PM Modi expresses pain over the demise of Junior NTR's brother Taraka Ratna

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday condoled the passing away of Nandamuri Taraka Ratna, brother of Telugu actor Junior NTR and the grandson of legendary film actor and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister late N T Rama Rao.

"Pained by the untimely demise of Shri Nandamuri Taraka Ratna Garu. He made a mark for himself in the world of films and entertainment. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti," Prime Minister Modi was quoted as saying in a tweet by his office.

He is survived by his wife Alekhya and a daughter.

Telugu Desam Party leader Nandamuri Taraka Ratna, who was undergoing treatment here at Narayana Hrudayalaya, passed away on Saturday.

Taraka Ratna (39) was admitted to the hospital after he suffered a massive heart attack during a political rally in Chittoor in the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

He had collapsed while participating in the launch of the state-wide 'padayatra' of TDP General Secretary Nara Lokesh on January 27 at Kuppam.

After preliminary treatment in a nearby hospital, he was flown to Bengaluru for further treatment at the Narayana Hrudayalaya.

Sources said he was in an extremely critical condition ever since he was admitted to the hospital and he breathed his last on Saturday.

Taraka Ratna was the grandson of legendary film actor and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister late N T Rama Rao and son of Nandamuri Mohan Krishna.

Taraka Ratna had also acted in a few Telugu movies as well including his debut 'Okato Number Kurraadu' (in 2002) before venturing into politics. However, he could not make it big on the silver screen like some of his cousins like Junior NTR of 'RRR' fame.

Meanwhile, the last rites of the deceased will be performed Mahaprashthanam on Monday. His body was brought to Hyderabad on Sunday and kept at his residence in Mokila in Ranga Reddy district for public homage.