James Bond of Telugu Cinema is no more; film fraternity slips into shock

Hyderabad: SuperStar Ghattamaneni Krishna, also known as Andhra James Bond, died of cardiac arrest. He was 80.

Krishna was admitted to Continental Hospital on Sunday night after he suffered cardiac arrest. He left his last breath in the early hours of Tuesday. The entire Telugu film industry is mourning the loss of Superstar Krishna.

Meanwhile, Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan condoled the death of Ghattamaneni Krishna. She conveyed her heartfelt condolences to Krishna's family and prayed the Almighty to give his family the strength and fortitude to bear with this irreparable loss.

It is important to note that it is the third death in the family in 2022. Krishna's elder son Ramesh Babu died in January due to long Covid and later in September, Krishna's wife Indira Devi died.

Born on 31 May 1943 in Burripalem, Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh, he was married to Indira, and later to Vijaya Nirmala (actress), whom he met on the sets of Sakshi. The actor immortalized the role of Alluri Seetarama Raju in the film.

He has given many hits in his illustrious career. He was one of the highest-paid Telugu actors during his time.

As an actor, he starred in more than 350 films in a variety of roles. The superstar was honored with Padma Bhushan for his contributions to Indian cinema in 2009. Krishna was elected as a Member of Parliament on Congress' ticket in 1989. In 1997. he received Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South. In 2008, he received Honorary Doctorate from Andhra University.

CM K. Chandrasekhar Rao has decided to cremate the body of late film actor Krishna with full honors. Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar has been directed by the Chief Minister to make arrangements to this extent.

Film career:

Beginning his career in 1961 with minor roles in Kula Gothralu, Padandi Mundhuku, and Paruvu Prathishta, he debuted as a lead actor in Thene Manasulu in 1965. Krishna is known for playing different characters in varied films including mythological, drama, western, fantasy, action, spy, and historical films. Krishna has the record of pairing up with Vijaya Nirmala and Jaya Prada in 48 films.

As a producer:

Krishna has many firsts to his credit. He produced the first Cinemascope film Alluri Seetharama Raju (1974); the first Eastman color film Eenadu (1982; the first 70mm film Simhasanam (1986); and the first DTS film Telugu Veera Levara (1995). He introduced the cowboy genre to Telugu cinema.

Padmalaya Studios:

He also directed 17 feature films and produced films along with his brothers Adiseshagiri Rao and Hanumantha Rao under his production house `Padmalaya Studios'.

Best films:

Alluri Seetharama Raju

Simhasanam

Gudachari 116

James Bond 777

Mugguru Kodukulu

Anna Thammudu

Mosagadiki Mosagadu

Ave Kallu