Legendary Tollywood actor Kaikala Satyanarayana Rao passes away; tributes pour in

Hyderabad: Legendary Tollywood actor Kaikala Satyanarayana passed away in Hyderabad today. He was 87. Kaikala Satyanarayana passed away at around 4 am at his Hyderabad residence. It is said he has been suffering from health issues for the past few months. He is survived by a wife and son.

He acted in more than 750 films in his career spanning four decades. He has been away from acting for a long time. Kaikala Satyanarayana was active in politics during the 90s. He won the Lok Sabha election from the Machilipatnam constituency.

He is the recipient of the 2011 Raghupathi Venkaiah Award and the 2017 Filmfare Award for lifetime achievement.

Kaikala Satynarayana made his debut in 1959. He was first noticed by D. L. Narayana, who offered him a role in his film 'Sipayi Koothuru' directed by Changayya in 1959. The film did not do well at the box office. It was a turning point in his career.

People felt a reflection of N.T. Rama Rao in him. They found him as a prospective candidate to play NTR's dupe. He played dupe to NTR in several movies. NTR offered Satyanarayana a role in his film Apoorva Sahasra Siraccheda Chintamani in 1960, which was directed by S. D. Lal. Satyanarayana played the role of a prince.

Satyanarayana established Rama Films production house. He produced Kodama Simham (1990), Bangaru Kutumbam (1994), Muddula Mogudu (1997), and others. He went on to appear in over 750 films.

Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan expressed profound grief over the demise of Kaikala Satyanarayana. Governor Sri Harichandan said Satyanarayana made a mark in the Telugu film industry with his performance in over 750 films and also served as the Member of Parliament in Lok Sabha, and was the recipient of the 2011 Raghupathi Venkaiah Award, and 2017 Filmfare Award for lifetime achievement in Telugu cinema.

The Governor offered his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.