Veteran Telugu actor J V Ramana Murthy passed away on Wednesday night (June 23) due to massive heart attack in Hyderabad. According to the reports, his family members admitted him in a nearby private hospital in Ameerpet when he was suffering from chest pain and doctors announced his death. The 83-year-old yesteryear actor is survived by his wife, two sons (Arun Kumar and Harshavardhan) and two daughters (Sarada and Natana).
Born in 1933 at Lukulam Agraharam in Srikakulam district, Ramana Murthy, the younger brother of prominent actor JV Somayajulu, made his debut in the film 'MLA' in 1957 and acted in over 150 films. The actor, who was mainly featured as a fatherly characters or temple priest went on to acquire strong character roles. The actor has appeared in recent films like ‘Arya’, ‘Shankar Dada MBBS’ and ‘Thummeda’.
He holds a degree in science and also served as a teacher before he entered into the film industry. While working as a teacher, he earned good name as stage artist and as a director too. The actor is popular for essaying the role of Girisham in the play Kanyasulkam penned by Gurajada Apparao. He essayed the role for over 1000 times in his 4 decade long career and acquired the title Apara Girisham.
He also impressed audience as solo hero. People still remember his performance in ‘Bava Maradallu’. He essayed important roles in the films like ‘Nithya Kalyanam Pacha Toranam’,’Atta Okinti Kodale’, ‘Manchi Manasuku Manchi Rojulu’ and ‘Sabhash Ramudu’. The actor however disappeared for some time and again made his comeback with the film ‘Amayakuralu’. He played unforgettable roles under the direction of top directors like Katta Subbarao, K Viswanath and Balachander. He is well known with the films like ‘Mangalya Balam’, ‘Batasari’, ‘Dongala Dopidi’, ‘Katakatala Rudrayya’, ‘Maro Charitra’, ‘Siri Siri Muvva’, ‘Gorintaku’, ‘Guppedu Manasu’, ‘Idi Katha Kadu’, ‘Subhodayam’, ‘Aakali Rajyam’, ‘Gadasari Atta Sogasari Kodalu’, ‘Saptapadi’, ‘Subhalekha’, ‘Andhrakesari’, ‘Sirivennela’ and ‘Karthavyam’ and many more.
Originally from educated family, the actor’s biggest passion wss acting. Acting was his dream since childhood. He had played many stage shows by forming an association with his friends. The actor is popular for essaying the role of Girisham in the play Kanyasulkam penned by Gurajada Apparao and he essayed the role for over 1000 times in his career. Late Sri NTR, who played Girisham role on silver screen in 1954, had himself praised the veteran actor, “Girisham role is for you only. You were not there in the cine field at that time, so I played the role.” Later NTR and Ramana Murthy together acted in the films like ‘Sabhash Ramudu’ and ‘Manchi Manasuku Manchi Rojulu’.
The veteran actor recently received Life Time Achievement Award by Andhra Pradesh government for his contribution as stage artist.
Andhra Pradesh honorable Chief Minister Nara Chandra Babu Naidu offers condolence to Ramana Murthy.
“JV Ramana Murthy demise is the major loss for the Telugu film industry. It’s a sad news that he is no more with us. I convey my sincere condolences to the bereaved family members and prays for his soul to rest in peace.”
