Telugu actor Jayaprakash Reddy, popularly known among fans as JP, passed away due to a heart attack early Tuesday at his residence in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. He was 74. The veteran actor had made his acting debut in 1988 in the Telugu film, Brahma Puthrudu and is known predominantly for his portrayals as the villain, while also taking a slight deviation in his choice of roles over the years by doing more comedy on screen.

Some of Jayaprakash's most famous roles include in films such as Samarasimha Reddy, Preminchukundam Raa, Narasimha Naidu, Jamba Lakidi Pamba, Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana, Julayi, Ready, Avunu Valliddaru Istapaddaru, Kabaddi Kabbadi, Kick, Jayam Manadera, Evadi Gola Vadidi and Kithakithalu to name a few. The talented actor was last seen in the blockbuster Mahesh Babu-Rashmika Mandanna starrer, Sarileru Neekevvaru, earlier this year when it hit screens as a Sankranthi release.

JP also did a few roles in Tamil cinema over the years and made his debut in 'Thala' Ajith's Anjaneya and then followed it up with appearances in films namely Suriya's Aaru, Arjun's Chinna and Vijayakanth's Dharmapuri. However, Tamil cinema fans remember him fondly for his performance in the 2010 smash hit family entertainer, Uthama Puthiran, which had Dhanush and Genelia playing the lead pair, with Vivek in a major supporting role. The film featured Jayaprakash Reddy playing a character named Chinnamuthu Goundar, for which the actor dubbed in his own voice for his character in Tamil.

Many in the Telugu film industry including fans are shocked at the news of Jayaprakash Reddy's demise. Director-screenwriter Anil Ravipudi tweeted saying, "My travel with JP garu has always been special. He’s been a part of almost all my films. He treated me like one of his own and used to talk with lots of love. I will surely miss him dearly. Rest in peace sir. You are irreplaceable as an artiste and person."