Telugu film fraternity bids adieu to film editor Gautham Raju

Telugu film editor Gautham Raju passed away at 1:30 AM on Wednesday at his residence in Moti Nagar, Hyderabad. He was 68 and had passed due to age-related ailments. Reportedly, Gautham was undergoing treatment for a kidney-related ailment at a private hospital in the city.However, his health had worsened in the last few weeks. His mortal remains were kept at his residence through the day before the last rites were performed at Maha Prasthanam, Jubilee Hills, on Wednesday afternoon.
The tragic news of his passing left the film industry shocked, and tributes kept pouring in on social media. Chiranjeevi remembered how the soft-spoken person was a pro at editing, while Vishnu wrote that he ‘learnt a lot from him since childhood.’ Gautham began his career in 1981 with Chattaniki Kallu Levu, starring Chiranjeevi, Madhavi and Lakshmi, and went on to edit more than 800 films in his career. He even received a Nandi award for NTR-starrer Aadhi, and some of his famous works include classics like Aditya 369 and Assembly Rowdy, apart from hit films like Kick, Race Gurram, Gabbar Singh, Khaidi No 150 and more.



It is unfortunate that we lost a great editor like Gautham Raju garu. He might have been soft-spoken, but he was always deft at editing, his creativity was limitless. From Chattaniki Kallu Levu to Khaidi No 150, he edited many of my films. His passing is a loss to me personally and to the film industry. My condolences to his family. – Chiranjeevi
The passing of Sri Gautham Raju garu, who has made a unique mark in the Telugu film industry, is saddening. He was a professional who worked in hundreds of films as an editor. He always acquainted himself with the emerging technologies in the department. He handled editing responsibilities for my films Gukulamlo Seetha, Suswagatham, Gabbar Singh and Gopala Gopala. I pray to God for the peace of his spirit and convey my deepest condolences to his family. – Pawan Kalyan
The death of editor Gautham Raju garu is very saddening. He was a wonderfully skilled editor. He was very close to me and was quite soft-hearted. We worked together on many victorious films. As an editor, Gautham Raju garu left a mark in the Telugu film industry. Today, it’s unfortunate that he is no longer among us. I wish for the peace of his holy spirit and express my deepest condolences to his family members. – Balakrishna