Mimicry artist Nerella Venu Madhav passed away early on Tuesday morning. Nerella was famously known as the Father of Indian Mimicry. He was 85 years old and passed away after a brief illness.
Mr. Madhav was born in the year 1932 in Mattewada, Warangal Town. He played an important role in developing the mimicry scene in India. He started a mimicry diploma course at the Telugu University which was the first in the world.
Nerella was awarded the Padma Shri in 2001 for his dedicated contribution to the art of mimicry. He was nominated as a member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council for 7 years from 1972 to 1978. Former AP Chief Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao appointed Nerella to the Council in 1971. Madhav’s birthday 28th December is celebrated as World Mimicry Day.
Chief Minister of Telangana K. Chandrashekar Rao expressed his condolences to Nerella’s family. Describing Nerella as one of the finest artists KCR said he would receive a State funeral.
