Amartya Smaran
Late actor-politician Nandamuri Taraka Ratna suffered a massive heart attack on January 27 whilst canvassing in Kuppam town of Andhra Pradesh for his cousin and Telugu Desam Party’s national general secretary Nara Lokesh.The 4000 km Yuva Galam Padayatra briefly came to a stand still and he was put under the constant supervision of experts.
Exactly 23 days after the harrowing incident, the 39 year old actor breathed his last on Saturday at Narayana Hrudayalaya Hospital, Bengaluru. A week prior to his demise, doctors from abroad were flown in to treat his condition.
Despite all their efforts, Taraka Ratna succumbed to various complications caused due to the heart attack. It is said that his condition progressively deteriorated post the unforeseen incident.
In the aughts, the actor made headlines for signing nine films in one single day.A feat that none achieved at the time and the record still holds strong. Taraka Ratna made his foray into films with Okato Number Kurraadu in 2002. The groovy soothing songs in the film (Music by M.M.Keeravani) were quite a sensation back then and the young Taraka Ratna couldn’t have asked for a better launch. Okato Number Kurraadu was produced by Ashwini Dutt of Vyjayanthi movies and it was directed by A. Kondandarami Reddy.
Looking back at his two decades tumultuous journey in the film industry, in one of the recent interviews, the Okato Number Kurraadu star said, “It was my dream to get into movies. It’s been twenty years since I got into films. It’s been good so far and life goes on. Putting all the ups and downs aside, I’m happy with my life.”
Although he starred in a few other films such as Yuva Rathna, Taarak, and Bhadradri Ramudu after a promising debut, he couldn’t cement his place as a bankable leading man. To resurrect his career, he started picking roles that offered room for performance.
His performance in Ravi Babu’s Amaravathi (2009) for which he received the Nandi award for Best villain, is considered to be his best performance to date. In 2016, he donned the role of a villain in Raja Cheyyi Vesthe.
Recently, he had also starred in a web show titled 9 hours and an experimental film titled S5 (No Exit). Just when his career was about to swerve into a promising direction, fate clinched it away from him.
The actor was particularly close to his uncle and actor Nandamuri Balakrishna. RRR sensation N.T. Rama Rao Jr and Bimbisara fame Nandamuri Kalyan Ram are his first cousins and they shared a good bond throughout.The duo was seen paying respects to the actor in Hyderabad.
The final rites will be held today at Mahaprasthanam crematorium, Hyderabad at 5:00 p.m, in the presence of his family members and fans.
Deeply saddened to learn of the tragic premature demise of#NandamuriTarakaRatna
Such bright, talented, affectionate young man .. gone too soon!
Heartfelt condolences to all the family members and fans! May his Soul Rest in Peace! — Chiranjeevi Konidela
Shocked and deeply saddened by the untimely demise of #TarakaRatna. Gone way too soon brother… My thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones during this time of grief. — Mahesh Babu
Profoundly saddened to learn about the tragic demise of dear Taraka Ratna after battling hard! He will always be fondly remembered for his kind-hearted nature towards everyone! My sincere condolences to his dear ones. Om Shanti — Ravi Teja
Heartbroken to learn of the passing away of#TarakaRatna garu. Gone to soon. My deepest condolences to his family, friends & fans. May he rest in peace. — Allu Arjun
The news of Nandamuri Tarakaratna’s death caused deep shock and grief. Efforts made to revive Tarakaratna, prayers of family members, fans and treatment by expert doctors did not yield results. For 23 days, Taraka Ratna fought hard in the face of death but finally he left us and that leaves our family sad. I pray to God to bring peace to Taraka Ratna’s soul. — N Chandrababu Naidu
Such a tragedy #TarakaRatna. I have no words to express my grief. — Mohan Babu M
Deeply saddened to know the demise of actor Nandamuri Taraka Ratna.
Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this time of grief. May his Soul Rest in Peace. Om Shanti — Harish Rao Thanneeru
Pained by the untimely demise of Shri Nandamuri Taraka Ratna Garu. He made a mark for himself in the world of films and entertainment. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti — PM Narendra Modi
