Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today visited the family members of actor U V Krishnam Raju, who died recently after a prolonged illness.
He met Raju's wife Shyamala Devi and his two daughters, and expressed his condolences to them. MP Laxman explained about the treatment provided to Raju to Singh on the occasion.
The nephew of Krishnam Raju and pan-India actor Prabhas was also present.
Singh was accompanied by Union Minister for Tourism & Culture G Kishan Reddy and BJP Rajya Sabha member Dr K Laxman during the visit.
Singh also took part in a condolence meeting held by the Kshatriya Sevan Samithi in memory of Raju at the JRC Convention Centre. Speaking on the occasion, the union minister said that Krishnam Raju was a dear friend, and that he (Singh) had become very close to Raju when the latter was a Union Minister of State in Atal Bihari Vajpayee's cabinet. He recalled that Raju used to speak with him in an affectionate manner whenever he met him in Delhi, and used to address him as his big brother despite the fact that he (Singh) was younger to him.
He also recalled that he had specially appreciated Raju's nephew Prabhas after the thundering success of the movie
Bahubali, along with Krishnam Raju.
Singh added that he did not find Raju suffering from any health problems when he had met him just a couple of months back in Delhi, and that he was shocked to hear the news of Raju's death.
Kishan Reddy recalled that Raju had called him up recently and wanted to meet Prime Minister Modi. He also said that Raju felt sad for not being able to attend the Alluri Sitharama Raju statue unveiling function in Vizag.
State Minister Talasani Srinivasa Yadav said that Raju was known for his humility and modesty. He said that Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao had had a great relation with Raju, and that the CM had organised the funeral of Raju with all State honours.
Yadav added that the government would install a statue of Raju soon in Film Nagar.