Telugu Actor Rahul Ramakrishna Grieves Loss of Brother Due to Paraquat Poisoning

Telugu actor Rahul Ramakrishna is grieving the loss of his brother, who died from paraquat poisoning. This tragedy has raised concerns about the accessibility of this toxic herbicide. Ramakrishna took to social media to express his shock and called for stricter regulations to prevent further tragedies. Paraquat, a potent weed killer, poses severe health risks, and many countries have banned its use. The actor, known for his role in Arjun Reddy, has also made significant contributions to the Telugu film industry. His plea highlights the urgent need for action regarding chemical safety.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 27, 2026, 07:48 IST

Tragic Loss for Rahul Ramakrishna

Rahul Ramakrishna, a prominent Telugu actor recognized for his portrayal of Shiva in the film Arjun Reddy, is in mourning following the death of his brother. The actor disclosed that his brother succumbed to paraquat poisoning, raising alarms about the alarming accessibility of this highly toxic substance. On Thursday night, Ramakrishna took to social media to express his sorrow and disbelief at how readily available this dangerous chemical is, despite its potential for harm. He tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, urging them to address the increasing incidents of poisoning and to enforce stricter regulations.

In his heartfelt message, he stated, "Honourable Sirs @TelanganaCMO @PMOIndia, I lost my brother today to Paraquat poisoning. It’s terrifyingly lethal and widely misused for self-destruction. Shocked by how easily it is available everywhere. Doctors are overwhelmed by the amount of cases. Please ban it ASAP—save lives."

Understanding Paraquat Poisoning

Paraquat is a potent herbicide commonly used in agriculture to eliminate unwanted vegetation, but it poses significant risks to human health. Even minimal exposure can lead to severe bodily harm. The chemical primarily affects the mouth, stomach, and lungs, leading to respiratory difficulties. Once ingested, it spreads rapidly throughout the body, causing critical internal damage. Reports indicate that there is no straightforward antidote for paraquat poisoning; medical professionals focus on alleviating symptoms and expediting the removal of the toxin from the body, although recovery can be challenging in severe cases. Inhalation or dermal exposure can also result in poisoning. Due to its hazardous nature, many nations have implemented strict regulations or outright bans on its use.

About Rahul Ramakrishna

Rahul Ramakrishna is an actor primarily active in the Telugu film industry. He began his career with a short film titled Sainma, directed by Tharun Bhascker Dhaassyam. His entry into Tollywood was marked by the film Jayammu Nischayammu Raa (2016), featuring Srinivasa Reddy and Poorna. However, his breakout role came in Arjun Reddy, where he portrayed the close friend of the lead character, earning him widespread recognition.

Since then, he has starred in numerous successful Telugu films, including Bharat Ane Nenu, Sammohanam, Chi La Sow, Geetha Govindam, Hushaaru, Brochevarevarura, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, and Jathi Ratnalu. He also appeared in Skylab alongside Nithya Menen, delivering a memorable performance as Subedar Ramarao. In addition to acting, Rahul has made contributions as a songwriter, having penned two songs for the National Award-winning film Pelli Choopulu, which starred Vijay Deverakonda and Ritu Varma. He was also part of the blockbuster RRR directed by SS Rajamouli.