Senior actor Sarath Babu dies at 71; mortal remains placed at Film Chambers

Although Sarath Babu’s health appeared stable, he didn’t show any signs of recovery as the days passed.

Born Sathyam Babu Dixithulu, the actor was known to Telugu audiences by his screen name Sarath Babu.

Born in Amadalavalasa in the Srikakulam district on 31 July, 1951, Sarath Babu had to forgo his dream career in the Indian Police Service (IPS) for his passion in cinema.

Also read: Malayalees’ ‘Gafoor Ka Dosth’ Mamukkoya no more

Entry into movies

Exploring his luck in the cinema in his formative years, Sarath Babu was handpicked from among 3,000 artists who auditioned for a lead character in the film Rama Rajyam (Ram’s Kingdom) in 1973.

“I was shell-shocked when director Baburao told me ‘you’re the hero of my picture’,” he once said in an interview with Telugu media.

He forayed into Tamil cinema when he got a call from the late director K Balachander in the film Pattina Pravesam (entry to the City) and then Nizhal Nijamagiradhu (Illusion becomes reality), which were released in 1977 and 1978, respectively.

The films fetched several awards, and later, Sarath Babu constantly appeared in films directed by K Balachander.

However, it was through Sagara Sangamam (River Meets the Sea) (1983) that he made a name for himself when he played Kamal Haasan’s friend.

Sarath had kept himself busy playing supporting roles, as a protagonist, and negative roles constantly in over 250 films in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi languages.

Also read: Tamil actor-director-producer Manobala passes away

Stint with Telugu small screen

Sarath Babu was a household name in the Telugu-speaking states as he went on to appear in over a dozen TV serials.

It started with the popular series Antharangalu, which was aired in 1997 on ETV.

He further excelled as a producer on the small screen.

Playing characters in television serials, the actor didn’t give up acting on the silver screen as he continued appearing in supporting roles till 2009.

Leaders and celebrities express grief

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the actor for his work in multiple languages.

Shri Sarath Babu Ji was versatile and creative. He will be remembered for several popular works in several languages during his long film career. Pained by his passing away. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 22, 2023

Actor Kamal Hassan has expressed his condolences at Sarath Babu’s demise. He said, “Cinema has lost a good actor.”

சிறந்த நடிகரும், அருமை நண்பருமான சரத்பாபு மறைந்துவிட்டார். அவருடன் இணைந்து நடித்த நாட்கள் என் மனதில் நிழலாடுகின்றன. தமிழில் என் குருநாதரால் அறிமுகப்படுத்தப்பட்டவர். காலத்தால் அழியாத பல பாத்திரங்களை ஏற்று சிறப்பு செய்தவர். ஒரு நல்ல நடிகரை சினிமா இழந்திருக்கிறது.

அவருக்கு என்…

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) May 22, 2023

Actor Prakash Raj said he would “cherish his warmth and encouragement throughout my career”.

Wonderful to have met this ever smiling soul.. will cherish his warmth and encouragement throughout my career.. thank you dearest #SarathBabu for everything . RIP 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/mSdmX8vN87

— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) May 22, 2023

The RRR star NTR said Sarath Babu’s contributions to Indian cinema will be remembered forever.

Sad to hear about the passing of veteran actor Sarath Babu garu. His contributions to Indian cinema will be remembered forever. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends. Om Shanti.

— Jr NTR (@tarak9999) May 22, 2023

Telugu actor Ravi Teja also expressed his condolences.

Gentle Heart, Smiling soul & a Great Human Being ✨

You will be missed & remembered forever #SarathBabu garu 💔
My deepest condolences to his family!
Om Shanti!

— Ravi Teja (@RaviTeja_offl) May 22, 2023

Telangana Governor Tamilsai Soundararajan tweeted, expressing her condolences.

Deeply saddened to know about the demise of Famous actor #SarathBabu.

ప్రముఖ సీనియర్ సినీ నటుడు శరత్ బాబు మరణవార్త దిగ్భ్రాంతిని కలిగించింది. సినీ పేక్షకులను మెప్పించిన శరత్ బాబు మృతి సినీరంగానికి తీరని లోటు. ఆయన ఆత్మశాంతికై ప్రార్థిస్తూ, ప్రగాఢ సంతాపాన్ని తెలియజేస్తున్నాను.

— Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan (@DrTamilisaiGuv) May 22, 2023

Director Srinu Vaitla also remembered Sarath Babu and his unforgettable roles.

Sad to know that very talented and sensible actor Sarath Babu garu is no more..
His gentleness and various performances and roles will be remembered forever..
Praying for strength to his family..
Om Shanthi🙏 pic.twitter.com/4TGRKUnpAt

— Sreenu Vaitla (@SreenuVaitla) May 22, 2023

His mortal remains were placed at Film Chambers in Hyderabad for public viewing between 5.30 pm to 7 pm on Monday, 22 May.