Popular Telugu actor and comedian Dharmavarapu Subramanyam passed away at his residence in Dilsukhnagar, Hyderabad on Saturday night.

The actor, who was suffering from cancer, had been hospitalised for some time but was discharged a few days ago. He was 53.

His death has come just weeks after fellow Telugu comedian and veteran actor AVS passed away.

Born on 20 September 1960, in Komminenivani Palem, Prakasham district, Subramanyam had worked as a government employee. He became popular through his comedy serial "Anando Brahma" which was aired on Doordarshan in the 1980s. He also directed the serial. His popularity got him a film offer with director Jandhyala and debuted in 1989-release "Jayammu Nischayammura."

Later, he went on to act in over 100 films, including popular flicks "Shadow", "Bodyguard", "Chirutha", "Businessman", "Khaleja", "Darling", "King", "Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana", "Athadu" and "Okkadu". He also directed a Telugu film titled "Thokaleni Pitta", starring Allari Naresh in the lead.

Subramanyam has won several honours, including NTR National Award, BN Reddy Award and Raghupathi Venkaiah Award.

The actor is survived by his wife and two sons.

Telugu film personalities and fans have expressed shock over the death of Subramanyam.

Siddharth: "This is turning into a cursed year for the Telugu film fraternity. Prayers for Dharmavarapu Subramanyam garu. God give his family strength..."

idlebrain jeevi: "RIP Dharmavarapu Subramanyam garu. He is also from Addanki where I spent major part of my childhood. Fan of him from anandobrahma tv days."

Samantha Ruth Prabhu: "Really horrible news.Dharmavarapu Subramanyam no more.such a wonderful man,honoured to have had the opportunity to have worked with him.RIP"

Navdeep: "RIP dharmavarapu subramanyam garu! Such a sweet person!! will miss working wid him!"

Nani: "What's happening with 2013 .. Today it's dharmavarapu subramanyam gaaru .. RIP sir."

Vennela Kishore: "Shocked to know that Dharmavarapu Subramanyam garu is no more..Had the honor of sharing screen with him..huge fan since "bava bava panneeru"