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Rallapalli Venkata Narasimha Rao: A protean Telugu artiste

Rallapalli, who has appeared in a variety of roles in over 850 films through his career, died of natural causes on Friday.

The death of actor Rallapalli Venkata Narasimha Rao has come as a huge loss to Telugu film industry. The versatile actor has appeared in a variety of eccentric roles in over 850 films through his career. Born on August 15, 1945 in Rachapalli village, East Godavari district, Rallapalli moved to Hyderabad in 1958 and completed his Intermediate from the Government college in Nampally. While in college, he wrote and directed the Telugu play Marani Samsaram, for which he received an award from the then-popular actress Bhanumathi.

Starting in his childhood days, Rallapalli performed in nearly 8,000 plays before he entered the film industry with the film, Stree, in 1973. He gained widespread recognition in 1976 for his performance in B. S. Narayana’s Oorammadi Bathukulu. Subsequently, he acted in Thoorpu Velle Railu and Chali Cheemalu after which his career actually took off, and there was no looking back.

Thereafter, he appeared in popular films like Chillara Devullu, Seethakoka Chiluka, Subhalekha, Khaidi, Alaya Sikharam, Mantrigari Viyyankudu, Abhilasha, Sitara, Alapana, Nyayaniki Sankellu, April 1 Vidudala, and Mani Ratnam's Bombay among many others.

Before entering the film industry, Rallapalli worked in Railways and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. He pursued his Master’s degree in Philosophy (Telugu theater) at Telugu University, Hyderabad. He was a great chef and hosted a culinary television shows.

A few days ago, the 73-year-old actor was admitted to a hospital after he reported pain in his chest and difficulty in breathing. He passed away while under treatment at 6 pm on Friday.

Rallapalli is survived by his wife Swarajya Lakshmi and daughter Rashmitha. His other daughter, Vijayamadhuri, died at a young age while she was pursuing medicine. “Rallapalli’s funeral has been scheduled to be conducted on Monday after his daughter Rashmita returns from the US,” a source from the family informed.

Rallapalli and Chiranjeevi sharing a light moment during the MAA elections.Rallapalli and Chiranjeevi sharing a light moment during the MAA elections.

I pray that his soul rests in peace: Chiranjeevi
Chiranjeevi was good friends with Rallapally, and the two have appeared in several films together. “I met him first in Vani Mahal, Madras, while he was still doing stage plays. We acted in several films together after he entered the film industry. In fact, we met quite recently at the Movie Artiste Association (MAA) election. And a few days later, I hear that he has passed away. Rallapalli was a versatile actor and a good friend. I offer my condolences to his family members and pray that his soul rests in peace,” Chiranjeevi said.

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