HYDERABAD: Gundu Hanumantha Rao, a renowned Telugu cinema comedian, who featured in over 400 films, passed away in the wee hours of Monday at his residence in Sanathnagar. He was 61 and had been suffering from a kidney-related ailment.
Born on October 10, 1956, in Vijayawada, Hanumantha Rao made his acting debut with ‘Satyagraham’ (1987), but got his first break as a comedian in late director Jandhyala’s film ‘Aha Naa Pellanta’ (1987). He continued to act in several films including ‘Pellaniki Premalekha’ ‘Priyuraliki Subhalekha,’ ‘Rajendrudu Gajendrudu,’ ‘Mayalodu,’ ‘Yamaleela,’ ‘Top Hero,’ ‘Subhalagnam,’ ‘Criminal,’ ‘Annamayya’ and ‘Pellam Oorelithe’ among others. Drawn to acting from his childhood, Hanumantha Rao also went on to act in several Telugu serials and won a Nandi award for his performance as Anji in the popular serial, ‘Amrutham.’ He is survived by his son. His wife predeceased him.
Film and TV personalities paid their last respects to Rao at his house. Among them were actors Rajendra Prasad, Brahmanandam, Murali Mohan, MAA president and actor Sivaji Raja. Actors Mohan Babu and Balakrishna also expressed condolences.Hanumantha Rao’s last rites were performed at Erragadda crematorium in the evening.