Krishnam Raju, who was born in January 1940, passed away earlier today at a private hospital in Hyderabad. Known for the moniker Rebel Star, the 83-year-old actor was a proud winner of the Nandi Award for Best Actor, among others. He went on to win two more Nandis down the years.

It was in 1966 that he made a debut in movies with the film 'Chilaka Gorinka'. His eventful film career journey witnessed some of the most important credits like 'Jeevana Tarangalu', 'Bhakta Kannappa', 'Amara Deepam, 'Katakataala Rudraiah', 'Mana Voori Pandavulu', 'Rangoon Rowdy', 'Sita Ramulu', 'Bobbili Brahmanna', 'Tandra Paprayudu' and 'Palnati Pourusham', among others.

A full-time politician at one stage of his career, Raju was a Minister of State for the Ministry of External Affairs in the NDA government from 1999 to 2004. He later joined hands with Chiranjeevi's Praja Rajyam Party. The year 2009 was his last electoral contest.

Condolences:

Megastar Chiranjeevi, who called him a 'Peddanna', observed that Krishnam Raju was a true representative of the 'Rebel Star' vibe. "His demise is a personal loss. His passing away affects the film industry and lakhs of his fans," Chiru added.

Superstar Krishna said, "We were friends for decades. We got introduced via different films around the same time. He played a negative role in one of my early films. We also acted together as two male leads." The veteran also named several films in which the duo acted.

Nandamuri Balakrishna said that acting with Raju in two films will always be memorable. He recalled his family's association with the deceased man. He described Raju as a versatile actor and a kind human being.

Mohan Babu said that he is at a loss for words. He called Raju his brother. Manchu Vishnu wrote that his family has lost a dear elder. The 'Ginna' actor added that he is heartbroken. He changed his display picture on Twitter as a homage to Raju.

Jr NTR tweeted that he was deeply saddened by Krishnam Raju's passing away. "I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace," the 'RRR' actor wrote.

Mahesh Babu tweeted, "A very sad day for me and the entire industry. His life, his work and his immense contribution to cinema will always be remembered. My deepest condolences to Prabhas and the entire family during this difficult time."

Rest In Peace Rebel Star ! pic.twitter.com/BjSKeCbIMR

— Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) September 11, 2022

I am at loss of words! #KrishnamRaju my brother.

— Mohan Babu M (@themohanbabu) September 11, 2022

Shocked to learn that Krishnam Raju garu is no more... A very sad day for me and the entire industry. His life, his work and his immense contribution to cinema will always be remembered. My deepest condolences to Prabhas and the entire family during this difficult time ??

— Mahesh Babu (@urstrulyMahesh) September 11, 2022

Deeply saddened by Krishnam Raju Garu's passing away. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace…

— Jr NTR (@tarak9999) September 11, 2022