Well known Telugu film actor Srihari passed away on Wednesday at the Leelavati hospital in Mumbai. Apparently suffering from a liver ailment (it is speculated that he was suffering from cancer), the actor was known to avoid public eye given his ill-health. Last seen in ‘Toofan’, the Telugu remake of the Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Zanjeer, Srihari essayed the role of Sher Khan opposite Ram Charan Tej. His other major roles in recent times included ‘Brindavanam’ (2010) and ‘Maghadheera (2009)’ .
Srihari, (49), started his career as a stunt man, and was one of the few from the Telangana region who made it big in the Tollywood. His initial roles cast him as the villain, something that he fitted well into given his physique and personality. He also played the lead role in several films. Though not making it to the A-list of heroes, Srihari found his niche playing the second lead in many films. Having worked with most of the who’s who in the industry, Srihari built a reputation for himself that kept him in good standing.
The actor leaves behind his wife, a former actress herself popularly known as ‘Disco Shanthi’, and two sons. The couple had earlier suffered a tragedy when they lost their four-month old daughter.
Soon after the news of Srihar’s death broke, his colleagues from the film fraternity took to social media to offer their homage. Condolences have been pouring in for the departed soul on micro-blogging sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
Chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy expressed grief and anguish over the death of Srihari. He said Srihari was a popular actor and his untimely death was a loss to the Telugu film industry. He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family.