Telugu comedian Kallu Chidambaram died at a private hospital in Visakhapatnam on Monday. The 70-year-old actor was reportedly suffering from age-related illness. 

Reports suggest that Kallu Chidambaram was admitted to the Care Hospital a few months ago. He was being treated for breathing problems and was on a ventilator for over two months. He breathed his last, while undergoing treatment at the private hospital.

"He was undergoing treatment for some old age related ailments at Care Hospital, where he passed away this morning," a source told IANS.

Born in Akkayapalem on 10 October, 1945, Kallu Chidambaram began working at Visakhapatnam port. Later, he became a stage artist and used to organise stage shows. He debuted in films with 1988 Telugu film "Kallu". He won the Nandi Award for his wonderful performance in the film.

Kolluru Chidambaram was his original name, but his screen name was changed to Kallu Chidambaram following the success of "Kallu".

He acted in about 300 films in his career spanning two and half decades. He was last seen in the movie "Sri Sai Sankalpam" in 2013. "Chanti", "Govinda Govinda", "Ammoru" and "Pelli Pandiri" are some of his popular films.

Directors such as EVV Satyanarayana, SV Krishna Reddy and Relangi Narasimha Rao considered him as the first choice for exclusive comic roles in their films. In 1995, Telugu socio fantasy film named "Ammoru" directed by Kodi Ramakrishna bought Kallu Chidambaram good fame for his critically acclaimed performance in the movie.

His sudden death has saddened many in the Telugu film industry, who are yet to recover from the shock over the demise of Mada Venkateswara Rao, who passed away last Wednesday. Some stars and fans took to their Twitter pages to share their shock. Here are their comments:

Actor Nani ‏@NameisNani

RIP Kallu chidhambaram gaaru.His act in Govinda Govinda is one of my fav.Takes a lot to actually let ppl laugh at u.

Phani Kandukuri ‏@buduggadu

One more great artist from Stage to Cinima is no more.. RIP Kallu Chidambaram Gaaru..

Ram Narayan ‏@RN_Musical

May the soul of veteran comedian #KalluChidambaram garu rest in peace !!

ONGOLE GitHa..¶¶™™ ‏@sasi_powerstar

Veteran Comedian #KalluChidambaram is no more !!! May His Soul Rest In Peace...

Teluguvanitha ‏@teluguvanitha

Deeply saddened to hear the death of ‪#‎KalluChidambaram garu. I truly hope that his family can gather the strength and courage to endure during this difficult time. ‪#‎RIPKalluChidambaram

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