Cinema

Legendary Telugu actor, who is known for acting in over 750 films, passes away at 87: Condolences pour in!

By alagu, 23 December, 2022
Telugu Film Industry, Tollywood

Legendary Telugu actor Kaikala Satyanarayana has passed away on Friday - December 23 at the age of 87 in Hyderabad due to age-related ailments. The Indian movie industry is mourning for the demise of yet another doyen in 2022. Satyanarayana was celebrated as one of the most influential actors in the cinema ecosystem and particularly, he was in a club of actors who appeared in more number of movies. 

In his decades-long career, Satyanarayana had acted in over 750 films and he is more prominent for his versatile roles. Besides being an iconic star, Satyanarayana was also a politician and served as a Lok Sabha MP from Telugu Desam Party. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Machilipatnam constituency and he was the recipient of the 2011 Raghupathi Venkaiah Award and 2017 Filmfare Award for lifetime achievement in Telugu cinema.

Kaikala Satyanarayana was born on July 25, 1935, in Kavutaram village in Krishna district. He was graduated from Gudivada college and Satyanarayana was first noticed by DL Narayana and the latter offered a role to the former in his movie 'Sipayi Koothuru' in 1959. Satyanarayana was noticed for his resemblance to legendary actor NT Rama Rao. The Telugu movie makers employed Satyanarayana as a dupe to NT Rama Rao. 

Satyanarayana went on to play as a dupe to NT Rama Rao in several movies. There was no turnback for Satyanarayana and even NT Rama Rao offered him a role in his film 'Apoorva Sahasra Siraccheda Chintamani' in 1960 and in this movie, Satyanarayan played as a prince. Amidst a successful tenure in acting, Satyanarayana had also played in villain roles - mostly in NT Rama Rao and Chiranjeevi movies. Being an ace and astute actor, Satyanarayana had established himself as a towering thespian. 

Satyanarayana appeared in over 750 films and he started his own production house - Rama Films and produced movies like 'Kodama Simham', 'Bangaru Kutumbam', and 'Muddula Mogudu'. He stepped into politics in 1996 but didn't have a good political run. Satyanarayana's appearance in the 1977 NT Rama Rao-starrer 'Yamagola' gave him a significant breakthrough. He also played Yama Dharmaraja in the movie 'Yamudiki Mogudu' starred by Chiranjeevi. 

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      A gem in his crown: Satyanarayana as Yama Dharmaraja 

 

He also acted in several languages including Hindi, Kannada, and Tamil. Satyanarayana had appeared in the Tamil films 'Panchatanthiram' and 'Periyar'. His appearance in Anushka-starrer 'Arundhati' was one of his final projects. After Arundhati that was released in 2009, Satyanarayana acted only in four movies. The octagenarian was suffering from age-related ailments and he was hospitalized in November 2021 after he fell down in his home. 

Later he had recovered and he wasn't active completely. He was living at his Jubilee Hills residence in Hyderabad and in the morning hours of Friday, he breathed his last at his residence. Satyanarayana was 87 and is survived by his wife Nageshwaramma, two sons and two daughters. After learning about his demise, several actors and political leaders have been paying tribute to the legendary actor. His family has announced that the last rites will take place at Mahaprasthanam on December 24. 

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One of the lasts but everlasting: Satyanarayana in the movie 'Arundhati'. 

 

Veteran actor Chiranjeevi took to Twitter and wrote, "Rest in peace. Navarasa Natana Sarvabhouma. Sri Kaikala Satyanarayana garu." Ram Charan tweeted, "Deeply saddened to hear the demise of Kaikala Satyanarayana Garu...His contribution to our film industry will be remembered forever!! May his soul rest in peace." Actor Ravi Teja wrote, "Grief-stricken by the demise of the legendary actor Kaikala Satyanarayana garu. He is one of the finest actors Indian cinema has ever seen. My sincere condolences to his family & dear ones. Om Shanti." 

Actor Nani wrote, "Kaikala Satyanarayana gaaru, One of my favourite actors from golden era of Telugu cinema. Mana intlo Manishi la anipistharu. Legendary body of work. Condolences to family." Actor Kalyanram Nandamuri took to Twitter and wrote, "Saddened to know about the passing of Kaikala Satyanarayana garu. An absolute legend who immortalized many characters on our Telugu silver screen. Om Shanti." 

Besides actors, several national leaders have also expressed their condolences to the deceased. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and wrote, "Pained by the passing away of noted film personality Shri Kaikala Satyanarayana Garu. He was popular across generations for his remarkable acting skills and diverse roles. My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti." 

 

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