Veteran actor and former Union Minister Uppalapati Krishnam Raju passed away on Sunday at the age of 83 while undergoing treatment at a private hospital. Raju was an uncle of popular Telugu actor Prabhas and after learning about his demise, several top celebrities are paying tribute to the deceased actor and expressing their condolences to his family.

Krishnam Raju was admitted to the hospital on August 5 and it has been reported that he was suffering from post-Covid-ailments. Amid getting treated, his health deteriorated and the veteran actor breathed his last on Sunday. Krishnam Raju was a two-time Lok Sabha MP and served as a Union Minister of State in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. 

Prominently known as 'Rebel Star', Krishnam Raju acted in over 180 movies and he was celebrated by a sea of cinema fans. Raju started his film career with the Telugu movie 'Chilaka Gorinka' in 1966. Within one year, he went on to share the screen space with NT Rama Rao in the movie 'Sri Krishnavataram'. He also acted in several movies with successful actresses Krishna Kumari, Rajasulochana, Jamuna, and Kanchana. 

He was active till his recent hospitalization. Known for his roles in Billa, Rebel, and Rudhramadevi after 2010, Krishnam Raju's last film was Radhe Shyam which got released earlier this year. Raju played the role of Paramahamsa in the movie in which his nephew Prabhas played the lead role. On the political front, Raju was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1998 and in 1999. 

During his second term as an MP,  he served as Union Minister of State for several portfolios including in the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Defence, and Ministry of Consumer Affairs. During his career in cinema, Raju was conferred with several awards including the Best Actor award and Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. He also won the Nandi Awards presented by the Government of Andhra Pradesh for those who excel in Telugu Cinema. 

Recently, he contracted the Covid pandemic and the post-Covid- complications have developed health discomforts. He was admitted to the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology Hospitals in Hyderabad last month and he passed away on Sunday. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao has paid tribute to Krishnam Raju. In his statement, Rao said that the death of Raju is a great loss for the Telugu silver screen. 

Chandrasekhar Rao further said, "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." In a statement, the hospital said that Raju was admitted on August 5 and he was diagnosed with severe pneumonia that was caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungal organisms. 

The hospital said, "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 September 11 and expired at 3.16 am today due to cardiac arrest."

After learning about Raju's demise, several Telugu stars are offering condolences. Actor Mahesh Babu took to Twitter and wrote, "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." Actress Anushka Shetty wrote, "Rest in peace our very own Krishnam Raju garu...a legend, a soul with the biggest heart...U will live in our hearts." 

Junior NTR wrote, "Deeply saddened by Krishnam Raju Garu's passing away. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace...". Actor Gopichandh Malineni took to Twitter and wrote, "Shocked and saddened by the sudden demise of Shri Krishnam Raju garu. We miss you, sir, may your soul rest in peace. Strength to Prabhas Garu and family." Actor Ram Pothineni tweeted, "Truly sorry to hear about Krishnam Raju garu...He was such a genuine & warm person. I express my sincere condolences to my brother Prabhas and family. Om Shanti."