Telugu Comedy Icon Fish Venkat Dies at 53 After Prolonged Battle with Kidney Disease

Veteran actor known for his authentic Telangana accent and comic timing passes away in a Hyderabad hospital.

The Telugu film industry mourns the loss of beloved character actor Fish Venkat, who died on Friday at a private hospital in Hyderabad after a prolonged battle with kidney-related ailments. He was 53.

The actor, whose real name was Venkat Raj, had been undergoing dialysis treatment for several months before his condition deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks. Despite being placed on ventilator support and the medical team's best efforts, he succumbed to multiple organ failure on July 18.

Fish Venkat carved out a distinctive niche in Telugu cinema with his impeccable comic timing and authentic Telangana dialect. His nickname "Fish Venkat" originated from a particularly memorable comedic scene involving a fish market reference that became iconic among moviegoers. Over his two-decade career, he appeared in more than 100 films, becoming a recognisable face in both comedic and villainous roles.

The actor's notable filmography includes popular movies such as "Gabbar Singh," "Adhurs," "DJ Tillu," "Kushi," "Dhee," "Bunny," and "Mirapakay." His breakthrough came under the mentorship of late director Dasari Narayana Rao, who introduced him in the film "Sammakka Sarakka." Most recently, he appeared in the Aha thriller "Coffee with a Killer."

In his final months, Fish Venkat's family faced significant financial challenges in arranging for his medical treatment. His daughter Shravanthi had made public appeals for assistance, revealing that the family needed approximately ₹50 lakh for a kidney transplant that could have saved his life.

The Telugu film fraternity rallied around the family during this difficult time. Industry personalities, including actor-politician Pawan Kalyan and actor Vishwak Sen, provided financial support. However, despite these efforts and the medical team's dedication, a suitable kidney donor could not be found in time.

There was some confusion on social media regarding support from other major stars, with the family later clarifying that certain claims about assistance from actor Prabhas were false and part of a scam targeting the family during their vulnerable time.

Fish Venkat's contribution to Telugu cinema extended beyond mere entertainment. He brought cultural authenticity to his roles, particularly through his masterful use of the Telangana accent, making him a genuine representative of regional Telugu culture on screen. His performances resonated with audiences who appreciated his ability to infuse humour while maintaining the essence of local traditions and dialects.

Colleagues remember him as a dedicated artist who brought joy to millions through his performances. His loss is being felt deeply across the Telugu film industry, where he was respected not just for his talent but also for his humble nature and professional approach to his craft.

Fish Venkat's death highlights ongoing concerns about healthcare accessibility for artists in the entertainment industry and underscores the need for better support systems for performers facing medical emergencies.