bunny, Aadi, Adhurs, Gabbar Singh and DJ Tillu, the actor also played negative roles in many films. His other notable film appearances include Dil, Attarintiki Daredi, and Nayak. The actor's last film appearance was earlier this year in Coffee with a Killer, which released in January. Fish Venkat, who began his acting career in 2000, acquired his screen name because of his background of being in the fish-selling business, which he operated from Musheerabad before becoming an actor. The actor was suffering from kidney-related problems for about 4 years. For the past 9 months, he was undergoing treatment at RBM hospital in Boduppal. The actor was recently placed on a ventilator after his condition worsened and both his kidneys failed. The actor required a kidney transplant, for which the family had been reportedly seeking financial assistance of Rs 50 lakh for some time now, but not to much avail. Although, a few days ago, Vishwak Sen provided a financial assistance of Rs 2 lakhs for the family. Fish Venkat is survived by his wife Suvarna and his daughter Sravanthi.


Mint
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Fish Venkat, ‘DJ Tillu' fame Telugu actor, dies at 53 from kidney failure
Telugu actor Fish Venkat passed away on Friday, July 18, at the age of 53 after battling kidney-related ailments, Telangana Today reported. He breathed his last at a hospital in Hyderabad and died due to kidney failure. He was known for playing comedy and villainous roles in several Tollywood films, including Gabbar Singh, Adhurs, DJ Tillu, Bunny, Dhee and Mirapakay. Fish Venkat, whose real name is Venkat Raj, earned the name 'fish' due to his Telangana dialect. His most recent acting foray was with Aha thriller film 'Coffee with a Killer.'