Telugu comedian Venu Madhav passed away at 12.21 pm today at a hospital in Hyderabad. He was 39.

The actor, who had been suffering from a kidney-related ailment, was admitted yesterday (September 24) when his condition worsened.

He was reportedly in the hospital a couple of weeks ago and was discharged. Celebrities have been offering their condolences on social media.

Venu Madhav, born in Telangana’s Kodad town, started his career as a mimicry artiste before making a debut as a comedian with Sampradayam (1996). Later, he went on to star in nearly 200 films in Tamil and Telugu, alongside actors like Chiranjeevi, Jr NTR and Venkatesh.

Details regarding his final rites and cremation are yet to be announced.