Mallikarjuna Rao (1950/1951 – 24 June 2008) was an Indian actor and comedian who worked in Telugu films.[1] Rao, popularly known as Battala Satti for his role in the movie Ladies Tailor. He has acted in many movies in Telugu. Over his career, he acted in at least 375 Telugu movie.[2]
Mallikarjuna Rao started his career in films in 1973. He became popular with role of 'Battala Sattigadu' in Ladies Tailor directed by Vamsi. Ladies Tailor, Hello Brother, Tammudu and Badri are some of the films in which he excelled audience with his comedy.
Telugu actor, writer Tanikella Bharani treats Mallikarjuna Rao with high respect since the days of Ladies Tailor movie and to his credit Mallikarjuna Rao introduced L.B. Sriram, actor cum writer to director Vamsi, who gave chance to LB Sriram in his movie. Mallikarjuna Rao was the general secretary of the Movie Artists Association. He also served as the chairman of Sri Venkateswara Swami temple in Srinagar colony, Hyderabad. He is one of the senior most comedians in Tollywood.
"Mallikarjuna Rao was not only a unique actor but also a good human being. He always tried to help others whenever he can," Chiranjeevi said. Several actors recalled the help they received from Rao, who was general secretary of Telugu Movie Artists Association (MAA). Rao was also the secretary of Telugu Desam Party's cultural wing. Party chief N Chandrababu Naidu conveyed his condolences to Rao's family members over the phone. Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy too condoled the death of the popular comedian. Rao was survived by wife, two daughters and a son.
Death
He died of leukaemia on 24 June 2008 in Hyderabad.[3]
