IIt was definitely a disconsolate Friday (December 23) for the entire nation. The news of the legendary Telugu actor, director, and producer Kaikala Satyanarayana passing away in the wee hours of Friday, had shook the Telugu film fraternity, along with his fans and the audience.
The news of Satyanarayana’s death has shook the Telugu film fraternity, along with his fans and the audience.
Kaikala Satyanarayana made his debut with Sipayi Koothuru in 1959. He was considered to be one of the greatest actors from the golden age of Telugu cinema. With every role he donned, be it as a character actor, antagonist or a protagonist, Kaikala always stood out and brought something unique to the table. He had acted in over 700 films and his range as a performer is incomparable.
After his debut film, Sipayi Koothuru failed at the box office, for about a year, filmmakers roped him in as Sr. NTR’s dupe for sharing striking resemblance with the star. It was Sr. NTR, who took a liking to young Kaikala and referred his name to the filmmakers. As a result, he was cast in a film called Sahasra Siracheda Apoorva Chinthamani in 1960. The film catapulted him to fame and crystallised his place as one of the most sought after villains for decades that followed. Thanks to Sr. NTR for finding such a magnificent actor.
Eighteen years after his debut, Kaikala Satyanarayana hit a new high in career with the role of Yama Dharma Raju in Sr. NTR’s Yamagola. The unique intonation with which he utters his name, “Yamunda!” still rings loud in the ears of the Telugu audience.
Taatha Manavudu, Samsaram Sagaram, Ramaiah Tandri, Devude Digivaste, Siri Siri Muvva,Tayaramma Bangarayya, and Karma were some of the iconic films that starred in. He was referred to as “ Navarasa Natana Sarvabhouma” for his ability to seep into characters with ease and emote with sheer perfection. It was the legendary director B. Vittalacharya who went out of his way to help the actor with his craft. His iconic villainous laugh in almost all of Vittalacharya’s films is still talked about to date.
He made his last significant appearance in a film titled Arundhati, which was released in 2009. In 2011, Kiakala Satyanarayana won the most prestigious “Raghupathi Venkaiah Award” by the Andhra Pradesh government.
He was awarded a lifetime achievement award in 2017 for his contribution in Telugu film industry.
Besides his acting career, it was in 1996, when the veteran actor joined the politics with Telugu Desam Party, winning Lok Sabha elections from Machilipatnam constituency. He was always a close follower of legendary actor and former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh NT Rama Rao. However, he later withdrew from politics after 1998.
Extremely saddened by the passing away of Kaikala Satyanarayana garu. I have some very fond memories of working with him. He will be missed. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.
-Mahesh Babu
Kaikala Satyanarayana Garu’s demise is a big shock. For over six decades, Kaikala Satyanarayana Garu mesmerised and entertained the Telugu audience with his range as a performer in the form of diverse mythological, social, historical and folk roles. Having worked in several films with my father, Kaikala Garu shared a friendly relation with my family. He played wonderful roles in my films as well. Besides being a good actor, he made his mark as a Member of Parliament. The services he rendered with great responsibility in film and public life are unforgettable. It is very unfortunate that he is not with us today. May his soul rest in peace and I’d like to express my deepest condolences to his family members.”
-Nandamuri Balakrishna
I’ve acted in many films with Kaikala Satyanarayana Garu. I’ve had the opportunity to observe his craft up close. He was a gem of an actor who possessed great spontaneity. He stood out for his ability to render dialogues like no other. He treated me like his “brother” and our bond grew stronger and thicker over the years. Rest in peace, Navarasa Natana Sarvabhouma Sri Kaikala Satyanarayana Garu.
-K. Chiranjeevi
Deeply saddened to hear the demise of Kaikala Satyanarayana Garu..
His contribution to our film industry will be remembered forever !!
May his soul rest in peace.
-Ram Charan
Grief-stricken by the demise of the legendary actor Kaikala Satyanarayana Garu. He is One of the finest actors Indian cinema has ever seen. My sincere condolences to his family & dear ones. Om Shanti
-Ravi Teja
The industry has lost another legend. Deeply saddened to hear the demise of Kaikala Satyanarayana. His contribution to our film industry will be remembered forever !! Om Shanti! My thoughts and prayers with the family !
-K Raghavendra Rao
Golden Era of Telugu Cinema has lost another Legend!
Deeply saddened by the news of the demise of Kaikala Satyanarayana garu. Extending our heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace.
-Vyjayanthi Movies
Pained by the passing away of noted film personality Shri Kaikala Satyanarayana Garu. He was popular across generations for his remarkable acting skills and diverse roles. My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti.
-Prime Minister Narendra Modi
