Popular Telugu comedian Fish Venkat, star of 100+ films, dies at 53 after kidney failure
He made the world laugh — yet passed away waiting for a surgery his family couldn’t afford
Dubai: Popular Telugu comedian and character actor Fish Venkat, whose real name was Venkat Raj, died on July 18, at the age of 53 following complications related to kidney and liver failure.
He died at a private hospital in Hyderabad after being on ventilator support for several days. Despite efforts to raise funds for an urgent kidney transplant, financial constraints meant the surgery could not proceed, according to Indian media reports.
Fish Venkat was widely recognised for his comic roles in over 100 Telugu films, where he brought laughter to the screen with his authentic Telangana slang, animated expressions, and street-smart humour. Introduced to the industry by veteran filmmaker Dasari Narayana Rao in Sammakka Sarakka, Venkat went on to become a staple in Telugu comedy cinema.
Who Was Fish Venkat?
Name: Fish Venkat (Real name: Venkat Raj)
Age: 53
Date of death: July 18, 2025
Place: Hyderabad, Telangana
Cause of Death: Kidney and liver failure after prolonged illness
Career span: Over two decades in the Telugu film industry
Filmography: Acted in 100+ films, known for comic roles
Breakthrough: Introduced by Dasari Narayana Rao in Sammakka Sarakka
Famous films: Kushi, Bunny, Adhurs, Gabbar Singh, DJ Tillu, Slum Dog Husband, Coffee with a Killer
Known for: Telangana accent, quick wit, street-smart humor
Early life: Came from the Ganga Putrudu (fishermen) community in Hyderabad’s Musheerabad area
Education: Dropped out after 3rd grade; sold fish in local markets before acting
Health crisis: Suffered complete kidney failure; doctors recommended Rs50 lakh transplant
Daughter’s plea: Family sought help from actors like Pawan Kalyan, Allu Arjun, Jr NTR, Chiranjeevi
Rumoured help: Report of Prabhas donating ₹50 lakh later proven false — it was a prank call
Family: Survived by wife Suvarna and daughter Sravanthi
Legacy: Remembered for bringing laughter and authenticity to Tollywood comedy
His most memorable roles came in hit films such as Kushi (2001), Bunny (2005), Adhurs (2010), Brindaavanam (2010), Gabbar Singh (2012), Subramanyam for Sale (2015), DJ Tillu (2022), and Slum Dog Husband (2023). His recent appearances included Narakasura and Coffee with a Killer.
Born and raised in Musheerabad, Hyderabad, Fish Venkat came from the Ganga Putrudu (fishermen) community. With just a third-grade education, he began life as a fish seller in the bustling local markets.
His nickname "Fish" came from these humble beginnings. Despite lacking formal training, his natural comic timing and signature Telangana dialect made him a favourite among filmmakers and audiences alike.
Public plea
In recent months, Venkat had been undergoing dialysis as his kidneys began to fail. Doctors recommended an urgent transplant, which was estimated to cost Rs50 lakh, according to Indian media reports.
His daughter Sravanthi issued a public plea to top Tollywood actors like Chiranjeevi, Pawan Kalyan, Allu Arjun, and Jr NTR, seeking both financial help and assistance in finding a kidney donor.
She said in an emotional statement: “Daddy is in ICU and needs a transplant. We don’t have the money. I hope those who worked with him and admired him will help.”
A report suggesting Prabhas had extended a donation of Rs50 lakh brought hope — but it was later revealed to be a hoax. “Somebody pretended to be Prabhas Anna’s assistant. We were misled. We haven’t received any real help,” a close family source said.
Fish Venkat is survived by his wife Suvarna and daughter Sravanthi. Tributes have poured in from fans and industry colleagues who praised his humility, talent, and immense contribution to Tollywood comedy.
His final rites will be performed in Hyderabad, with members of the film fraternity expected to attend and pay their last respects.
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