Veteran Telugu actor and comedian Fish Venkat, known for his unique comic timing, passed away at the age of 53 in Hyderabad due to complications from kidney failure.
A Beloved Figure in Telugu Cinema
Fish Venkat, whose real name was Venkat Raj, became a household name in the Telugu film industry. He was highly regarded for his distinctive and effortless comedic performances, making audiences laugh in over 100 films throughout his career.
He was introduced to the world of cinema by the late esteemed filmmaker Dasari Narayana Rao in the movie “Sammakka Sarakka.” This debut marked the beginning of a memorable journey where he carved out a niche for himself with his unique acting style.
Notable Roles and Fan Favorites
Venkat’s versatility shone through in a wide range of roles. He left a lasting impression in numerous popular films, including blockbusters like “Kushi,” “Bunny,” “Adhurs,” and “Gabbar Singh.” More recently, his work in “DJ Tillu,” “Slum Dog Husband,” and “Coffee with a Killer” continued to earn him appreciation from fans and critics alike.
A Difficult Battle for Health
For several months, Fish Venkat had been bravely battling severe kidney-related health issues. His condition had recently worsened, leading to his hospitalization and intensive care. Doctors had recommended an urgent kidney transplant, estimated to cost around Rs 50 lakh, as his best hope.
Despite receiving ongoing dialysis and ventilator support, his health continued to decline. The search for a suitable kidney donor proved challenging and ultimately, one could not be found in time.
Community Rallies, but Scammers Emerge
In a desperate attempt to fund his life-saving transplant, Venkat’s daughter, Shravanthi, made a public appeal for financial assistance. This plea, unfortunately, also attracted scammers. There were misleading reports claiming actor Prabhas had provided financial aid, but the family clarified these were part of a scam involving impersonators.
They revealed to Suman TV that an unknown person had called, pretending to be Prabhas’s assistant, which later turned out to be a fake call. They had not received any financial help from that source.
However, genuine support did come through. Actor Pawan Kalyan generously donated Rs 2 lakh, and contributions were also received from actor Vishwak Sen and a Telangana state minister. These acts of kindness highlighted the strong bonds within the film community.
- Fish Venkat, a veteran Telugu comedian, passed away at 53 from kidney complications.
- He starred in over 100 films, known for his distinct comedic timing.
- His family appealed for funds for a kidney transplant, receiving genuine help from figures like Pawan Kalyan, despite facing a scam.
Fish Venkat is survived by his wife and three children. His untimely demise has plunged the Telugu film fraternity into mourning, adding to a period of grief marked by other recent losses within the industry.
