JOIN USVeteran actor Sarath Babu passes away at 71
Veteran actor Sarath Babu (71) passed away in Hyderabad on Monday afternoon due to multiple organ failure.
He was undergoing treatment in a private hospital here for over a month.
Sarath Babu had acted in over 250 films in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and other languages, playing the lead, villain, supporting as well as character roles.
Ramaraajyam, released in 1973, was his first film, while Babu was last seen in Telugu cinema in Vakeel-saab (2021).
The noted actor was admitted to the AIG Hospitals on 20 April in a critical condition with multiple organ failure because of multiple myeloma.
“As an immunocompromised patient, he was under the care of a multidisciplinary team and was supported with mechanical ventilator for lungs, dialysis support for kidney among other therapies. He succumbed to his illness in spite of the best resuscitative measures,” a statement from the hospital said.
Babu was known for his good looks and a charming acting style.
Born in Amadalavalasa, Srikakulam of north-coastal Andhra Pradesh on July 31, 1951, Babu's original name is Satyanarayana (Satyam-babu) Dikshithulu. His initial intention was to become a police officer but his short sight reportedly obstructed that dream.
Having acted in dramas during his B.Sc., college days in Srikakulam, and prodded by friends and relatives in his hometown, Babu went to Madras (now Chennai) to try his luck in films. He got a break with the K Balachander-directed Nizhal Nijamagiradhu in 1978.
Some of Babu's popular movies are Idi Katha Kaadu (1979), Seethakoka Chiluka (1981), Sitaara, Kanchana Ganga (1984), Abhinandana (1988), and Neerajanam (1989).
Babu's characters like Kamal Haasan's friend in Sagara Sangamam (1983) were much loved. He acted alongside Rajinikanth as well in films like Annamalai (1992) and Muthu (1995).
Sarath Babu earned popularity on the small screen too by acting in TV serials like Antharangalu.
His first marriage was with well-known Telugu actor Rama Prabha.
Several film personalities like Haasan, and Andhra Pradesh CM Jaganmohan Reddy expressed their tributes on the veteran actor's death.
Babu's last rites will be carried out in Chennai.