Veteran actor Sarath Babu passed away on Monday, in Hyderabad. According to reports, the actor was hospitalised for a long while. He was 71. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to condole the demise of the veteran actor. He wrote, "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." 

Born as Sathyam Babu Dixithulu, Sarath Babu made his acting debut in 1973 with the Telugu film, Rama Rajyam. His five-decade-long career received its first shot in the arm after he was taken under the tutelage of the legendary filmmaker K Balachander. Sarath Babu made his Tamil debut with Pattina Pravesam (1977) and received his first landmark role with Nizhal Nijamagiradhu.

Sarath Babu became famous for his work in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi films. The veteran actor has bagged Nandi awards nine times for best acting in supporting roles.