Versatile actor Nutan Prasad passes away

One of Telugu film industry’s most versatile actor and popular actors, Nutan Prasad, passed away on Wednesday after a brief illness. The 61-year-old actor, who had been facing health problems since the past few days, breathed his last while being shifted to the Apollo Hospital.

According to family sources, the actor’s condition had deteriorated recently and had turned critical early on Wednesday. His family members were shifting him to hospital but he breathed his last on the way.

One of the most respected and admired actors in the Telugu film industry, Nutan Prasad leaves behind one son and two daughters.

Nutan Prasad’s acting career began with a play ‘Naa Votu’, which was staged in the buildup to the Municipal elections in Guntur.

Born on October 10, 1950, Nutan Prasad first tasted success in the film ‘Mutyala Muggu’, along with Rao Gopal Rao. His first film was Andala Ramudu and his role as Satan in the film ‘Rajadhi Raju’ brought his versatility to the fore.

Known for his dialogue delivery, Nutan Prasad’s one liners were very popular in among the audience. His dialogues, “Nagaram Klishta Paristhitullo Undi” and “Nootokka Jillalaku Andaganni” are still mouthed by his innumerable fans.

The versatile actor is most remembered with his on-screen association with Rao Gopala Rao and their team brought to light some of the most memorable scenes in Telugu film history.

Nutan Prasad’s versatility as an actor was more than proved when he essayed various kinds of role on screen, and he will always be remembered for introducing the comic villain persona.

He managed to usher in a new era by playing the villain whose devious deeds are masked with comic capers. In fact, he was instrumental in inspiring many script writers to pen storylines in which the villain was portrayed with humour.

Nutan Prasad had won the admiration and love from legendary actors such as NT Rama Rao, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Krishna, Chiranjeevi and others with his ability to essay different roles with aplomb. He could carry off roles of a villain, comedian, character artiste, with ease. This earned him recognition and a Nandi award for the best actor in a supporting role in 1984.

In 2005, Nutan Prasad was bestowed with NTR National award.

The actor had met with an accident while shooting for ‘Bamma Maata Bangaru Baata’ in 1989 and was since then confined to a wheelchair.

However, Nutan Prasad made a comeback with a programme on the small screen and also became a voice over artiste. His programme ‘Neralu Ghoralu’ on ETV 2 was immensely appreciated and went on to become a trendsetter on television.

Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu, Movie Arists' Association (MAA), president M Murali Mohan and members of the film industry expressed immense grief on the news of his death.