Hyderabad: Revolutionary balladeer and renowned folk singer Gaddar passed away in Hyderabad at a private hospital on Sunday while undergoing treatment for a heart-related ailment.
A household name in the two Telugu states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Gaddar, who was born as Gummadi Vithal Rao in Toopran of Medak district in 1949, is known for his revolutionary songs.
His contribution to people’s movements in the combined Andhra Pradesh during the peak of the Naxalite movement (Maoist insurgency) fetched him a cult status among the Telugu-speaking population.
According to the Apollo Hospital release, “Shri Gummadi Vittal alias Gaddar aged 77, passed away at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Ameerpet, today at 3 pm, due to lungs and urinary problems and advanced age.
“He was suffering from severe heart disease and got admitted on July 20th, 2023. He underwent a bypass surgery on August 3rd, 2023 and recovered from it,” the release stated.
However, he is a past patient of lung and urinary problems, which along with advanced age aggravated and led to his passing away, it stated.
Last rites with state honours
The Telangana government has decided to perform the last rites of Gaddar with state honours.
Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has taken the decision to perform Gaddar's last rites with state honours in recognition of the sacrifices he made throughout his life and the public service he rendered.
Terming Gaddar a proud son of Telangana, KCR said he lived his life for the people.
He also directed Chief Secretary Santhi Kumar to discuss with Gaddar’s family and make the necessary arrangements for performing his last rites with state honours.
Last respects
Gaddar’s body was kept at the L.B. Stadium to enable people to pay their last respects. His last rites will be performed on Monday at Alwal on the city outskirts.
“The death of Gaddar, who has been fighting tirelessly for the people for decades, is a great loss for the people of Telangana. Revanth Reddy called on the Congress ranks as a sign of condolence for Gaddar’s death. The Congress ranks should pay tribute by putting up Gaddar’s portraits on the main roads in all mandal centres," a Congress party press statement said.
The official Twitter handle of Telangana Congress wrote, “We express our profound grief over the untimely demise of Sri Gummadi Vittal Rao alias Gaddar. A great poet, a revolutionary balladeer, his voice echoed the soul of Telangana. Our deepest condolences to his family. May God give them strength.”
Congress leaders expressed deep condolences over Gaddar’s death.
BJP leader Etala Rajender expressed deep shock over the death of Gaddar and said that his death is a great loss for Telangana.
“His struggle for Telangana is unforgettable. Even if he is not physically present, his songs will live on forever,” he added.
Etala Rajender condoled the death of Gaddar and expressed his deepest condolences to the family members of Gaddar.
Meanwhile, actor-politician Pawan Kalyan paid his last respects to Gaddar at L.B. Stadium. The Jana Sena Party leader had called on Gaddar only a few days ago. He recalled that Gaddar had hugged him by addressing him as a younger brother.
BRS leader and CM KCR’s daughter K. Kavitha also paid last respects to Gaddar at the L.B. Stadium.
