September 11, 2022: UV Krishnam Raju, former Union Minister, and veteran Telugu actor, popularly known as the 'Rebel Star', passed away in the early hours on Sunday in Hyderabad. He was 83 years old. Prabhas's uncle Krishnam Raju was the first actor who worked as a Union Minister under the cabinet of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

He made his debut in the film industry with the Telugu film 'Chilaka Gorinka' in 1966 which was produced and directed by K. Pratyagatma. Raju did more than180 films in his career. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan and others extended their condolences on social media.

Rajnath Singh took to his Twitter handle and wrote, "Shocked by the demise of Legendary Actor and former MP, Krishnam Raju garu. He will be remembered for his excellent performances in several Telugu films. He had a wonderful and magnanimous personality. My condolences to Prabhas, his entire family and his admirers. Om Shanti." Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed grief over the demise of actor Prabhas's uncle Krishnam Raju.

The Chief Minister lauded the contribution of the rebel star, as he was popularly known, to film land and public life and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family members. Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan also expressed grief after the demise of a veteran Tollywood actor.

Governor Harichandan said, Krishnam Raju served as a Member of Lok Sabha from 1999 to 2004 and held the portfolios of Rural Development, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Defence and External Affairs as Union Minister. The Governor offered his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.