Dharmavarapu passes away

Hyderabad: Senior comedian, writer and director Dharmavarapu Subramanyam died here at his residence in Dilsukhnagar here on Saturday night. He had been undergoing treatment for cancer for some time. Subramanyam was born on August 9, 1960, in a Telugu Brahmin family in Komminenivari Palem in Ballikuruva mandal in Prakasam district. He shot to fame with a comedy serial ‘Anando Brahma’.

He started his film career with ‘Jayammu Nischayammu Ra’ and acted in several films. His film ‘Nuvu Nenu’ is said to be a turning point in his filmy career. He had several super hits like ‘Dukudu and Bendu Apparao. Subramnayam had also directed a film Tokaleni Pitta. He had also been anchoring a popular politically satirical programme ‘Ding Dong’ on a regional channel. His last movie was ‘Greeku Veerudu,’ and was also said to be donning a role in ‘Rani Rudrama.’

Dharmavarapu also served as the Chairman of Andhra Pradesh Cultural Association. The news of his sudden demise came as a rude shock to the entire Telugu film fraternity. Senior actor and president of Movie Artistes Association M Murali Mohan expressed his shock over the death of Subramanyam. He said the film industry had lost a great actor, writer and a director.

He said Subramnayam was a great friend of his and had his own unique style in comedy. Another actor Ahuti Prasad said the death of Subramanyam was a personal loss to him. He said the year 2013 witnessed the loss of three senior actors.

In October, character artiste Srihari died and a month later comedian AVS passed away. Minister for Information and Public Relations D K Aruna conveyed her heart-felt condolences to the bereaved family.