Giri Babu, Versatile Telugu Actor and Filmmaker, Dies at 80

A Life in Telugu Cinema

Giri Babu, a veteran Telugu actor, producer, and director whose career spanned over five decades, died on 2026-11-14 at a private hospital in Hyderabad. He was 80 years old at the time of his passing, according to reports from The Hindu and The Times of India. The actor had been receiving treatment for age-related health complications prior to his death in the city of Kondapur, Hyderabad.

Born Yerra Seshagiri Rao, the performer was a fixture in the Telugu film industry, appearing in more than 600 motion pictures. His work bridged generations of cinema, allowing him to share the screen with legends such as N. T. Rama Rao and contemporary stars like Chiranjeevi. His death has prompted widespread tributes from political leaders and colleagues who recognized his significant contributions to the arts.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born on June 8 in Ravinuthala village, located in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh, Yerra Seshagiri Rao developed an early interest in theatre. He eventually moved to Madras to pursue a professional career in the film industry. Before achieving success, he faced significant setbacks when three of his initial film projects were shelved, nearly prompting him to abandon his cinematic ambitions to return to agriculture.

He eventually made his official screen debut in the 1973 film Jagame Maya. While he began his career as a lead actor, he soon transitioned into a versatile performer known for his ability to play antagonists, comedians, and supporting characters. This adaptability allowed him to remain a consistent presence in the industry for over fifty years.

Accomplishments and Notable Works

Throughout his prolific career, Giri Babu appeared in a vast array of films, including Kurukshetram, where he gained early acclaim for his portrayal of Dushasana. His filmography includes notable titles such as Jyothi, Karunamayudu, Hello Brother, Little Soldiers, and Gamyam. His final screen appearance occurred in the 2023 film Anni Manchi Sakunamule, marking the end of a half-century of work.

Beyond his acting, he made significant contributions as a producer and director. He produced films such as Simha Garjana and Merupu Daadi, while his directorial credits include Ranarangam, Indrajith, and Nee Sukhame Ne Korukunna. These ventures demonstrated his deep involvement in the technical and creative aspects of filmmaking beyond his on-screen roles.

Personal Life and Legacy

Giri Babu was married to his wife, Sridevi, who preceded him in death in 2016. He is survived by his two sons, Raghu Babu and Bose Babu, both of whom followed him into the film industry, as well as a daughter. His son Raghu Babu is a well-known comedian and character actor in Telugu cinema.

The legacy of Giri Babu is defined by his remarkable longevity and his ability to evolve alongside changing cinematic trends. By transitioning from a leading man to a character actor, he ensured his relevance across multiple eras of Telugu film history. His family planned to hold his final rites in his native village of Ravinuthala on November 15, 2026.