Veteran Telugu actor Giri Babu dies at 80; Chiranjeevi, Anil Ravipudi pay tribute

Veteran Telugu actor, director and producer Giri Babu died at 80 in Hyderabad. His five-decade career spanning over 600 films connected generations of cinema audiences.

In Short

• Veteran Telugu actor Giri Babu died at 80 in Hyderabad.
• He acted in over 600 films across five decades.
• Chiranjeevi and YS Jagan mourned his passing.

Telugu cinema has lost one of its familiar faces. Veteran actor, director and producer Giri Babu died on Saturday at a private hospital in Hyderabad's Kondapur, where he was undergoing treatment. He was 80 and had reportedly been dealing with health complications for some time. Chiranjeevi, director Anil Ravipudi and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy were among those who mourned his death.

Giri Babu spent more than five decades in the film industry, appearing in over 600 films. Whether playing a villain, a comic character or a supporting role, he had a way of making his presence felt on screen. His work also extended beyond acting, with several films to his credit as a director and producer.

Chiranjeevi, Anil Ravipudi pay tribute

Chiranjeevi expressed shock over the actor's death in a post on X, remembering his contribution to Telugu cinema as an actor, producer and director.

"The news that the renowned actor Giribabu is no more has left me shocked. Through his distinctive acting and unique style, Giribabu’s contributions to the Telugu film industry as an actor, producer, and director across a wide range of films will be remembered forever. His passing is an irreparable loss to the Telugu film industry. Praying to God to grant peace to his sacred soul. I extend my deepest condolences to his family members and fans (sic)," he wrote.

Anil Ravipudi also remembered him as an artist of remarkable versatility, saying his performances would remain in the hearts of cinema lovers. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy shared a personal connection, recalling that Giri Babu was a close friend of his father and an active member of his party. He also praised the actor for bringing several memorable characters to life.

See their reactions here:

Giri Babu's career in films

Born Yerra Seshagiri Rao on June 8 in Ravinuthala village in Andhra Pradesh's Prakasam district, Giri Babu developed an interest in acting and theatre early in life. He made his film debut with Jagame Maya in 1973. Though he initially played leading roles, he later became particularly popular for his villainous and character roles.

One of his memorable performances came in the 1977 mythological film Kurukshetram, in which he played Dushasana. His other notable films included Jyothi, Pasivadi Pranam, Hello Brother, Sisindri, Little Soldiers and Ninne Pelladata. He continued working with younger generations of actors in films such as Gamyam, Geetha Govindam, Jathi Ratnalu and Most Eligible Bachelor.

Giri Babu also stepped behind the camera, directing films such as Ranarangam, Indrajith and Nee Sukhame Ne Koruthunna. He was associated with the production of Devathalara Deevinchandi and Merupu Daadi as well.

He is survived by his two sons and a daughter. His elder son, Raghu Babu, is a familiar face in Telugu films as a comedian and character actor, while his younger son, Bose Babu, also ventured into cinema. His wife, Sridevi, died in 2016.

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