Telugu actor Gundu Hanumantha Rao passes away

Telugu comedian Gundu Hanumantha Rao. File photo.

Well-known Telugu cinema comedian Gundu Hanumantha Rao passed away in the wee hours of Monday in Hyderabad. He was 61.

Hanumantha Rao was ailing for some time with kidney problem and passed away at his home at 3 a.m., according to family sources. He is survived by a son. His wife predeceased him.

Born in Vijayawada on October 10, 1956 in a middle class family, Mr. Rao dabbled with theatre from a young age. The first role he essayed on stage was in a play called

Ravana Brahma in Vijayawada.

He got a big break when movie maker Jandhyala offered him a role in

Aaha Na Pellanta where he played a groom’s father who is hard of hearing. But it was his roles in TV serials like Amrutam which earned him acclaim and awards including three Nandi awards. He acted in over 400 movies.