On July 18, 2025, the Telugu film industry lost a beloved star, Fish Venkat, who passed away at 53 due to kidney and liver failure. His unique Telangana accent and comic timing made him a household name. Fish Venkat, born as Venkat Raj, was not just an actor but a symbol of hard work and humility. His life story is inspiring. He rose from a simple fishmonger to a popular actor in Tollywood. This article tells the tale of his incredible journey, his contributions to cinema, and his lasting legacy.
Early Life And Family
Fish Venkat was born in Hyderabad, Telangana. His real name was Mangilampalli Venkatesh. He grew up in a modest family from the Ganga Putrudu community, known for fishing. His childhood was simple. His family faced financial struggles. Venkat only studied up to the third grade. He spent his early years in Hyderabad’s busy Musheerabad Fish Market. He helped his brother sell fish. His life was tough but shaped his strong spirit. The market gave him his famous nickname, “Fish,” because of his work and his fisherman-like Telangana dialect. This dialect later became his signature in films.
Fish Venkat Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Wife, Children, Family
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mangilampalli Venkatesh |
| Stage Name | Fish Venkat |
| Date of Birth | Not publicly known (Born in Hyderabad, Telangana) |
| Nickname Origin | Earned from his work in Musheerabad Fish Market and Telangana fisherman-like dialect |
| Hometown | Hyderabad, Telangana, India |
| Community | Ganga Putrudu (fishing community) |
| Education | Studied up to third grade |
| Early Life | Grew up in a modest family. Helped his brother sell fish in Hyderabad’s fish market. Faced financial struggles. |
| Entry into Films | Introduced to acting by friend, actor Srihari, in the 1990s |
| First Film | Kshana Kshanam (1991), small role |
| Breakout Role | Played a funny henchman in Subramanyam for Sale (2014) |
| Famous Films | Gabbar Singh (2012), Brindaavanam (2010), Khaidi No. 150 (2017), DJ Tillu (2022), Guvva Gorinka (2020) |
| Total Films | Over 100 Telugu films |
| Signature Style | Telangana dialect, comedic roles, and fast English dialogues |
| Notable Roles | Constable Samba in Gabbar Singh, henchman in Subramanyam for Sale, father in Guvva Gorinka |
| Key Collaborators | Actor Srihari (friend), Director Harish Shankar |
| Personal Life | Married, had three children (two sons, one daughter named Shravanthi) |
| Personality | Humble, kind, grounded, valued his roots, worked for free on some projects |
| Health Issues | Suffered from kidney and liver failure, needed a kidney transplant |
| Date of Death | July 18, 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Kidney and liver failure |
| Financial Struggles | Needed ₹50 lakh for treatment, faced challenges finding a kidney donor |
| Support Received | Pawan Kalyan (₹2 lakh), Vishwak Sen, Minister Vakiti Srihari promised aid |
| Legacy | Known for comedic timing, Telangana accent, and inspiring journey from fish market to Tollywood |
| Fan Reaction | Fans mourned on social media, shared clips of his funny scenes, called him a “comedy legend” |
| Cultural Impact | Popularized Telangana dialect in films, featured in Telugu memes |
| Challenges Faced | Took a break from acting to focus on fish business, dealt with fake social media accounts |
Entry Into Film Industry
Venkat’s entry into the film industry was unexpected. He never dreamed of acting as a child. His friend, actor Srihari, changed his life. They trained together at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium in Hyderabad. Srihari saw Venkat’s charm and encouraged him to try acting. At first, Venkat kept his acting a secret from his family. He worked in the fish market by day and acted in small roles by night. His family did not know about his new passion. This secrecy showed his determination to follow his dreams.
Acting Career
Venkat’s acting career began in the 1990s. His first film was *Kshana Kshanam* in 1991. It was a small role, but it marked his entry into Tollywood. He faced challenges early on. Acting was new to him, and he had no formal training. He also worried about his fish business. For a short time, he took a break from films to focus on selling fish. But his love for acting brought him back. His big break came in 2014 with *Subramanyam for Sale*. In this film, he played a funny henchman. His fast English dialogues and comic timing won hearts. Fans loved his quirky lines. This role made him a star.
Fish Venkat acted in over 100 Telugu films. His roles were often small but memorable. He played comedic characters, villains, and even fathers. His films include *Gabbar Singh* (2012), *Brindaavanam* (2010), *Khaidi No. 150* (2017), and *DJ Tillu* (2022). In *Gabbar Singh*, he played Constable Samba, a funny sidekick to Pawan Kalyan’s character. His scenes brought laughter to audiences. In *Subramanyam for Sale*, he stood out as a friend to Sai Dharam Tej. His ability to mix humor with Telangana slang made him unique. He also played serious roles, like Sadanand’s father in *Guvva Gorinka* (2020). His versatility was his strength.
Venkat’s Telangana dialect was his trademark. It reminded people of fishermen. This made his nickname “Fish” even more fitting. Fans loved his authentic style. His dialogues became popular in Telugu memes. He brought cultural flavor to his roles. Directors like Harish Shankar helped him shine. Harish cast him in many films, giving him bigger roles. Venkat always thanked Harish for his support. His friendship with Srihari also remained special. Srihari’s belief in him pushed Venkat to succeed.
Despite his fame, Venkat stayed humble. He valued his roots. He was kind and generous. He sometimes worked in films for free if he liked the project. He kept his personal life private. He was married and had three children—two sons and a daughter named Shravanthi. His family meant everything to him. He lived simply, away from the glamour of Tollywood. His fans admired his grounded nature. He never forgot his days at the fish market.
Health Issue
In July 2025, Venkat’s health became a concern. He had been suffering from kidney failure for months. He needed a kidney transplant. The cost was around ₹50 lakh. His family struggled to find a donor. They also needed money for treatment. Venkat was in the ICU, on dialysis and a ventilator. His daughter Shravanthi asked for help. Some actors, like Pawan Kalyan and Vishwak Sen, offered money. Pawan gave ₹2 lakh, and Minister Vakiti Srihari promised government aid. There were rumors that actor Prabhas offered ₹50 lakh, but Venkat’s family said it was a fake call. Sadly, no donor was found in time. Venkat passed away on July 18, 2025.
Venkat’s death shocked Tollywood. Fans and actors mourned him. Social media was filled with tributes. People shared clips of his funny scenes. They remembered his laughter and warmth. Posts on X called him a “comedy legend” and praised his Telangana accent. His death was a reminder of how fragile life can be. Even a star who made millions laugh faced struggles. His family thanked everyone for their support. They asked for prayers and kindness.
Venkat’s Legacy
Fish Venkat’s legacy lives on. His films are still loved. His roles brought joy to audiences. He showed that hard work can lead to success. From selling fish to acting with stars like Pawan Kalyan and Prabhas, his journey was remarkable. He proved that talent matters more than education. His story inspires young people. It shows that dreams can come true, no matter where you start.
Challenges
Venkat’s life was not without challenges. He faced health issues bravely. He dealt with fake social media accounts spreading lies. Once, he filed a complaint against such accounts. He also turned down roles, like one in *Vijayaramaraju* (2000), to focus on his business. But he always bounced back. His love for acting kept him going. He never gave up, even when times were tough.
Fish Venkat was more than an actor. He was a symbol of resilience. His Telangana dialect made him unique. His humor connected with fans. He worked with almost every big Tollywood star. His small roles had a big impact. Films like *Bunny*, *Adhurs*, and *Dhee* are remembered for his scenes. His last films, like *Slum Dog Husband* and *Coffee with a Killer*, showed he was still active. He never stopped working, even when sick.
Life Lessons
Venkat’s story teaches us many lessons. He showed that humility is powerful. He stayed true to his roots. He valued relationships over fame. His bond with Srihari and his family was strong. He faced life’s ups and downs with courage. His health struggles were sad, but he fought until the end. His fans will always cherish his laughter.
In Tollywood, Fish Venkat will remain a legend. His comic timing was unmatched. His Telangana slang was iconic. He brought authenticity to every role. Young actors can learn from him. His journey from a fish market to film sets is unforgettable. He may be gone, but his films keep him alive. Fans will watch *Gabbar Singh* or *DJ Tillu* and smile at his scenes. His nickname “Fish” will always remind us of his unique charm.
As we remember Fish Venkat, we celebrate his life. He was a man who made people laugh. He was a man who worked hard. He was a man who loved his family. His story is one of hope and determination. From Hyderabad’s markets to Tollywood’s screens, Fish Venkat’s journey was extraordinary. Rest in peace, Fish Venkat. Your laughter will echo forever.