Veteran Actor-Comedian Fish Venkat Passes Away at 53 After Kidney Failure

Renowned Telugu actor-comedian Fish Venkat (real name Venkat Raj) tragically passed away on Friday due to kidney-related complications. The 53-year-old actor had been battling severe health issues and was hospitalized in Hyderabad before succumbing to organ failure.

Fish Venkat’s Health Struggles

Venkat had been in critical condition, requiring immediate kidney transplant surgery, with medical expenses estimated at ₹50 lakh. His family had been seeking financial assistance, and while rumors circulated about actor Prabhas offering help, they later clarified that no such support had materialized.

Fake Assistance Claim Debunked

Earlier reports suggested that Prabhas’ team had pledged financial aid, but Venkat’s family revealed that the call was a hoax. In an emotional statement, they said, “Someone pretended to be Prabhas’ assistant, but we later found out it was fake. We’re still hoping for genuine support.”

Fish Venkat’s Legacy in Telugu Cinema

Known for his unique Telangana dialect and impeccable comic timing, Fish Venkat became a beloved figure in Tollywood. Some of his most memorable roles were in hit films like:

• Bunny
• Adhurs
• Dhee
• Mirapakay
• Maa Vintha Gaadha Vinuma
• DJ Tillu

His last appearance was in the Aha thriller Coffee with a Killer, showcasing his versatility beyond comedy.

Industry Mourns the Loss

Fans and colleagues have flooded social media with tributes, remembering his hilarious performances and contribution to Telugu cinema. His sudden demise has left a void in the entertainment industry.

Global superstar Priyanka Chopra Jonas recently sent fans into a frenzy by posting a stunning Instagram photo dump from her sun-soaked Miami vacation. The heartwarming snapshots, bathed in golden-hour glow, gave a rare glimpse into her family time with husband Nick Jonas and their adorable daughter, Malti Marie Chopra Jonas.

Romantic Date Night & Precious Family Moments

One of the standout images features Priyanka and Nick enjoying a romantic waterfront dinner, with the dazzling Miami skyline as their backdrop. The couple, holding hands and smiling, perfectly captured #CoupleGoals under the warm sunset hues.

Another viral-worthy moment showed Nick being the ultimate girl dad, helping little Malti climb a play structure while Priyanka watched with a proud smile. The candid snap highlights their hands-on parenting style, proving that despite their A-list status, they keep family life grounded and full of love.

Solo Glam & Malti’s Fairytale Moment

The actress also treated fans to a chic mirror selfie from her hotel balcony, rocking an all-black look against the Miami skyline—effortlessly serving #BossLady vibes. Another relaxed shot showed her sipping a summer drink by the window, radiating casual elegance.

But the most enchanting pic? A watercolor painting of Malti dressed as Belle from Beauty and the Beast, complete with a yellow gown and pink hairband. Priyanka previously revealed on Good Morning America that her daughter insists on being called “Malti Marie Moana Chopra Jonas”—proving the toddler’s playful and imaginative spirit!

What’s Next for Priyanka?

While enjoying her downtime, PC has major projects lined up, including SSMB29 with RRR director S.S. Rajamouli and superstar Mahesh Babu. She’s also set to star in the Hollywood films The Bluff and Citadel Season 2, keeping her fans eagerly waiting!

#nick jonas and priyanka chopra

Phoenix ultimately couldn’t drum up peak value for Durant in a trade

The Phoenix Suns finally ended months of speculation by trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets on Sunday, closing a saga that began at the trade deadline when Phoenix nearly dealt him to the Golden State Warriors without his knowledge. Though that deal collapsed, it effectively marked the beginning of Durant’s inevitable departure—once trust was broken, reconciliation was impossible.

Yet despite months to orchestrate a blockbuster return, the Suns settled for a surprisingly modest package: Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and the No. 10 pick—far less than what Phoenix originally gave up to acquire Durant in 2023. This weak return raises questions about Phoenix’s leverage in negotiations. The most likely explanation? No other team was willing to offer more.

According to reports, potential suitors like the San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat never made strong pushes. While the Spurs’ hesitation was understandable given their youth movement, Miami’s reluctance was more puzzling. Despite having tradeable assets like Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, and future picks, the Heat reportedly balked at including them alongside salary-matching players like Duncan Robinson or Terry Rozier. Even more telling, Miami allegedly refused to part with promising young center Kel’El Ware—an unusual move for a franchise known for aggressively pursuing stars.

Durant’s limited list of preferred destinations (Houston, Miami, and San Antonio) further complicated matters. Though other teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors, reportedly explored deals, Durant’s lack of interest likely stalled talks. Two unexpected teams—the Denver Nuggets and Cleveland Cavaliers—also emerged as potential dark horses, but financial hurdles made deals nearly impossible.

Denver lacked tradeable first-round picks until 2031 and would’ve needed to include Aaron Gordon or navigate complex salary rules to absorb Durant’s contract. Cleveland, meanwhile, sat deep in the second apron, requiring a third team to facilitate any trade. A package centered on Jarrett Allen might have intrigued Phoenix, but the logistics proved too difficult.

In the end, Houston emerged as the logical fit. The Rockets needed a go-to scorer, had coaches familiar with Durant (including Ime Udoka), and possessed the cap flexibility to extend him. Most importantly, they could acquire Durant without dismantling their core. For Phoenix, however, the trade leaves major questions. With a weak return and limited future draft control, the Suns now face an uphill battle—either retooling around this underwhelming haul or navigating a rebuild with few assets.

Durant gets a fresh start in Houston, but the Suns’ long-term outlook looks murky after a deal that fell short of expectations.