Veteran Character Actor Fish Venkat Passes Away at 53
Fish Venkat, born Venkat Raj, a beloved figure in Telugu cinema known for his comedic flair and memorable supporting roles, has tragically passed away at the age of 53 after battling severe kidney and liver failure. He was admitted to a hospital in Hyderabad and remained on a ventilator for several days before succumbing to his illness on July 18, 2025.
🏥 Health Battle and Final Days
Venkat had been enduring terminal kidney failure for at least nine months, undergoing regular dialysis. Recently, his condition worsened dramatically due to a severe infection, leading to the failure of both his kidneys and liver. He had been unconscious for several days before his passing .
🎬 Cinematic Journey and Notable Roles
A native of Hyderabad, Venkat made his debut in the early 2000s and earned recognition with appearances in films like Kushi, Aadi, and Bunny. He gained prominence with Jr. NTR’s film Aadi, particularly for the line “Thoda Kottu Chinna,” and later became a fixture in director V.V. Vinayak’s circle.
Over his career, he delivered memorable performances in major films such as Gabbar Singh, Subramanyam for Sale, DJ Tillu, and most recently, Coffee with a Killer. His ability to blend humor into villainous ensembles made him a crowd favorite.
💸 Struggle for Medical Support
Venkat’s family publicly appealed for ₹50 lakh to fund a kidney transplant, even disconnecting calls to celebrities to seek assistance. While actor Pawan Kalyan generously donated ₹2 lakh earlier, and Vishwak Sen followed with another ₹2 lakh, calls for help were still open as no donor was found.
Reports of financial pledges from other stars, notably Prabhas, turned out to be false, leaving his family relying largely on small contributions and public support.
📝 Legacy and Public Reaction
Venkat brought unique energy and authenticity to every role. His comic timing and Telangana dialect left a lasting impact on genre films and mass entertainers across the Telugu film industry.
Fans, colleagues, and social media users have been expressing heartfelt condolences, sharing fond memories of his performances and kindness.
🎬 Final Wrap and Tributes
Fish Venkat’s passing marks a significant loss for the Telugu film fraternity. He will be remembered for his vibrant presence, humor, and dedication to his craft. He is survived by his wife, Suvarna, and daughter, Sravanthi, who fought bravely alongside him in his final days.
May Fish Venkat’s soul rest in peace. His unforgettable contributions to Telugu cinema will continue to entertain and inspire generations to come.
