Veteran Telugu actor and comedian Fish Venkat, whose real name was Venkat Raj, passed away on Friday in Hyderabad at the age of 53. He had been undergoing treatment for serious kidney-related ailments and had been on dialysis for several months. His health condition deteriorated recently, leading to his admission to the intensive care unit, where doctors recommended an urgent kidney transplant. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, including ventilator support, his condition continued to worsen, ultimately leading to his demise.
Fish Venkat was a beloved figure in the Telugu film industry, known for his unique comedic style and impeccable timing. Over the years, he carved a niche for himself, appearing in more than 100 films. He was introduced to the industry by the legendary director Dasari Narayana Rao in the film Sammakka Sarakka, which marked the beginning of a prolific acting career.
A Legend of Telugu Comedy Fish Venkat a Versatile actor
Venkat’s performances were widely appreciated by both audiences and critics. He became a household name through his roles in hit films such as Kushi, Bunny, Adhurs, Gabbar Singh, DJ Tillu, Slum Dog Husband, and Coffee with a Killer. His ability to effortlessly deliver comic punches made him a favorite among filmmakers and viewers alike.
The news of his passing has left fans and colleagues in shock, with many taking to social media to express their condolences and share fond memories. Fish Venkat leaves behind a legacy of laughter and entertainment that will be cherished for years to come.
In recent weeks, Fish Venkat’s daughter, Shravanthi, had made a heartfelt public appeal for financial assistance to support his urgent kidney transplant, which was estimated to cost around ₹50 lakh. Amid growing concern, some reports falsely claimed that actor Prabhas had come forward to help the family financially. However, the family quickly clarified that these reports were part of a scam involving impersonation.
Speaking to Suman TV, the family said, “Actually, nothing like that happened. We’ve been answering every call in the hope that someone might genuinely offer help. But an unknown person contacted us, pretending to be Prabhas Anna’s assistant. We later discovered it was a fake call. Prabhas doesn’t even know that something like this is going on. As of now, we haven’t received any financial support.”
The incident highlighted not only the desperation of the family’s situation but also the unfortunate exploitation that can occur during vulnerable times.
Despite the challenges, genuine support did come through for Fish Venkat’s family. Actor Pawan Kalyan donated ₹2 lakh, while actor Vishwak Sen and a Telangana state minister also extended help. Unfortunately, a suitable kidney donor could not be located in time, and Venkat’s condition continued to decline.
Fish Venkat is survived by his wife and three children. His untimely passing has left a deep void in the hearts of fans, colleagues, and the Telugu film fraternity. Known for his effortless comic timing and beloved screen presence, his death has sparked an outpouring of grief across the industry.
The loss comes amid a wave of sorrow for Tollywood, following the recent deaths of veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao Garu and actor Ravi Teja’s father, Rajagopal Raju. Together, these tragedies have cast a shadow over the community, reminding many of the fragility of life and the enduring impact of these cherished personalities
