Born Mangalampalli Venkatesh on August 3, 1971, in Machilipatnam (or Musheerabad, per some reports), Venkat hailed from a humble fishermen’s background—earning the nickname “Fish” thanks to his distinct Telangana slang that echoed the dialect of fish-market traders
His schooling was minimal—he reportedly studied only up to the third grade, then sold fish to support his family .But fate had comedic timing in store: discovered by director Dasari Narayana Rao, he made his debut in Sammakka Sarakka (2000) and went on to carve a niche in Telugu cinema
📽️ Over 100 Films: Roles That Linger
Fish Venkat was a familiar face across screen roles—primarily as the witty sidekick or the quirky henchman. His signature Telangana accent, spontaneity, and street-wise charm made him memorable in films like:
- Kushi (2001), Bunny (2005), Adhurs (2010), Dhee, Mirapakay
- Gabbar Singh, DJ Tillu (2022), Slum Dog Husband (2023), Coffee with a Killer (2025) YouTube+14Gulf News+14www.greatandhra.com+14
- Pandemic hits Maa Vintha Gaadha Vinuma and DJ Tillu displayed his range beyond comic relief
Though rarely in the lead, his roles were scene-stealers—his presence turned minor moments into comedic gems thanks to natural timing
❤️ A Man Loved by Colleagues & Fans
Fish Venkat was more than a performer—he was a straight-talking, relatable presence in the industry:
- Known for casual camaraderie, his vibrant personality earned him respect on sets
- Fans often quote his quirky lines—like “okka sari thodakottu chinna”—with fond nostalgia
His popularity transcended screens; his genuine spirit and resilience, rising from hardship to awards-worthy supporting roles, made him a beloved figure in Tollywood.
🏥 The Final Act: A Health Battle & Ill-Fated Support
Over the past year, Fish Venkat fought a fierce battle with health:
- Suffered progressive kidney—and later liver—failure.
- Underwent ongoing dialysis, was ventilated in ICU, and awaited a nephrology transplant
- The estimated transplant cost: ₹50 lakh—an overwhelming sum for his family
His daughter, Shravanthi, made tearful public appeals—saying that even ₹60 lakh could have saved him—and pleaded with top stars and politicians
While Pawan Kalyan, Vishwak Sen, and a Telangana minister extended help, the aid arrived late . And a purported ₹50-lakh donation from Prabhas turned out to be a scam—nothing materialized.
🕊️ Farewell & Legacy
On July 18, 2025, Fish Venkat passed away in Hyderabad at the age of 53, succumbing to multiple organ failure .. His final rites were attended by family, friends, colleagues, and fans who lined up to pay their respects .
The Telugu film fraternity mourned deeply , recognizing that they’d lost not just a comedian but a cultural force—someone who embodied the authenticity and humour of Telangana street life.
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