Telugu cine world grieves for Harikrishna

News of actor-politician Nandamuri Harikrishna's death in a road accident on Wednesday morning cast a pall of gloom over the Telugu film industry.

Several celebrities from the Telugu and Tamil film fraternities expressed shock and offered their condolences to the family.

Allu Arjun, one of the top stars of Telugu cinema, tweeted: "I am out of country and just heard the bad news! Very very shocking ... Heartfelt condolences to the entire Nandamuri family, near and dear ones."

Actor Nani also took to Twitter to express his condolences. "Shocked to know about the sudden demise of Harikrishna garu," he wrote. "Never got to meet him in person, but it feels like I always knew him."

Star Mahesh Babu said, "Deeply saddened by the news of Harikrishna garu's untimely demise. May his soul rest in peace. Strength and love to my brother Junior NTR and his entire family in this time of grief."

Actresses Rakul Preet Singh and Samantha Akkineni, too, were among those to react to news of the accident.

Rakul Preet Singh tweeted, "Shocked to hear about Sri Harikrishna garu’s demise in a tragic road accident! He shall always be fondly remembered!" 

Samantha, who was in Chennai attending the 100th day success function of her film Irumbu Thirai (2018), said she was "shocked and saddened".

Actors from the Tamil film industry, too, offered their condolences to the Nandamuri family. Tamil Film Producers' Council president Vishal, in his condolence message, said it was "very disheartening and shocking" to hear of the sudden demise of Nandamuri Harikrishna.

Harikrishna was driving to Kavali in Nellore district to attend the wedding of a fan when the accident occurred. The actor-politician was driving the vehicle himself when it crashed into the median on the Nalgonda highway.

Harikrishna was reportedly thrown out of the vehicle and suffered serious head injuries. He was rushed to the Kamineni Medical College and Hospital where he was declared dead at 7.30am.