Noted theatre and film actor Satyanarayana Murty, popularly known as Vankayala, passed away on Monday in Visakhapatnam. He was 78. Vankayala was suffering from respiratory disorders for the past several months and he died while undergoing treatment.
Born in Visakhapatnam, Vankayala Satyanarayana secured a job in Hindustan Shipyard, but he chose to be a part of theatre. He started his Filmy career in Telugu Cinema with Needaleni Aadadh but rose to fame after playing the role of a station master in Seethamaalaxmi.
Some of his well known films include Suthradharulu, Subhalekha, Srinivasa Kalyanam, Vijetha, Donga Kollu, Ooriki Ichina Maata and Oye. He was also a part of a few Hindi and Tamil films. Apart from movies, Satyanarayana had made a mark for himself in television serials too.
Vankayala is survived by wife and two sons. His brother Vankayala Tataji is former chairman of Sri Kanakamahalakshmi Devasthanam. The final rites were performed at Hindu Kailasa Bhoomi in Vizag.
Vankayala was honoured by city-based Sumadhura Kala Niketan during the comedy drama festival in 2017. The local organisations – Telugu Artistes’ Federation, Vijayawada Cultural Organisation, Geetanjali Arts expressed their deep condolence at his demise.