Year Ender 2024: From Ramoji Rao to Pavithra Jayaram, Tollywood celebrities who died this year

The year 2024 was an eventful one for the Telugu film industry. The Prabhas-led Kalki 2898 AD and the Allu Arjun-fronted Pushpa 2 emerged as blockbusters, helping Tollywood scale new heights. Similarly, relatively smaller films Lucky Baskhar and KA too impressed the audience. However, this will also be remembered as the year in which the industry lost a few talented artists. With 2025 almost upon us, here is a look at some popular names who passed away in 2024.?

Ramoji Rao

Media Baron Ramoji Rao, the founder of Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, died on June 8 at the age of 87. He produced several films during his illustrious career and emerged as an integral part of Telugu cinema. His notable production ventures include Mayuri, Daddy Daddy, and Ishtam.

?Daniel Balaji

Actor Daniel died in March at the age of 48 following a heart attack. He began his career with the Tamil film April Maadhathil, which hit the screens in 2002. He went on to appear in films such as Kamal Haasan’s Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu, the Suriya-led Kaakha Kaakha, and Vetrimaaran-helmed Polladhavan.?

?He entered the Telugu film industry with Samba, starring Jr NTR. Daniel also appeared in Tollywood movies such as Chirutha, Sahasam Swasaga Sagipo, and Tuck Jagadish.?

Surya Kiran

Director Surya Kiran passed away on March 11 because of jaundice. He was 49. Surya began his career as a child actor in 1978 and went on to appear in 200 films under the name ‘Master Suressh’. After growing up, he decided to pursue a career as a director. He made his directorial debut with Satyam (2003). He also wielded the microphone for Dhana 51, Brahmastram, and Raju Bhai. He also participated in Bigg Boss Telugu 4 but was eliminated in the first week itself.?

?Surya is survived by his sister and noted TV actress Sujitha.?

Pavithra Jayaram

Actress Pavithra Jayaram was killed in a road accident in Telangana on May 12 at the age of 53. She was born in Bengaluru and began her acting career by appearing in Kannada TV shows.?She eventually made her Telugu debut with Ninne Pelladatha. She also essayed a key role in Buchinaidu Kandriga, a Telugu feature film.?

Chandrakanth?

Actor Chandrakanth was found dead at his residence in Alkapur days after Pavithra Jayaram, who worked with him in Trinayani, was killed in an accident. He was deeply affected by his friend’s untimely demise and had posted an emotional message for her shortly before his death.?

For more news and updates from the world of?OTT, and?celebrities?from?Bollywood?and?Hollywood, keep reading?Indiatimes Entertainment.