Russian man working as extra in Chiranjeevi film dies of heatstroke

Alexander, from Russia, was to play a British officer in Telugu actor Chiranjeevi’s upcoming movie ‘Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy’.

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A 38-year-old Russian man identified only as Alexander working as an extra in Telugu actor Chiranjeevi’s upcoming movie Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy died in Hyderabad on Tuesday due to a heat stroke, say police. He had arrived on a tourist visa in April and had landed the gig in the film after being spotted by film agents in Mumbai.

Alexander was found lying unconscious at some time past 12 noon near Gate 1 of DLF Building, Gachibowli, and was rushed to a hospital in Kondapur area. After initial treatment, he was shifted to Gandhi Hospital where he succumbed in the evening. “The doctors told us that he died due to a heat stroke,” said K Krishna, Sub-Inspector, Gachibowli Police Station.

Alexander was not carrying his passport or documents when police found him, he only had his camera with him. Police, while scanning the photographs, came across photos from the Chiranjeevi film sets. When contacted, the film crew told the police that Alexander had a Russian friend, Borez, residing in Goa.

The 38-year-old was in Hyderabad as he was hired to play an extra in the film that is based on the life of Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy, the freedom fighter, and his revolt against the British East India Company in Rayalaseema area of Andhra Pradesh. His revolt took place 10 years before the Indian Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, considered the first Indian revolt for freedom. Alexander was to play a British officer in this period film.

The police have registered a case of unnatural deaths under Section 174 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a heatwave warning from May 15 to 18 across Telangana. The temperature is expected to touch 45-46 degree Celsius in isolated places across the state.