Veteran actor Gummadi passes away

Veteran actor Gummadi Venkateswara Rao died at Care Hospital in Hyderabad on Tuesday night.

He was 83. Born on July 9, 1927 in a farmer's family, Gummadi played different roles in over 500 films and proved himself as a versatile artiste.

Gummadi entered the film industry in 1950 with 'Adrushta Deepudu' as hero. However, he played as character artiste and villain in many films. He bagged the silver medal from the President in 1953 for his role in 'Mahamantri Timmarusu' as Appaji.

His roles in Maya Bazar, Raja Makutam, Ardhangi, Thodu Dongal, Nammina Bantu, Illarikam, Keelu Bommalu, Jyothi, Antastulu, Ee Charitra Ye Sirato, Maro Malupu and in many number of films brought him name and fame.

Contemporary of the late NT Rama Rao, Akkineni Nageswara Rao and SV Ranga Rao; Gummadi was popular in the role of a father to many lead actors in old Telugu films.

He would be cremated in Hyderabad on Thursday.