The film industry mourns the loss of renowned South Indian actor Sarath Babu, who passed away at the age of 71 in Hyderabad after a prolonged battle with illness. Known for his distinctive spectacled face and charming smile, Sarath Babu was a familiar face in both Telugu and Tamil cinema. Throughout his career spanning nearly five decades, he acted in around 250 films, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
Sarath Babu’s breakthrough came with the Telugu film ‘Idi Katha Kadu,’ directed by veteran filmmaker K. Balachandar, which also featured superstars Kamal Haasan and Chiranjeevi. He went on to deliver memorable performances in movies such as Bharathiraja’s ‘Seethakoka Chilaka’ and K. Viswanath’s ‘Sagara Sangamam,’ ‘Swathi Muthyam,’ and ‘Apathbandhavudu. ‘In Tamil cinema, Sarath Babu was introduced by the legendary director K. Balachander in the film ‘Pattina Pravesam.’ He shared the screen with iconic actors like Rajinikanth in movies like ‘Annamalai’ and ‘Muthu,’ where their characters’ friendships turned into intense rivalries, captivating the audience. He also collaborated with Kamal Haasan in Viswanath’s ‘Sagara Sangamam,’ where his portrayal of a doting friend left a lasting impression.
Fellow actors and stars expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Sarath Babu. Rajinikanth described his demise as an “irreparable loss,” while Kamal Haasan remembered him as a “great actor and dear friend.” Telugu actor and producer Murali Mohan announced that Sarath Babu’s body would be kept at the Telugu film chamber in Hyderabad before being taken to Chennai. The passing of Sarath Babu leaves a void in the film industry, with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy among the prominent figures expressing their grief. Sarath Babu’s versatile acting skills and his ability to portray diverse roles garnered him a special place in the hearts of his fans. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors.