Veteran Telugu actor and producer GV Narayana Rao dies of heart attack at 73, Chiranjeevi pays emotional tribute

The veteran actor's funeral will be held on August 28 at Vaikunta Mahaprasthanam crematorium.

Published on: Aug 27, 2026, 20:54:16 IST

By Santanu Das

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Renowned Telugu actor and producer G V Narayana Rao died in Hyderabad following a heart attack. Actor Karate Kalyani confirmed his death to news agency PTI on Thursday. Rao was 73.

Chiranjeevi shared a pic with the veteran actor to mourn his demise.

His funeral will be held on August 28 at Vaikunta Mahaprasthanam crematorium in Hyderabad.

About his career

Rao made his acting debut in 1976 with Antuleni Kadha directed by veteran K Balachandar. Rao, a contemporary of superstars Chiranjeevi and Rajinikanth, acted in about 100 films and several TV serials. Some of his successful films include Chilakamma Cheppindi, Muthyala Pallaki, Chiranjeevi's Gang Leader and Hitler. He became a familiar presence on television too, appearing in popular serials including Pasupu Kumkuma and Sundarakanda.

He was also a prominent film producer who worked in the industry for nearly five decades. He backed several hit films, especially starring Chiranjeevi, including Devanthakudu, Yamudiki Mogudu, Chettaniki Kallu Levu, Intikoka Rydramma.

Chiranjeevi in shock

Chiranjeevi took to X to pen an emotional tribute to the veteran producer. He wrote in Telugu, "The news that renowned senior actor and producer, my dear friend GV Narayanan Rao garu, is no more has left me in profound shock.

He was introduced to the silver screen with the 1976 film Antuleni Katha, and through his distinctive acting in numerous films and several television serials, he earned a special place in the hearts of audiences.

I shared a very close bond with Narayanan Rao garu. As a producer who made films like Devanthakudu and Yamudiki Mogudu with me, our journey is filled with countless sweet memories. Praying to the Lord that his soul attain peace, I convey my deepest condolences to his family members, close associates, and admirers. Om Shanti."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Santanu Das
Santanu Das is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over 5 years of experience, writing on films, pop culture and film festivals. He has a keen interest in writing about South Asian independent films and has covered several film festivals, including Sundance and CPH: Docx. He also brings a sharp perspective to the monthly column called The Fault in Our Stars, where he writes about a recent film/series and what stops the ‘good’ from becoming ‘great’. A gold medalist from Banaras Hindu University, Santanu completed his postgraduate studies in English from Jadavpur University. He is also a Rotten Tomatoes-certified film critic. When not watching films or speaking to celebrities, Santanu can be found reading a book. Some of his favourite films are Aparajito, Ponyo and The Double Life of Veronique. His favourite books include The Corrections, The God of Small Things and A Room of One's Own. Santanu continues to write passionately about films and celebrity culture. He brings a relatable, as well as critically informed, lens to entertainment and culture for a wide audience. Find him on LinkedIn: santanudasfilm Instagram: @santupechaRead More

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