Telugu actor Fish Venkat passes away due to kidney failure

Telugu actor Venkat Raj, popularly known in the film community as Fish Venkat, has passed away. Reports indicate that Venkat had suffered kidney failure and succumbed to the disease on Friday while receiving medical care at a private hospital in Hyderabad. He was 53.

Venkat enjoyed a career in Telugu cinema that spanned over 25 years. He made his debut in 2000 in Sammakka Sarakka, a Telugu action drama featuring a stellar cast that included Dasari Narayana Rao, Roja, Ramya Krishna, and Prakash Raj. His other notable roles included DJ Tillu, Allu Arjun’s Bunny, and Dhee, which starred Vishnu Manchu and Genelia Deshmukh.

The actor has also played villainous roles in multiple films, including Madrasi, Ashok, Radha, and Babu Bangaram. Venkat’s final on-screen role was in R. P. Patnaik’s comedy thriller, Coffee with a Killer.

In recent months, Venkat has been undergoing dialysis for his kidney ailment, which escalated to the point of requiring an organ transplant. Since the procedure comes with a heavy cost, his daughter sought financial assistance through crowdfunding for Rs 50 lakh. Recently, news broke out that famed actor Prabhas had pledged the full amount for the family, but the rumours were later debunked. Nevertheless, members of the Telugu community stepped up for Venkat, with the likes of Pawan Kalyan and Vishwak Sen extending financial help.

According to reports, Fish Venkat is survived by his wife, Suvarna, and his daughter, Sravanthi.

 

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