Hyderabad, Apr 9 (PTI) Veteran Telugu actor, producer and director Balayya passed away here on Saturday due to old age-related issues. He was 96.

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Balayya had been keeping unwell over the last couple of years and the end came on Saturday morning, family sources said. Coincidentally, Saturday was his birthday, they said.

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Balayya had produced 10 films and also received the undivided Andhra Pradesh government's Nandi awards as a producer and director, the family sources added.

Known for his sensible performances, Balayya acted in about 300 films in his career spanning several decades. 'Chelleli Kapuram' and 'Neramu Siksha' were some of his memorable films.

His performances in 'Malliswari', starring Venkatesh and Katrina Kaif, and 'Manmadhudu' with Nagarjuna in the lead role, have won him wide appreciation.

Expressing grief over the demise of Balayya, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said the departed actor was a good-natured person who excelled as an actor, producer and director.

TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu and several other prominent personalities condoled the death of the veteran actor.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)