GV Narayana Rao dies at 73: Remembering the Telugu actor-producer’s 5-decade film career

Hyderabad: Veteran Telugu actor and producer G V Narayana Rao has died at the age of 73 after suffering a heart attack in Hyderabad. Actress Karate Kalyani confirmed the news on Thursday. Rao died on Wednesday night, and his final rites are scheduled to take place on August 28 at Vaikunta Mahaprasthanam crematorium in Hyderabad.

His death marks the loss of an actor who remained part of Telugu cinema for nearly five decades, working across films, television and production.

GV Narayana Rao’s journey in Telugu cinema

Rao entered films in 1976 with K Balachander’s ‘Antuleni Kadha’. He went on to act in around 100 films, working alongside several major names of South Indian cinema, including Chiranjeevi and Rajinikanth.

Among his better-known films were ‘Chilakamma Cheppindi’, ‘Muthyala Pallaki’, ‘Oka Oori Katha’, ‘Oorukichina Maata’ and ‘Manchu Pallaki’. He also appeared in Chiranjeevi’s ‘Gang Leader’ and ‘Hitler’. His later screen credits included films such as T’holu Bommalata’ and ‘Anukoni Prayanam’.

Rao also became a familiar face on television, appearing in popular serials including ‘Pasupu Kumkuma’ and ‘Sundarakanda’.

He was also a successful producer

Acting was only one part of Rao’s career. He also worked as a producer and backed several successful Telugu films, including Chiranjeevi-starrers ‘Devanthakudu’, ‘Yamudiki Mogudu’, ‘Chettaniki Kallu Levu’ and ‘Intikoka Rydramma’. His association with Chiranjeevi extended beyond their professional relationship, with the two sharing a close friendship.

According to reports, Rao’s career in the film industry spanned almost 50 years. He also had a connection with Rajinikanth from their early days at the Madras Film Institute, where they were reportedly batchmates.

Chiranjeevi remembers his close friend

Chiranjeevi paid an emotional tribute to Rao on X, describing the news of his death as a profound shock. He recalled their long friendship and the memories they shared while working together.

In his tribute, Chiranjeevi wrote,“The news that renowned senior actor and producer, my dear friend GV Narayanan Rao garu, is no more has left me in profound shock.”

Remembering Rao’s contribution as an actor, Chiranjeevi said he had earned a special place among audiences through his work in films and television.

He also recalled their association as actor and producer, particularly through ‘Devanthakudu’ and ‘Yamudiki Mogudu’, saying their journey was filled with “countless sweet memories”. Chiranjeevi offered his condolences to Rao’s family, close associates and admirers and ended his message with “Om Shanti.”

Funeral to be held in Hyderabad

Rao’s funeral is scheduled for August 28 at Vaikunta Mahaprasthanam crematorium in Hyderabad. The Telugu film industry has been mourning the veteran actor and producer, whose career stretched from the 1970s into the 2020s

With agency inputs