Popular Indian actor and comedian Fish Venkat, whose real name was Venkat Raj, passed away on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the age of 53. Known for his signature Telangana dialect and distinctive comic timing, Fish Venkat had become a household name in Telugu cinema. According to reports, the actor died following kidney failure and multiple organ complications at a hospital in Hyderabad.
His death has sent a wave of grief across the Telugu film industry and among fans who cherished his comic roles in over 100 films. From brief yet memorable cameos to supporting roles, Fish Venkat carved out a unique space for himself with his expressive dialogue delivery and natural humor. He was recently hospitalized due to deteriorating health, and despite medical efforts, he could not recover.
Tributes poured in from film stars, directors, and fans alike. Actor and filmmaker Ravi Teja posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Fish Venkat. His presence on screen always made us smile. May he rest in peace.” Several others from the film fraternity echoed similar sentiments, remembering him not only as a gifted performer but as a kind-hearted man with an infectious laugh.
A Career Built on Laughter and Character Roles
Fish Venkat started his career in the Telugu film industry in the late 1990s and gained recognition through supporting comic roles. He earned the nickname “Fish” from a seafood business he once ran before entering cinema. His big break came through films like Idiot (2002), Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi, and Venky, where his punchy one-liners and humorous expressions made him stand out even in short scenes.
Over the decades, he appeared in films such as Ready, Race Gurram, DJ Tillu, and Akhanda, winning hearts with his unique acting style. Directors often turned to Fish Venkat when a comic touch was needed to balance intense or action-packed plots. His voice and accent, deeply rooted in Telangana culture, became his signature asset.
Beyond comedy, Venkat occasionally played serious or grey-shaded characters, showing his versatility. His longevity in the industry was a result of both his adaptability and his ability to connect with audiences from all walks of life.
Even as lead actors changed over the years, Fish Venkat remained a constant in many Telugu films, delivering consistent performances that left a lasting impression.
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Fans and Colleagues Remember the Man Behind the Name
Fish Venkat’s passing has left a void in the Telugu entertainment landscape. Fans flooded social media with video clips of his iconic scenes, memes, and heartfelt messages. Hashtags like #FishVenkat and #RIPFishVenkat trended online throughout the day.
Co-stars described him as down-to-earth and always ready to crack a joke on set. Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who shared screen space with him in multiple films, remembered him as “a bright soul who brought laughter to millions.”
His funeral was held in Hyderabad on Saturday, attended by family members, friends from the industry, and hundreds of fans. Mourning his death, filmmaker Trivikram Srinivas said, “Comedy in Telugu films will never be the same without Fish Venkat. He brought originality to every scene.”
Fish Venkat had remained active in films until 2024, even as his health declined. Reports suggest that he was undergoing treatment for kidney-related complications for several months before his final hospitalization.
With his death, the Telugu film industry loses not just a comedian but a cultural voice that resonated with audiences for over two decades. His legacy will live on through his countless scenes, lines, and the laughter he gave to generations of cinema lovers.
Fish Venkat may be gone, but the joy he brought to the screen will remain forever.
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