Actor and comedian M.S. Narayana, a veteran with over 750 films to his credit, passed away at a corporate hospital here on Friday morning. He was 63. He is survived by daughter Sasikiran and son Vikram.

Doctors cited multi-organ failure as the cause of death. He was initially diagnosed with malaria in a hospital in Bhimavaram and brought to a corporate hospital here about four days ago. He then complained of chest pain and was put on ventilator for the last two days. When his kidneys did not function properly he was given dialysis too.

On Thursday evening, his condition remained critical though doctors said he was responding favourably to the treatment. However, at about 9.40 a.m. on Friday, he was declared dead.

Inimitable, witty style

Born in Nidamarru village near Bhimavaram in West Godavari District on April 16, 1951, Mylavarapu Surya Narayana dabbled in theatre initially while working as a lecturer and entered the film industry as a writer before being introduced as an actor. The actor, who was known for his inimitable, witty style of acting was a master of comedy and one who could carry off the humour elements of a movie with elan.

Among his latest films is 'Manam' (2014) in which three generations of the Akkineni family acted and the last in which thespian, late Akkineni Nageswara Rao acted. Other prominent films include 'Badshah' with NTR in 2013, 'Cameraman Gangatho Rambabu' with Pawan Kalyan and 'Julayi' with Allu Arjun in 2012 and Mahesh Babu's runaway success 'Dookudu' in 2011.

Five Nandi awards

Mr. Narayana won five Nandi awards presented by Andhra Pradesh Government as Best male comedian for the flims Maa Nanna ki Pelli, Ramskkanodu, Sardukupodam Randi, Sivamani and Dookudu. His role as an aspiring actor Bokka Venkateswara Rao in ‘Dookudu’ starring Mahesh Babu and Samantha brought him a lot of fame.

He acted in two Tamil flims – Nootrenbadhu and Maharaja (both 2011). He made his debut as a director in the film Koduku starring his son Vikram. Other movie directed by him was Bhajantrilu. He penned dialogues for eight films.

Last rites at Vikarabad

The mortal remains of the late actor would be kept for the general public to pay homage at Film Chambers this evening. Family sources said that his last rites would be performed at his farm house in Vikarabad in neighbouring Ranga Reddy District on Saturday.

The Telugu film industry was plunged into grief at the demise of yet another talented actor. The industry was shocked at the untimely demise of Music director Chakradhar Gilla known as Chakri, another popular actor and dubbing artist P.J.Sharma, father of actor Sai Kumar and character artise Adsumilli Janardhan Vara Prasad aks Ahuthi Prasad and noted director and producer V.B.Rajendra Prasad, father of actor Jagapathi Babu breathed their last in the last 45 days.

TS, AP CMs condole

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao condoled the death of Narayana saying the film industry has lost a good actor. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu too condoled the actor’s untimely demise. YSR Congress President Y.S. Jagan expressed shock and grief at the death of the popular actor and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family.