Hyderabad/UNI: Veteran Telugu actor and producer Tammareddy Chalapathi Rao passed away at his residence here on Sunday morning due to cardiac arrest.

He was 78 and survived by two daughters and a son.

His son Ravi Babu is also an actor, director and producer in Tollywood.

Known for comedy and villainous roles in Telugu cinema, Chalapathi was born in Balliparru, Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh.

He made his debut in the film industry with the movie ‘Gudhachari 116’ in 1966. Since then he has been acting in a series of films.

He acted in different roles in more than 600 films and produced seven films as a producer.

He has produced movies like Kaliyuga Krishnudu, Kadapareddamma, Jagannatakam, Pellante Nurella Panta, Presidentigari Alludu, Ardharatri Hatyalu and Raktham Chindina Raatri.

The entire Telugu film industry and his followers were shocked by Chalapathi demise and are conveying their condolences to his family members.