Nandamuri Taraka Ratna dies at 39; industry peers pay tribute
Actor-politician Nandamuri Taraka Ratna, best remembered for his role as the antagonist in Amaravathi (2009), died on Saturday at the age of 39. He was admitted to a private hospital in Bengaluru for the last 23 days.
According to reports, Ratna had collapsed after suffering a heart attack during a roadshow in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, in January. He is survived by his wife and a daughter.
Soon after the news of his death broke, condolences poured in on social media from several Tollywood actors including Allu Arjun, Mahesh Babu and Chiranjeevi Konidela.
While Arjun tweeted, “Heartbroken to learn of the passing away of #TarakaRatna garu. Gone to soon. My deepest condolences to his family, friends & fans. May he rest in peace (sic),” Babu wrote, “Shocked and deeply saddened by the untimely demise of #TarakaRatna. Gone way too soon brother... My thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones during this time of grief.”
Konidela tweeted, “Deeply saddened to learn of the tragic premature demise of #NandamuriTarakaRatna Such bright, talented, affectionate young man .. gone too soon! Heartfelt condolences to all the family members and fans! May his Soul Rest in Peace!”
Actor Ravi Teja wrote, “Profoundly saddened to learn about the tragic demise of dear Taraka Ratna after battling hard! He will always be fondly remembered for his kindhearted nature towards everyone! My sincere condolences to his dear ones.”
The grandson of Telugu actor and former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, NT Rama Rao, and the cousin of RRR (2022) actor Jr NTR, Ratna made his acting debut in Okato Number Kurraadu (2003).