Popular Telugu actor-comedian Jayaprakash Reddy dies at 74

Telugu actor Jayaprakash Reddy, popular for playing villainous and comical roles in films such as Preminchukundam Raa (1997), Samarasimha Reddy (1998) and Ready (2008), died this morning at his residence in Guntur town in Andhra Pradesh after suffering a heart attack. Reddy was 74.

A report on the TV9 news channel said Jayaprakash Reddy suffered the attack and collapsed in his bathroom this morning and died.

A theatre actor, Jayaprakash Reddy made his film acting debut with the Telugu film Brahma Puthrudu (1988). But it was not until the release of the Venkatesh-starrer Preminchukundam Raa almost a decade later that he gained recognition. Reddy played a menacing factionist in the movie and his Rayalaseema Telugu accent was widely appreciated.

Following the phenomenal response for his performance in Preminchukundam Raa, Reddy continued to play villainous roles for a few years. Some of the other memorable films in which he played the antagonist are Samarasimha Reddy, Jayam Manade Ra (2000), Narasimha Nayudu (2001) and Chennakesava Reddy (2002).

Later, he also gained popularity with his comic roles. Some of his best comic performances are in films like Dhee (2007), Ready, King (2008), Krishna (2008), Kick (2009), Anjaneyulu (2009) and Naayak (2013). His last on-screen appearance was in Mahesh Babu’s latest release Sarileru Neekevvaru (2020).

Filmmaker Anil Ravipudi, who worked with Jayaprakash Reddy on Sarileru Neekevvaru, was shocked to learn about his demise. “My travel with JP garu has always been special," Anil tweeted. "He's been a part of almost all my films. He treated me like one of his own and used to talk with lots of love. I will surely miss him dearly. Rest in peace sir. You are irreplaceable as an artist and person (sic).”