Latest news with #SammakkaSarakka
Mint
3 days ago
- 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.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Veteran Telugu actor Venkat Raj passes away at 53. Why was he known as 'Fish Venkat'?
Renowned Telugu actor and comedian Fish Venkat , whose real name was Venkat Raj , passed away at the age of 53 on a somber Friday in Hyderabad. As reported by 123 Telugu , Venkat had been struggling with severe kidney issues for several months. His condition progressively declined, leading to his admission into intensive care, where he was placed on both dialysis and ventilator support. Medical professionals had urged an immediate kidney transplant, but despite all interventions, his health continued to deteriorate, eventually leading to his death due to complications from kidney failure . An Icon of Telugu Comedy and Character Acting Fish Venkat's name became synonymous with sharp comedic timing and expressive supporting roles across Telugu cinema. His career took flight under the mentorship of the late director Dasari Narayana Rao, who introduced him in the film Sammakka Sarakka. Since then, Venkat has carved out a lasting niche in over 100 movies. His memorable roles in major productions such as Kushi, Bunny, Adhurs, Gabbar Singh, Dhee, Mirapakay, DJ Tillu, Slum Dog Husband, and Coffee with a Killer earned him both a dedicated fan following and respect from his peers. His on-screen presence became a vital component of many successful films, blending humor and antagonism effortlessly. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category MCA Healthcare MBA Artificial Intelligence Design Thinking Operations Management Technology Data Analytics PGDM Public Policy Data Science Others Project Management Digital Marketing Management Data Science CXO others healthcare Degree Product Management Finance Cybersecurity Leadership Skills you'll gain: Programming Proficiency Data Handling & Analysis Cybersecurity Awareness & Skills Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT Master of Computer Applications Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details A Family's Plea and the Harsh Reality of Scams As Venkat's health crisis intensified, his daughter Shravanthi stepped forward publicly in a heartfelt appeal for monetary assistance. The cost of the required transplant had been pegged at approximately Rs 50 lakh. Unfortunately, amid the emotional upheaval, the family became victims of deceit. According to Suman TV, they were contacted by an impostor pretending to be an assistant of actor Prabhas. The family later clarified that the call was fake and that Prabhas had no knowledge of the situation. Contrary to online rumors, no help had arrived from the actor's side. They stressed they had been answering every call in desperate hope, only to be misled by fraudulent claims. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Knee Pain? Start Eating These Foods, and Feel Your Pain Go Away Undo Support From the Fraternity, But Help Came Too Late Though misinformation clouded some aspects, a few genuine gestures of support did emerge. Actor Pawan Kalyan stepped forward with a contribution of Rs 2 lakh, while actor Vishwak Sen and a Telangana government minister also extended aid. Still, a compatible kidney donor could not be located in time, and despite these efforts, Fish Venkat's condition remained critical until the very end. Remembering His Origins and Screen Identity Venkat hailed from Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh. His screen name, 'Fish Venkat,' was affectionately derived from the Telangana dialect he employed in his performances—reminiscent of coastal fishermen, which became his comedic hallmark. Known for his versatility, he excelled in both humorous and antagonist roles, bringing a grounded authenticity to his characters. A Recent Career Resurgence Even during recent years, Venkat's screen journey had not waned. He appeared in the Aha platform thriller Coffee with a Killer and earned applause for his role alongside Siddhu Jonnalagadda in Maa Vintha Gaadha Vinuma and DJ Tillu, which were released during the COVID-19 pandemic. A Community in Mourning Fish Venkat is survived by his wife and three children. His passing adds to the grief that has recently shrouded the Telugu film industry, following the deaths of legendary actor Kota Srinivasa Rao Garu and Rajagopal Raju, father of Ravi Teja. With his demise, Telugu cinema has lost not just a prolific supporting actor, but a performer whose distinctive voice, humor, and charisma lit up the screen and left audiences in stitches. The film community and fans continue to mourn a man whose name evoked both laughter and admiration.
India.com
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
South Actor Fish Venkat passes away at 53 because of kidney failure, couldn't undergo transplant due to lack of funds
South Actor Fish Venkat passes away at 53 because of kidney failure, couldn't undergo transplant due to lack of funds The Telugu film industry is in deep shock as they are mourning the loss of veteran actor and comedian Fish Venkat. Venkat was just 53, and he lost his life due to kidney failure. Known as Venkat Raj originally, he had been battling a kidney problem for several months. He was admitted to a hospital in Hyderabad, but despite the treatment of dialysis and ventilator support, he couldn't survive. Fish Venkat's Battle With Kidney Issues Before this, Venkat's daughter had requested financial aid for his immediate kidney transplant. 'Papa is not well, and his condition is very critical. He has been kept in the ICU. He needs a kidney transplant, which will cost Rs 50 lakh,' his daughter had said. Later, two different statements came from his family pertaining to financial help from actor Prabhas. In one statement to One India, Venkat's daughter said, 'Papa needs a kidney transplant immediately as his condition is very bad. When the procedure was scheduled, Prabhas' assistant contacted us and promised to provide financial assistance.' However, later, a relative gave a contradictory statement, denying receiving any help from Prabhas. 'Prabhas does not know anything about this. We have not received any financial assistance yet,' the relative clarified, calling the earlier call fake. Speaking of Fish Venkat's career, he started his acting professionally in 2000 with his debut film, Sammakka Sarakka. Before cementing his image further as a comedian, he had also worked in negative roles, which showed his versatility as an actor. Later, his transition from villain to comic figure garnered him a lot of love and attention in Telugu cinema. He was admired for his incredible comic timing and screen presence. His last and final appearance was in the R. P. Patnaik's comedy film, 'Coffee with a Killer'. Fish Venkat is survived by his wife and three children and his death,. His death has left a wave of sadness across the Telugu industry, as fans and colleagues remember the actor who brought smiles to the screen but battled silently behind it.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Telugu actor and comedian Fish Venkat passes away at 53
Veteran Telugu actor and comedian Fish Venkat, known off-screen as Venkat Raj, passed away on Friday at a hospital in Hyderabad following complications related to kidney failure. He was 53 years old. According to 123 Telugu, the actor had been battling severe kidney-related health issues for several months. His condition had recently deteriorated, leading to hospitalisation and intensive care, with doctors recommending an urgent kidney transplant. Despite ongoing dialysis and ventilator support, Venkat's condition continued to worsen. Widely recognised for his distinct and effortless comic timing, Fish Venkat was a familiar face in Telugu cinema, with a career spanning more than 100 films. He was introduced to the industry by the late filmmaker Dasari Narayana Rao in the movie Sammakka Sarakka. His performances in films like Kushi, Bunny, Adhurs, Gabbar Singh, DJ Tillu, Slum Dog Husband, and Coffee with a Killer earned him a loyal fanbase and critical appreciation. Also Read | Veteran Tamil actor-filmmaker Velu Prabhakaran passes away In recent weeks, Venkat's daughter Shravanthi publicly appealed for financial assistance to fund his kidney transplant, which was estimated to cost around Rs 50 lakh. While some misleading reports claimed that actor Prabhas had extended financial aid, the family clarified that these were part of a scam involving impersonation. They told Suman TV, '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.' However, genuine contributions did come in from actor Pawan Kalyan, who donated Rs 2 lakh, actor Vishwak Sen, and a Telangana state minister. But a suitable kidney donor could not be found in time. Fish Venkat is survived by his wife and three children. His untimely death has left fans, colleagues, and the Telugu film fraternity in mourning. The loss comes on the heels of other recent tragedies in the industry, including the deaths of Kota Srinivasa Rao Garu and actor Ravi Teja's father, Rajagopal Raju, deepening the sense of grief within the community.
Hans India
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Uttam Kumar Reddy briefs on meeting with CR Patil on Godavari -Bankacharla project
Telangana Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy has expressed concerns over Godavari-Banakacharla project in a media briefing following discussions with Union Minister for Jal Sakti, CR Patil, in Delhi. Reddy emphasised the apprehensions voiced by local farmers and residents regarding the project, stating that these concerns were communicated to the Union Minister, who assured that they would be taken into account. "We have requested the swift issuance of the Krishna Tribunal's verdict," Reddy said, highlighting the urgency of the matter. He further proposed the potential of the Ichchampalli-Nagarjunasagar link to transport water from the Penna Basin, indicating Telangana's willingness to engage in discussions over this connection. He said that Union Minister Patil has promised to facilitate a meeting between the Chief Ministers of the two Telugu states to address ongoing issues. Reddy noted that many projects in Telangana have not yet received central approval and urged for funding to support the Musi revival project and appealed for water allocations for various state initiatives, including the Palamuru-Ranga Reddy, Sammakka Sarakka, and Thummadihatti projects.
