Bhupathiraju Rajagopal Raju, the father of popular Telugu actor Ravi Teja, breathed his last on Tuesday night at the age of 90, marking the end of a quiet life lived away from the spotlight despite his son's stardom.
According to the actor's publicists, the veteran pharmacist died of age-related ailments at the home of his son in Hyderabad. The information has rocked the Telugu movie world, and a huge number of fans of Ravi Teja have been sending their messages of condolence across social media sites.
Raju Gopal Raju was a very simple man who preferred to stay out of the limelight despite his son becoming one of the biggest names in the Telugu film industry. A hardworking pharmacist by career, he epitomised the values of a hard worker and simple person who would, in turn, impact his son with his ability to stay grounded despite his fame.
Ravi Teja had his childhood days characterized by the constant shifting of the family. They resided in different cities of India, such as Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bhopal, because of his father work-commitment. Rajagopal Raju worked long after his son became immensely successful in the film business and showed dedication to his job.
Both Rajagopal Raju and his wife Rajya Lakshmi seldom stepped out, despite their son having a celebrity tag. They did not want to be in the limelight; they decided to be behind the scenes in helping their son. This need to keep to themselves was a sign of their earthy attitude, and they wished to go on as normally as possible despite their celebrity family status.
The family has gone through very tough times in past. In 2017, they lost when their third son, actor Bharath Raju, was killed in a road accident by Rajagopal Raju. Rajagopal Raju survived with his wife Rajya Lakshmi and two sons, Ravi Teja and Raghu Raju.
The Telugu film industry has rallied around Ravi Teja during this difficult time. Megastar Chiranjeevi was among the first to offer condolences, sharing a heartfelt message through trade analyst Ramesh Bala. "I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ravi Teja's father, Raj Gopal Raju garu. I last met him on the sets of Waltair Veerayya. In this difficult time, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family. I pray for his soul to rest in peace," Chiranjeevi's message read.
Rajagopal Raju's passing marks the end of an era for the family. His influence on Ravi Teja's career and personal life cannot be overstated. The actor, who established himself as one of the highest-paid stars in Telugu cinema during the 2000s, often credited his father's values and work ethic for his success.
The family is currently making arrangements for the final rites, with further details awaited. Ravi Teja's father will be remembered not just as the parent of a star but as a man who lived with dignity, worked with dedication, and valued family above all else.
