Veteran actor Sarath Babu, known for his roles in both Tamil and Telugu films, passed away on Monday due to multiple-organ failure. He was 71.
Babu appeared in more than 200 films, including in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and a few Malayalam and Hindi films.
He entered the film industry in 1973 through a Telugu film and later became popular through the Tamil film Nizhal Nijamagiradhu (1978), directed by K. Balachander. He has received eight state Nandi Awards.
His filmography boasts notable works such as K Viswanath’s “Sagara Sangamam”, “Apathbandhavudu” and the Nagarjuna-starrer “Criminal”. He has also starred in a number of Tamil films, especially with superstar Rajinikanth in films such as “Mullum Malarum”, “Velaikkaran, “Annamalai” and “Muthu”. Sararth Babu is also known for his memorable roles in films like “Mullum Malarum” and “Nenjathai Killathey”.
Apart from Tamil and Telugu films, Sarath Babu also acted in Malayalam films such as Sarapancharam (1979, Dir. Hariharan), Dhanya (1981, Dir. Fazil), and Poonilamazha (1997, Dir. Sunil), and Kannada films such as Ranachandi (1991, Dir. G K Mudduraj), Amrutha Varshini (1997, Dir. Dinesh Baboo), Hrudaya Hrudaya (1999, Dir. M S Rajashekar), and Neela (2001, Dir. T S Nagabharana).
The septuagenarian also shared a close bond with Tamil superstar Rajinikanth, with whom he acted in films such as Annaamalai (1992, Dir. Suresh Krissna), Muthu (1995, Dir. K S Ravikumar), and Velaikkaran (1987, Dir. S P Muthuraman).
Soon after the news of his death broke, the actor’s name was among the top trends on the internet, with fans and people from the film industries paying tributes.
Superstar Kamal Haasan took to social media to pay tribute to the thespian.
“A great actor and a great friend, Sarath Babu has passed away. The days of acting with him are a shadow in my mind. Introduced by my Gurunath in Tamil. He excelled in many timeless roles. Cinema has lost a good actor. My tribute to him,” Kamal wrote.
Telugu actor Rahul Vijay wrote on Twitter: “Can’t accept the fact about the sudden demise #SarathBabu Garu. He will always be remembered through his performances. May his soul rest in peace.”
Actor Radikaa Sarathkumar tweeted, “No words, just deep sadness.”
