What happened to Gaddar? The legendary Indian folk singer is dead. He died aged 77. What he died from and how much he was worth explored.
Gaddar was an Indian poet, singer, and communist revolutionary.
Gaddar was active in the Naxalite-Maoist insurgency, as well as the movement for Telangana’s statehood.
On August 6, 2023, the world learned about his death and following the tragic news, many want to know more about his cause of death and net worth. Read on for more.
What was Gaddar’s cause of death?
Tributes have poured in for renowned Indian folk singer and revolutionary Gummadi Vittal Rao, known as Gaddar who passed away at the age of 77.
The activist had been suffering from ill health in recent months and sadly died in hospital on Sunday, devastating his supporters.
He had been admitted to the Apollo Spectra Hospital in Hyderabad, Telangana, before passing away due to lung and urinary problems.
The singer, famed for his 1980s rebel songs, was suffering from severe heart disease and was rushed in on July 20 for surgery.
He underwent a bypass on Thursday and recovered well, but began experiencing complications due to his other health issues.
The hospital said Gaddar’s history of lung and urinary problems coupled with his age led to his death on Sunday.
The revolutionary was last seen in public on July 2 while attending a public meeting at Khammam in Telangana.
Many pay tributes to Gaddar following his passing
Gaddar’s body has been taken to the Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium for people to pay their respects before his funeral on Monday.
Telangana Congress said in a Twitter post: “We express our profound grief over the untimely demise of Sri Gummadi Vittal Rao alias Gaddar.
“A great poet, a revolutionary balladeer, his voice echoed the soul of Telangana. Our deepest condolences to his family. May God give them strength.”
Politician Rahul Gandhi wrote: “Saddened to hear about the demise of Shri Gummadi Vittal Rao, Telangana’s iconic poet, balladeer and fiery activist.
His love for the people of Telangana drove him to fight tirelessly for the marginalised. May his legacy continue to inspire us all.”
BJP leader Etala Rajender added: “His struggle for Telangana is unforgettable. Even if he is not physically present, his song will live on forever.”
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy said in tribute: “He was the voice of the downtrodden and fought for social justice through his inspiring songs.”
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said Gaddar’s “unwavering dedication to social causes and the fight for Telangana’s statehood was truly inspiring.”
What was Gaddar’s net worth?
For years in the entertainment industry in India, Gaddar had an estimated net worth between $500,000 and $900,000. He accrued his fortune for his works as a poet, singer, songwriter, and communist revolutionary as well as other endeavors and politics.
India has been rocked by the passing of the popular poet, who became the face of the Telangana statehood movement.
He combined his passion for politics with his singing talents to gain attention for the cause, as well as the Naxalite-Maoist insurgency.
After appearing in a number of hit Telugu films, Gaddar found his calling as a social crusader challenging the ruling Communist Party.
Inspired by the Srikakulam armed struggle by tribals in north coastal Andhra, he first used folk art forms to protest in 1969.
The former bank worker quickly became a symbol of hope across the nation after his unique approach entranced the public.
Gaddar- born Gummadi Vittal Rao – penned his first song, Aapara Rickshaw, in 1971 and soon followed up with an album.
His music was considered an unbeatable messenger for his social justice crusades, that helped the causes gain traction.
Gaddar became synonymous with revolutionary songs and successfully bringing about societal change.
Thousands of youths joined the Naxalite movement after being incensed by his music and poetry.
The legendary singer was shot by five unknown assailants at his home in 1997 – forcing him to go underground in the 1980s.
Although four bullets were removed from his body, one remained in Gaddar’s spinal cord as it was too dangerous to remove.
But he remained undeterred and continued his crusade until 2010, when he took a step back from the Maoist party.
His music and poetry then gained recognition again during the second phase of the Telangana movement.
The state was officially declared separate from the pre-existing Andhra Pradesh in 2014, a feat many credited Gaddar with aiding.