Ranganath starred in over 200 films in a career spanning over three decades. (Photo courtesy: www.supergoodmovies.com)

The Andhra Pradesh Police is investigating the cause of death of veteran Telugu actor Ranganath after he died under mysterious circumstances in Hyderabad on Saturday.

While initial reports suggested that the 66-year-old actor died after prolonged illness, police suspect that he could have ended his life by hanging himself at his residence.

"We have found rope marks on his neck. A post-mortem examination will be done on Sunday," a police official said.

Born in 1949 in then Madras, Ranganath started his career as a ticket collector in Indian Railways.

In 1969, he made his acting debut in Telugu drama Budhimantudu.

He starred in over 200 films in a career spanning over three decades.

Although a very popular character artiste, Ranganath starred in nearly 50 films in lead roles, including "Zamindarugari Ammayi", "Panthulamma", "Intinti Ramayanam" and "America Ammayi".

His other notable films include Adavi Donga, Veta, Donga Mogudu, Kalisundam Raa and Nijam.

He also directed a lone film called Moguds-Pellams.

He is survived by two daughters and a son.