Veteran actor Giribabu passed away in Hyderabad on Saturday evening, leaving the film industry and political circles in shock. Several political leaders and film personalities, including Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Chiranjeevi, Mohan Babu, Balakrishna and Murali Mohan, expressed their condolences and paid tribute to the veteran actor through social media.
Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu:
“The passing of veteran actor, director and producer Giribabu is deeply saddening. Born into an ordinary farming family in Prakasam district, Giribabu acted in over 600 films over five decades, portraying villains, comedians and character roles. I pray for peace for Giribabu’s soul and extend my deepest condolences to his family members.”
Chiranjeevi
“The news that popular actor Giribabu is no more has left me shocked. Through his distinctive acting and unique style, Giribabu garu made valuable contributions to the Telugu film industry as an actor, producer and director. His work across a wide range of films will be remembered forever. His passing is an irreparable loss to the Telugu film industry. I extend my deepest condolences to his family members and fans.”
AP Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan
“I was deeply saddened to hear that popular actor Giribabu garu is no more. He played different roles, including lead characters, villains and character artistes, and also entertained audiences with his comic performances. He made successful films as a producer and director. I extend my condolences to his son Raghu Babu and other family members. I pray to God that his soul rests in peace.”
Mohan Babu
“I am deeply saddened and have no words to express my grief. When we were in Madras, Giribabu and I were roommates, and we were very close to each other. He entered the film industry as an actor before me. We went on to act in each other's films. Giribabu was a kind-hearted person who played several distinctive roles. He achieved success as a director, producer and actor. It is very painful to know that such a person is no longer with us in the film industry. I pray to God that his soul rests in peace and that his family finds strength and peace during this difficult time.”
Murali Mohan
“Giribabu and I both made our acting debuts with the film Jagame Maya in 1973. Initially, the makers selected Giribabu for the lead role. However, after they saw my photographs, they decided to cast me as the lead actor and offer him the villain's role. They wanted to convey this change to him, so they called him to their office and explained the situation politely. He took it sportively and immediately agreed to play the villain. That's how we both made our debuts, and we became good friends from then onwards.
“He lost his wife ten years ago, and from then on, he became a little withdrawn. I met him a few times and encouraged him to stay active, but I noticed a lot of change in him. I was not aware that he had been hospitalised for the last three days, and today I heard this sad news. I have lost a good friend, and his demise is a loss to the Telugu film industry. He was friendly with everyone and never had enmity with anyone. It is very sad. I pray to God that his soul rests in peace.”
