UAE: Family opens up about death of Indian expat film producer and actor Allu Arjun’s friend in Dubai

Dubai: The family of Kedar Selagamsetty has opened up about the death of the young Indian film producer in Dubai after he was cremated here on Monday.

He was widely known as Telugu actor Allu Arjun’s close friend and business partner.

The 37-year-old Indian expat and father to his only child aged three was found dead in his apartment in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) on February 25.

After completing all the legal procedures, his family cremated his mortal remains at the crematorium in Jebel Ali late evening on Monday.

His wife Rekha Nalitham and brother-in-law Raj Naltham spoke to Gulf News about Kedar’s death and paid tributes to him after they collected his ashes which the family wishes to immerse in three rivers in India considered sacred by Hindus in the presence of Kedar’s mother and sister.

What happened?

They said Kedar had died of a heart attack while he was alone at the apartment.

Speaking regarding the circumstances surrounding his death and reports that Kedar had been at a party the night before and was staying with his daughter when he was found dead, Raj said: “I’m not sure of all the details, but I can confirm that my niece was not with him and he died of a heart attack.”

He said Kedar had been scheduled to attend a meeting next morning. “He had told the cook and driver to wake him up. They went and tried to wake him up, but they couldn’t,” Raj recalled.

Ambitious entrepreneur

He described Kedar as an ambitious entrepreneur who had worked in the US and India before moving to Dubai. “He was a green card holder in the US where he finished his schooling and university. He founded a software solutions company and an Indian franchise restaurant in the US in just his late teens and early twenties. It was after that he ventured into several businesses in India,” said Raj.

As a producer in the Telugu film industry, he was known for Gam Gam Ganesha (2024), Muthayya (2022) and an untitled movie of Vijay Deverakonda. Kedar was widely known as a close friend of Telugu superstar Allu Arjun who also became his business partner in a couple of his hospitality businesses.

Raj said Kedar was hoping to expand his business empire to the UAE by venturing into real estate in Dubai. Raj and Rekha, who hold US passports, frequently travelled in and out of Dubai while Kedar’s daughter also visited him here occasionally. “We were all planning to move in here slowly, but only my brother-in-law was a resident since last year. Now, Dubai will be more integrated into our life,” said Raj.

Family’s tributes

“It is heartbreaking for me that I am carrying his ashes to India on my birthday today. To me, he was not just a brother or a friend; he was a pillar of strength, a source of inspiration, energy, warmth, and unwavering love. His presence filled every space with joy, and his kindness left an imprint on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His ability to bring people together, his infectious spirit, and his boundless love will always be remembered,” added Raj.

In her tributes, Rekha stated: “He was an exceptional person in every human way possible. He had a heart of gold and spirit of a lion. There were no bounds for his love, his loyalty and his respect. Someone who would bring a smile to your face without any effort. His heart and soul were always brimming with joy. This love was shared with everyone and anyone in his life. There were no limits and no boundaries for his aura to be felt. His spirit will live on in every soul touched by his warmth.”

The siblings thanked those who supported the family during the difficult time including Dubai-based Indian social worker Naseer Vatanappally who helped them with the paper works for the cremation of Kedar here.