NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, DEC 12
Veteran Telugu actor, writer and theatre personality Gollapudi Maruti Rao passed away in Chennai on Thursday, at the age of 80.
The actor breathed his last at 11.10 am at the Lifeline Hospital in Chennai, and his body would remain there till Saturday until his family members arrive from abroad. “From Saturday afternoon to Sunday afternoon, his body will be kept at his home for fans to pay tributes. His second son Ramakrishna will perform the last rites on Sunday afternoon in Chennai,” sources said.
It must be noted that Gollapudi Maruthi Rao was the director of the Telugu movie Prema Pusthakam, which was the debut movie of Thala Ajith. The movie was supposed to be Maruthi Rao’s son Srinivas’ debut, but he passed away due to a giant wave, and Maruthi Rao completed the movie, and had been encouraging debutant directors every year with Gollapudi Srinivas awards.
AP CM expresses grief
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has expressed his grief over the death of renowned writer, actor, editor and narrator Gollapudi Maruthi Rao.
In his message the Chief Minister said, “Known for his inimitable style of dialogue delivery and power-packed phrases in his short stories, plays and essays, the multifaceted Gollapudi, has earned a space of pride in the literary and cultural fields.” He offered his condolences to the bereaved family members’’.
Telangana CM condoles death
The twitter handle of the Telangana CMO posted, “CM Sri KCR has expressed shock over the demise of noted writer, actor and columnist Gollapudi Maruthi Rao. Recalled and hailed the services rendered by Sri Maruthi Rao to the Telugu cinema and Telugu literature and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family member.”
While Gollapudi Maruti Rao acted in over 280 films, he was best known for writing movies like Doctor Chakravarthy, Tharangini, Samsaram Chadharangam and Kallu among more. His contribution towards Telugu theatre includes plays like Rendu Rellu Aaru, Patita, Karuninchani Devatalu, Mahanatudu, Kaalam Venakku Tirigindi and Aasayaalaku Sankellu among more.
His last screen appearance was in 2019 Telugu film Jodi.
Born in Vizianagaram on April 14, 1939 in a middle-class family, Gollapudi Maruthi Rao completed his schooling and graduation in Visakhapatnam, and joined Andhra Prabha news daily in 1959. Later, he worked with All India Radio for almost two decades. Besides his cinematic work, he was also a noted columnist.
In 1997, he also established the Gollapudi Srinivas Memorial Foundation, which is responsible for the Gollapudi National Award, for the best first film of a director in Indian cinema.
Celebrities from the Telugu film industry also took to Twitter to express their condolences.
Mahesh Babu wrote on Twitter, “Deeply saddened by the sudden demise of #GollapudiMaruthiRao garu. His contribution to the TFI remains unparalleled. We have lost a gem. Heartfelt condolences to the family and dear ones. Rest in peace Sir”
Nano posted on Twitter, “Gollapudi Maruthi Rao gaaru, one of my most favourites.The way he spoke and the way he acted always felt so familiar and family like. You will always be remembered Sir”
“Shocked to hear about the demise of versatile actor and writer Gollapudi Maruthi Rao garu. Your works are always the reference points to many aspiring writers sir. Your contribution to TFI is unforgettable. Rest in peace #gollapudimaruthirao #RIPGollapudiMaruthiRao,” Manchu Manoj said via Twitter.
