Telugu cinema has lost one of its most familiar faces with the death of veteran actor, director and producer Giri Babu, whose career spanned more than five decades and included over 600 films.
The actor died on Saturday, 14 November, while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Hyderabad. He was 80, according to The Hindu.
Born Yerra Seshagiri Rao on 8 June 1946 in Ravinuthala village in Andhra Pradesh’s Prakasam district, Giri Babu made his acting debut with the 1973 film ‘Jagame Maya’.
He initially appeared in leading roles before gaining wider recognition as a villain. He later established himself as a versatile character actor and comedian.
His extensive filmography includes ‘Annadammula Anubandham’, ‘Mallepoovu’, ‘Pasivadi Pranam’, ‘Ninne Pelladatha’, ‘Athadu’, ‘Geetha Govindam’ and ‘Jathi Ratnalu’. His final screen appearance came in the 2023 film ‘Anni Manchi Sakunamule’.
Beyond acting, Giri Babu built a career as a filmmaker and producer. He backed projects including ‘Simha Garjana’, ‘Merupu Daadi’ and ‘Indrajith’, and directed films such as ‘Ranarangam’, ‘Indrajith’ and ‘Nee Sukhame Ne Korukunna’. His son, actor Raghu Babu, said his father had worked in around 650 films during his career.
News of his death prompted tributes from across the Telugu film industry. Actor Chiranjeevi remembered his distinctive performances and contributions as an actor, director and producer.
Veteran actor Mohan Babu recalled sharing a room with Giri Babu during their early days in Madras, while Nandamuri Balakrishna praised both his talent and character.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also expressed condolences. Former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy remembered Giri Babu as a close friend of his father.
Giri Babu is survived by his sons, actor Raghu Babu and Bose Babu. His wife died in 2016. His last rites were scheduled to take place in his native village of Ravinuthala, in keeping with his wish to be laid to rest there.
