Renowned Gussadi folk dance master and recipient of the Padma Shri award, Kanaka Raju, has died. The 84-year-old dancer, also known as Gussadi Raju, died on Friday( 24 October) due to age-related issues.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed sorrow.
• The final rites of Kanaka Raju are set to be performed on Saturday at his native village of Marlawai in Jainoor mandal of Kumaram Bheem Asifabad district.
• Kanaka Raju who was bestowed with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2021 for his remarkable contributions to the arts.
• He was a key figure in the Gussadi dance community, particularly in Telangana.