Gussadi folk dance master Kanaka Raju, aka Gussadi Raju, passed away aged 84 on Friday due to age-related issues. He was bestowed with the Padma Shri award in 2021. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Kanaka Raju as a "prolific dancer and cultural icon" while mourning his demise and wrote, "His rich contribution to preserving Gussadi dance will always motivate...coming generations."