Hyderabad, Sep. 11 (PTI): Former Union Minister and veteran actor Uppalapati Krishnam Raju passed away on Sunday wee hours while undergoing treatment at a private hospital here, hospital sources said.
He was 83 and is survived by wife and three daughters.
Raju was uncle of 'Baahubali' star Prabhas.
Hospital sources said he was suffering from post-COVID-19 ailments. He was admitted to hospital on August 5.
He was a two-time Lok Sabha member and served as Union Minister of state in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Ministers of Telugu states, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy and several film personalities were among condoled his death.
"Saddened by the passing away of Shri UV Krishnam Raju Garu. The coming generations will remember his cinematic brilliance and creativity. He was also at the forefront of community service and made a mark as a political leader. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti," Modi tweeted.
Known as 'Rebel Star', Raju acted in over 180 films and remained a trendsetter with his rebellious characters. He started his film career with Telugu movie 'Chilaka Gorinka' in 1966. His last film was Prabhas-starrer 'Radhe Shyam'.
He won several awards and accolades for various roles he portrayed in films.
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao in a statement condoled his death.
KCR said that the death of Krishnam Raju, who acted as a hero in many films during a fifty-year career and won the hearts of moviegoers as a 'Rebel Star' with his unique acting style, is a great loss for the Telugu silver screen.
He further said the death of Krishnam Raju served the people of the country as a member of the Lok Sabha, as a Union Minister and through the field of political administration, is sad.
Rao instructed officials to conduct the last rites of Krishnam Raju with official honours.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy in a tweet said "The death of former Union Minister and famous film actor Rebel Star Krishnam Raju is sad. His services to the people as an actor and political leader are memorable. Deepest condolences to the family members of Krishna Raju, wishing his soul to rest in peace."
Condoling the former minister's death, Telangana BJP chief Bandi Sanjay Kumar in a statement said the death of Krishnam Raju is painful and a big loss to the BJP, Telugu film industry and people.
The AIG Hospitals where he was undergoing treatment, in a statement, said he was admitted for post COVID complications on August 5. He was diagnosed with severe pneumonia caused by multidrug resistant bacteria and fungal organisms, severe infective bronchitis.
He had heart rhythm disturbances during the hospital stay and worsening of kidney function. He was managed on ventilator support since admission.
He was on appropriate treatment and close monitoring was done.
"He succumbed to severe pneumonia and its complications on 11.9.22 and expired at 3.16 AM today due to cardiac arrest," it said.
Former Union Minister and ace Telugu actor Chiranjeevi in a tweet recalled his association with the departed leader.