Viral video shows Jr NTR grieving Nandamuri Taraka Ratna's death, fans ask RRR star to 'stay strong'

Tollywood superstar Jr NTR is mourning the death of his cousin Nandamuri Taraka Ratna, who passed away on Saturday evening at a private hospital in Bengaluru. He was just 39. 

On January 27, Ratna collapsed during a road show following a cardiac arrest in Kuppam in Chittoor district. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital. He had no pulse when he reached the hospital and he was revived after performing the first-aid treatment. 

The angiogram test revealed that Ratna had a 90 per cent blockage in a left artery and the hospital revealed that his condition was critical and he was put on life support. However, his family members at the time were hopeful for his recovery. He was later shifted to Bengaluru's Narayana Hrudayalaya for further treatment. After battling for 23 days at the hospital, Ratna breathed his last on Saturday evening. 

Ratna's body was taken to Hyderabad residence in Mokila in Rangareddy district. His mortal remains will be kept there for the rest of the day for the public to pay tribute. The who's who of the Telugu film industry and many political leaders have expressed their condolences over the demise of Ratna. 

A video showing an emotional NTR and Kalyan Ram mourning the death of their cousin is going viral on social media. The fans, who are sharing the video, asked the RRR star to 'stay strong' in these trying times. 

Ratna made his screen debut as a lead with Okato Number Kurradu in 2003. Later he essayed negative roles in Amaravathi and Raja Cheyyi Vesthe 2. He also starred in web series titled 9 Hours. 

Ratna is survived by his wife Alekhya Reddy, and three children.