A file photo of Krishna. (courtesy: alluarjun)
Veteran actor and superstar Mahesh Babu's father Krishna died at the age of 79 in Hyderabad in the early hours of Tuesday, reported news agency ANI. The actor underwent treatment at Continental Hospital in Hyderabad. Members of the film industry, united by grief, paid tribute to the legendary actor on social media. Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Nagarjuna, Allu Arjun, Jr NTR, Nani, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, SS Rajamouli and other stars remembered the veteran actor in their respective tweets. "The demise of Krishna garu is a great loss to the Telugu film industry ... Working with him in 3 films are memories i will always cherish. My heartfelt condolences to his family... May his soul rest in peace," tweeted Rajinikanth.
Nagarjuna posted a throwback picture of himself with Krishna and he remembered the actor with these words: "A fearless man who attempted every genre! The original cowboy of Telugu films! I could sit with him for hours which were filled with his positivity. The man the legend the superstar!!#RIPSuperStarKrishnaGaru we will miss you."
Kamal Haasan, in his tribute to Krishna, wrote: "An icon of Telugu cinema Krishna gaaru is no more, an era ends with his demise. I wish to share the grief of brother Mahesh Babu, who has to bear this third emotional trauma of losing a mother, brother and now his father. My deepest condolence dear Mahesh gaaru."
Allu Arjun tweeted: "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 and fans. May his beautiful soul rest in peace. #SuperStarKrishna garu."
Filmmaker SS Rajamouli also paid tribute to the veteran actor. "Extremely saddened to hear about the sudden demise of Superstar Krishna Garu. Krishna garu's contribution to the telugu film field as an actor in 300+ films, director, and producer are well known. What sets him apart from the rest is his love and passion for newer technologies," he wrote. In a separate tweet, he added, "And his daringness to use them. He revolutionized telugu cinema with first 70mm film, first color film and many more. Mainly he taught us not to be afraid of taking the untreaded path. We are forever indebted for his great contributions."
"Superstar Krishna. End of an era. My deepest condolences to Mahesh Babu Sir, family and Krishna Gaaru's extended family which includes you, me and every Telugu cinema fan," wrote Nani.
"My thoughts are with Mahesh Anna and the family. Om Shanthi. Superstar forever," Jr NTR tweeted.
"My heartfelt condolences to Mahesh Babu garu and the whole family. #RIPSuperStarKrishnaGaru. You will live forever in our memories," tweeted Samantha Ruth Prabhu.
"Extremely saddened by the news. Krishna Garu your legacy will always remain through your films. Mahesh Babu, sending you and your family lots of love and light in this difficult time," read Pooja Hegde's tweet.
Earlier this year, Mahesh Babu lost his mother Indira Devi in September. The actor also lost his brother Ramesh Babu in January this year.