Telugu actor and comedian Fish Venkat, whose real name was Venkat Raj, passed away on July 18 at the age of 53 due to complications arising from kidney-related ailments, according to Telangana Today. He breathed his last at a hospital in Hyderabad on Friday.
Venkat had been undergoing treatment for severe kidney problems for the past several months. Despite regular dialysis sessions, his condition deteriorated, and he was eventually moved to intensive care. Doctors recommended an urgent kidney transplant after he was placed on a ventilator. Unfortunately, a suitable donor could not be found in time, and despite continued medical efforts, he succumbed to kidney failure.
Well-known for his comic and villainous roles, Fish Venkat appeared in more than 100 Telugu films, including popular titles such as Gabbar Singh, Adhurs, DJ Tillu, Kushi, Dhee, Bunny, and Mirapakay. He earned the nickname ‘Fish’ after a memorable comedy scene involving a fish market, which became his trademark.
His career took a significant turn under the mentorship of the late director Dasari Narayana Rao, who introduced him in the film Sammakka Sarakka. Over the years, Venkat carved out a unique space for himself in Tollywood with his impeccable comic timing and expressive supporting roles.
His most recent appearance was in the Aha thriller Coffee with a Killer.
In the final stages of his illness, Venkat’s family faced financial hardship in managing his medical expenses. His daughter, Shravanthi, had made a public appeal seeking financial assistance for his kidney transplant, as the cost of the procedure was beyond their means.
Fish Venkat’s death marks the end of a vibrant chapter in Telugu cinema. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter and memorable performances.
