Tragedy struck Tollywood like a thunderbolt when Tollywood trendsetter Natasekhara Krishna made a heavenly abode leaving all in tears. It is known that Krishna was rushed to the Continental Hospital, Hyderabad following cardiac attack and doctors tried their best to save his life. However doctors couldn't save him as he suffered multiple organ failure. Krishna breathed his last at 4.09AM today morning.
Ghattamaneni Siva Rama Krishna Murthy born on 31 May 1942 in Burripalem, Andhra Pradesh entered the screen with Tena Manasulu. He quickly made an impression and with Goodhachari 116 he created a niche for himself. Instead of following the trend, he started creating his own trend.
Krishna was the first fan of any star to become an actor and attained stardom in the film industry. Krishna a diehard fan of legend NTR, competed with him, and while NTR made a name for himself as a mass hero, and ANR made a name for himself as a class hero, he filled the space with family entertainers. Krishna used to work round the clock and was known as the producers and directors hero which resulted in viewers getting treated with 18 of his films in a single year which was a record of sorts.
Krishna was renowned as a Sankranti star releasing his films and scoring hits competing with the likes of NTR, ANR, Sobhan Babu, Krishnam Raju, and others. Krishna is credited with introducing many firsts and setting a trend in Tollywood. first Cinemascope film – Alluri Seetharama Raju (1974), the first Eastmancolor film – Eenadu (1982), the first 70mm film – Simhasanam (1986), the first DTS film – Telugu Veera Levara (1995) and introducing cowboy genre to the Telugu screen. He starred in the spy films Gudachari 116 (1966), James Bond 777 (1971), Agent Gopi (1978), Rahasya Gudachari (1981), and Gudachari 117 (1989).
Krishna dared to take on Sr NTR when he became the CM with politically satirical films like Naa Pilupe Prabhanjanam, Mandaldheesudu, and Sahashame Na Upiri ext. Krishna apart from being a trendsetter is known for his generous attitude and helping nature. He starred in more than 350 films and for none of the films he received full remuneration. This shows how much he was concerned about the producers and the entire film unit. Krishna directed 17 feature films and produced many films under his Padmalaya Studios production company along with his brothers Adiseshagiri Rao and Hanumantha Rao. Krishna was one of the highest-paid Telugu actors during his time. In 2009, the government of India honored him with the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to Indian cinema. He was elected as a Member of Parliament for the Congress party in 1989. In 1997, he received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South in addition to an Honorary doctorate from Andhra University in 2008.
Condolences are pouring in from all quarters and Tollywood is in a state of shock and left gasping for words. Krishna is survived by Mahesh Babu, Manjula, Priyadarshini. Ghattamaneni family suffered unbearable and inconsolable losses as Mahesh Babu lost his mother Indira Devi recently and now Krishna passed away in a tragic manner. Sometime back, Mahesh Babu's brother Ramesh Babu breathed his last. No power on earth can fill the void left by Super Star Krishna's heavenly abode. Cinejosh offers floral tributes and tearful farewell to the doyen of Tollywood.