Noted Telugu actor, screenwriter and writer Gollapudi Maruthi Rao passed away on December 12 at around 11 AM at a private hospital in T Nagar, Chennai. Reportedly, he was getting treated at the hospital for age-related ailments at the hospital where his condition worsened and breathed his last.

His mortal remains will remain in the hospital till Saturday as his family members are on their way from abroad. The press statement read, "From Saturday afternoon to Sunday afternoon, his body will be kept at his home for fans to pay tributes. His second son Ramakrishna will perform the last rites on Sunday afternoon in Chennai."

Gollapudi Maruthi Rao acted in over 250 films with Kallu, Samasaram Oka Chadarangam, and Challenge being some of his memorable works. Apart from acting, he has also written several plays and movies.

In the year 1997, he was instrumental in introducing the Gollapudi Srinivas Memorial Foundation, which will give out the Gollapudi National Award for the best debut film of a director in Indian cinema. Last year, director C Prem Kumar of 96 fame received the award.

As soon the news of passing away of Maruthi Rao was made official, condolences are pouring in from all quarters on social media.

Mahesh Babu took to Twitter to offer his condolences to Gollapudi Maruthi Rao's family. He wrote, "Deeply saddened by the sudden demise of #GollapudiMaruthiRao garu. His contribution to the TFI remains unparalleled. We have lost a gem. Heartfelt condolences to the family and dear ones. Rest in peace Sir (sic)"

Deeply saddened by the sudden demise of #GollapudiMaruthiRao garu. His contribution to the TFI remains unparalleled. We have lost a gem. Heartfelt condolences to the family and dear ones. Rest in peace Sir Mahesh Babu (@urstrulyMahesh) December 12, 2019

Actor Nani called Maruthi Rao one of his favourites and posted, "Gollapudi Maruthi Rao gaaru, one of my most favourites. The way he spoke and the way he acted always felt so familiar and family like. You will always be remembered Sir (sic)"

Gollapudi Maruthi Rao gaaru, one of my most favourites.

The way he spoke and the way he acted always felt so familiar and family like. You will always be remembered Sir Nani (@NameisNani) December 12, 2019

Cinematographer PC Sreeram, on his part, spoke about Maruthi Rao's contribution to cinema. "#RIPgollapudi Your contribution to Telugu industry will go into history of indian cinema. May your soul rest in peace. (sic)," he posted.

#RIPgollapudi

Your contribution to

Telugu industry will go into history of indian cinema.

May your soul rest in peace. pcsreeramISC (@pcsreeram) December 12, 2019

It was Gollapudi Maruthi Rao who introduced Ajith in Telugu with Prema Pusthakam.

ALSO SEE | Rajinikanth turns 69: Kamal Haasan to Mahesh Babu, South celebs wish Thalaivar

ALSO SEE | Shriya Saran questioned by cops during London shooting