VISAKHAPATNAM:Noted movie and theatre actor Kolluri Chidambara Rao, popularly known as ‘Kallu’ Chidambaram, passed away at a private hospital here Monday. He had been suffering from a respiratory ailment and was admitted to the hospital four days ago. However, his condition turned critical Sunday night leading to his demise Monday morning.
Chidambaram was 69. He is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters.
Chidambaram completed his civil engineering and retired as an assistant engineer from Visakhapatnam Port Trust. He debuted on stage at the age of 18 and went on to act in over 36 plays and playlets.
A versatile stage artiste, Chidambaram made his silver screen debut with ‘Kallu’ based on noted writer Gollapudi Maruti Rao’s playlet and directed by cinematographer MV Raghu in 1987. He went on to win a Nandi award for his performance in the film. However, he became popular in comic roles and acted in over 300 films including April 1 Vidudala, Aa Okkati Adakku, Govinda Govinda, Jambalakadipamba, Money, Money Money, Pellichesukundam, Gangaputrulu and Siddhu from Srikakulam among others. His roles in movies like Ammoru won him accolades.