Famed Telangana folk singer Gaddar, who spent his life advocating the rights of Dalits and marginalized people, died Sunday, Aug. 6, aged 77, the hospital where he was admitted revealed in a statement.
Gaddar, whose real name was Gummadi Vithal Rao, rose to fame as people's singer - or "praja gayakudu" - as he used his power and influence as a folk singer to support the Telangana statehood movement.
Gaddar Dead at 77
According to the Apollo Spectra Hospital, where Gaddar got admitted in July, the balladeer died days after he underwent bypass surgery on Aug. 3. He required the procedure after his initial admission due to severe heart disease, but he recovered immediately after the operation, NDTV cited.
However, the hospital noted that his history of lung and urinary problems and his age led to the deterioration of his health and - eventually - to his passing.
The news outlet added that his body had been taken to L B Stadium to allow people to pay respects and tributes following his demise.
Gaddar's funeral will take place on Monday, per NDTV.
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Following the confirmation of his death, leaders from Telangana and his colleagues expressed their heartbreaks as they lost the iconic poet and activist.
"Saddened to hear about the demise of Shri Gummadi Vittal Rao, Telangana's iconic poet, balladeer and fiery activist," Rahul Gandhi said. "His (Gaddar) love for the people of Telangana drove him to fight tirelessly for the marginalised. May his legacy continue to inspire us all."
"His struggle for Telangana is unforgettable," BJP leader Etala Rajender wrote. Even if he is not physically present, his song will live on forever."
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy referred to the singer as a revolutionary man who served as the voice of everyone and used his songs to fight for social justice.
Gaddar also suffered other health issues after he was shot by unidentified assailants in 1997, with the bullet lodging in his spine.
Gaddar's Legacy
Gaddar - whose moniker means "rebellion" according to The Indian Express - notably joined the CPI (Marxist-Leninist) in the 1980s and founded the cultural wing, Jana Natya Mandali. Although he was a prominent Maoist advocate, he separated himself from them in 2010 and started receiving death threats after his 2017 visit to the Yadadri temple.
The folk singer spent decades of his life attending programs on issues like Dalit rights and the oppression of marginalized communities.
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