Veteran Telugu star Krishna's funeral with full state honours tomorrow

Legendary Telugu actor Ghattamaneni Siva Rama Krishna Murthy, popularly known as Krishna, passed away on Tuesday morning. The veteran actor, who is also Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu's father, breathed his last after he suffered a cardiac arrest.

From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, political figures have been offering tributes to the actor. Tributes have also been pouring in from celebrities including Tamil actor Rajinikanth and Telugu stars like Nandamuri Balakrishna, Jr NTR, Allu Arjun, SS Rajamouli and more. The veteran actor will be accorded full state honours at his funeral on Wednesday.

His mortal remains have reached his residence in Nanakaramguda in Hyderabad, where family members can pay their last tributes. Then, he will be shifted to Gachibowli stadium for a brief period for the fans to pay their respects.

Modi on Tuesday said the death of the veteran actor is a colossal loss to the world of cinema and entertainment."Krishna Garu was a legendary superstar, who won hearts of people through his versatile acting and lively personality. His demise is a colossal loss to the world of cinema and entertainment," Modi tweeted.

"The Andhra James Bond had a large following in his long innings in Tollywood. The actor has immortalized the role of (revolutionary freedom fighter) Alluri Sitarama Raju in the film and had many blockbusters in his illustrious career," Jagan Mohan Reddy said in his tribute to the departed actor.

Sharing a picture of the actor, Allu Arjun said his contribution to Telugu cinema industry cannot be described in words. “Heart broken by the demise of Krishna garu. His contribution to the Telugu cinema industry cannot be described in words . A true Superstar by all means . My deepest condolences to his family , well wishers & fans. May his beautiful soul rest in peace. #SuperStarKrishna garu,” he tweeted.

Condoling the death of the veteran actor, Rajinikanth said in a tweet, "The demise of Krishna garu is a great loss to the Telugu film industryworking with him in 3 films are memories I will always cherish. My heartfelt condolences to his family may his soul rest in peace @urstrulyMahesh."

Tamil actor Suriya sent prayers to Mahesh Babu who had had a tough year. Mahesh Babu's mother and brother also passed away earlier this year.

"Krishna garu is synonym for adventure. Apart from many experimental films and distinctive characters, your credit for introducing many techniques to Telugu cinema will always be remembered," Jr NTR tweeted.