"He was a fine gentleman, Mr Jaya Prakash Reddy"
Telugu actor Jaya Prakash Reddy has died at the age of 73. He passed away at his home in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh on September 8, 2020.
It was reported that he suffered a cardiac arrest.
Jaya’s death has shocked and saddened those in the film industry.
He made his film debut when he was in his 40s. He had been working as a police officer when he was given the opportunity to act in Venkatesh’s 1988 film Brahma Puthrudu.
However, his big break came 10 years later with Nandamuri Balakrishna’s 1999 film Samarasimha Reddy.
Jaya’s film roles as the antagonist made him a household name and he went on to star in a number of Telugu and Tamil films.
He was a master of dialects as he could effortlessly speak Telugu slang.
While Jaya was a sought-after actor to play villainous roles in Telugu films, he was also very good at playing comedic roles.
In the 2008 romantic-comedy Ready, he played a village hothead to great comical effect. Two years later, he reprised the role in the Tamil remake Uthamaputhiran, which had Dhanush in the lead role.
Jaya dubbed for himself in Tamil as his grasp on the language was flawless. This talent helped him deliver some of the funniest performances of his career.
Tributes poured in on social media from film personalities.
Nagarjuna, who acted with Jaya in several films, said:
“He was a fine gentleman, Mr Jaya Prakash Reddy Garu… My condolences to his family and may his soul rest in peace.”
Venkatesh Daggubati posted: “I am extremely sad to hear about the sudden demise of my dear friend, Jaya Prakash Reddy garu.
“We were such a great combination onscreen. Will definitely miss him. RIP. Praying for his family and loved ones.”
Mahesh Babu wrote a heartfelt tribute: “Saddened by the passing of Jaya Prakash Reddy garu.
“One of the Telugu film industry’s finest actor-comedians.”
“Will always cherish the experience of working with him. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Saddened by the passing of #JayaPrakashReddy garu. One of TFI's finest actor-comedians. Will always cherish the experience of working with him. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
— Mahesh Babu (@urstrulyMahesh) September 8, 2020
Riteish Deshmukh wrote: “Thank you for all the entertainment Jaya Prakash Reddy garu… deepest condolences, prayers & strength to the family and the loved ones.”
Jaya Prakash Reddy’s tragic death has left a huge void in the film industry, with almost 100 films to his name.
He was a unique actor who could perform equally well in humorous roles as he did as a villain.
Jaya Prakash Reddy is survived by his wife Radha and two sons, Niranjan and Dushyanth.
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