Veteran Telugu actor and producer GV Narayana Rao has passed away at the age of 73. The actor-producer breathed his last on August 27, 2026, following health issues. His demise has prompted condolences from several members of the Telugu film industry.
GV Narayana Rao passes away at 73
According to a report by Cine Josh, GV Narayana Rao had been dealing with health problems for some time. Born in Kurumaddali village in Krishna district, he trained at the Madras Film Institute before beginning his career in cinema.
Narayana Rao made his acting debut with K. Balachander’s Anthuleni Katha in 1976. He subsequently appeared in lead roles in films including Muthyala Pallaki, Oka Oori Katha, Chilakamma Cheppindi, and Oorukichchina Maata. He later transitioned to supporting roles and became part of more than 100 films.
GV Narayana Rao’s association with Rajinikanth and Chiranjeevi
Narayana Rao shared a close bond with Rajinikanth, with the two having been batchmates at a film institute in Chennai. They trained together before establishing themselves in the film industry.
He also shared a strong professional association with Chiranjeevi. The two worked together in several films, including Chattaniki Kallu Levu, Manchu Pallaki, Raja Vikramarka, Gang Leader, and Hitler.
Narayana Rao eventually ventured into film production, backing projects such as Chiranjeevi’s Devanthakudu and Yamudiki Mogudu. He later remade Yamudiki Mogudu in Tamil as Athisaya Piravi, starring Rajinikanth.
GV Narayana Rao’s work in films and television
Across a career spanning nearly five decades, Narayana Rao acted in close to 200 films and remained active in both cinema and television. He appeared in popular serials including Pasupu Kumkuma and Sundarakanda.
His final film appearance came in the period comedy-drama Skylab, written and directed by Vishvak Khanderao. The film starred Nithya Menen, Satyadev and Rahul Ramakrishna, with Narayana Rao portraying Gowri’s father.
He was also seen in the television series Geethanjali, an official remake of the Tamil serial Sevvanthi.
