Fan dies at `Baadshah` audio launch stampede

Hyderabad: What was supposed to be a gala evening turned sorrowful when a fan lost his life in a stampede at the audio launch of Junior NTR starrer Telugu action-drama ‘Baadshah’ here Sunday.

As thousands of fans flocked to the venue to get a glimpse of Junior NTR, one of the fans named Rajendra Prasad a.k.a. Raju suffocated to death in stampede. A few others who were injured in the stampede were rushed to a nearby hospital. "I am saddened to know that I lost one of my brothers today. I may be the only son to my parents, but all my fans are equivalent to my brothers and sisters. This was supposed to an evening to enjoy but unfortunately it has turned sad," Junior NTR said at the event. "I give my word amidst all of you that I will stand by the family that has lost a member this evening. I request everybody to be cautious and request not to indulge in such madness again," he added. Producer Bandla Ganesh said he will donate Rs.5 lakh to Raju`s family. ‘Baadshah’ is directed by Srinu Vaitla. It features Kajal Agarwal, Navdeep, Prakash Raj, Ritu Varma, Ajay, Brahmanandam, Vennela Kishore and Chandra Mohan. S.S. Thaman has composed the music of the film, which is releasing April 5 worlwide. IANS