Guntur: Veteran Telugu stage and film actor Jayaprakash Reddy died of heart attack at his residence in Guntur on Tuesday. He was 74 and survived by wife and a son, family sources said.
He collapsed inside the bathroom on Tuesday morning and breathed his last.
Jayaprakash Reddy, popularly known as JP, began his career as a school teacher. His passion for acting drove him towards the stage and he played varied roles in countless dramas. He then attracted the attention of Telugu film industry and a variety of roles came his way.
Be it a hardcore villain or a comedian, JP fit into the roles with effortless ease and enthralled the audience. As a villain, he earned a unique identity speaking the Rayalaseema accent of Telugu, a novelty that became his USP and elevated the typical 'Seema' factionist.
JP acted in more than 100 films along side the top heroes of Telugu films like Chiranjeevi, Balakrishna, Nagarjuna, Venkatesh, Pawan Kalyan and Mahesh Babu.
Tributes poured in on Twitter from Nagarjuna, Venkatesh Daggubati, Mahesh Babu, Prakash Raj, Jr NTR, SS Rajamouli, Sudheer Babu, Genelia D'Souza, Kajal Aggarwal, Surender Reddy, Satyadev Kancharana and other actors and filmmakers.
Saddened by the passing of Jaya Prakash Reddy. Tollywood actor Mahesh Babu mentioned how the actor was Telugu film industry's finest actor. He said "Will always cherish the experience of working with him. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones," the tweet read.
Saddened by the passing of #JayaPrakashReddy garu. One of TFI's finest actor-comedians. Will always cherish the experience of working with him. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
— Mahesh Babu (@urstrulyMahesh) September 8, 2020
Nagarjuna, who shared screen space with Jaya Prakash Reddy in several films like Manmadhudu, King, Bhai and Adhipathi, tweeted: "He was a fine gentleman, Mr Jaya Prakash Reddy Garu... My condolences to his family and may his soul rest in peace."
He was a fine gentle man mr. Jaiprakash reddy Garu .. my condolences to his family and may his soul rest in peaceðŸ™
— Nagarjuna Akkineni (@iamnagarjuna) September 8, 2020
"I am extremely sad to hear about the sudden demise of my dear friend, Jaya Prakash Reddy garu. We were such a great combination onscreen. Will definitely miss him. RIP. Praying for his family and loved ones," tweeted Venkatesh Daggubati who co-starred with the late actor in several films like Ganesh, Tulasi and Brahma Puthrudu.
I am extremely sad to hear about the sudden demise of my dear friend #Jayaprakashreddy garu. We were such a great combination on screen. Will definitely miss him. #RIP ðŸ™ðŸ˜¢
— Venkatesh Daggubati (@VenkyMama) September 8, 2020
Praying for his family and loved ones 💔 pic.twitter.com/9E2FCVVXod
Om Shanti #Jayaprakashreddy Garu ðŸ™ðŸ» condolences your his family.
— Kajal Aggarwal (@MsKajalAggarwal) September 8, 2020
Director SS Rajamouli, in his eulogy piece, wrote: Shocked and saddened to know about the sudden demise of #JayaPrakashReddy garu.
Shocked & saddened to know about the sudden demise of #JayaPrakashReddy garu. Had great times working with him. Thanks for entertaining us with your versatility by portraying some memorable comedy and villian roles over the decades. May your soul rest in peace ðŸ™
— rajamouli ss (@ssrajamouli) September 8, 2020
Genelia Deshmukh, who shared screen space with Jaya Prakash Reddy in Ready, wrote, "RIP #Jayaprakashreddy garu .. Remembering fondly our great times at shoots.. Was always fun interacting with you.. Prayers and strength to the family
RIP #Jayaprakashreddy garu .. Remembering fondly our great times at shoots.. Was always fun interacting with you.. Prayers and strength to the family
— Genelia Deshmukh (@geneliad) September 8, 2020
