Telugu Film Actor Sarath Babu Passes Away

Actor-turned-politician Sarath Babu breathed his last this morning after a prolonged illness.

He was 71.

Babu was suffering from illness for some time, and passed away today while undergoing treatment in AIG Hyderabad, the hospital said.

According to the doctors of the hospital, the actor died due to damage to his kidneys, lungs, liver and other organs following sepsis all over his body.

With the news of his death, a pall of gloom descended on the Telugu film industry. Several film and political personalities took to social media to condole the death. They conveyed their deepest condolences to Sarath Babu's family.

The family members of the actor are now making arrangements to shift his mortal remains to Chennai.

Babu is the son of Vijayashankara Dikshitulu and Susheela Devi of Amudalavalasa in Srikakulam district. He dreamt of becoming an IPS officer since childhood, and unexpectedly came to the field of theatre. After performing in many plays during his college days, he made his debut as a hero with the movie "Rama Rajyam" released in 1973. He then played the role of a villain in his very second film, and acted in more than 250 films thereafter as a villain and a supporting actor.

Some of the movies that he featured in are Maro Charitra, Guppedu Manasu, Srungara Ramudu, Idi Katha Kaadu, 47 Rojulu, Seethakoka Chiluka, Sitara, Anveshana, Swathi Muthyam, Sagara Sangamam, Samsaram Oka Chadarangam, Criminal and Annayya. These films have brought him good recognition as an actor.

Sarath Babu excelled not only in films but also in serials. The Antarangalu serial aired on ETV brought him closer to the television audience.

Babu married actress Rama Prabha. However, due to personal reasons, the two separated shortly after their marriage.