Mumbai, March 19: The Telugu film industry mourns the eternal romantic Sobhan Babu on his death anniversary, March 20. Hailing from Andhra Pradesh’s Krishna district, this icon ruled screens from the late 1950s to the 1990s, delivering over 200 memorable performances. His multifaceted talent garnered five Best Actor honors, earning him the revered title ‘Natabhushan.’
Debuting with ‘Deva Balam’ in 1959, Sobhan Babu hit his stride with ‘Bhakta Sabari’ the following year. Romantic blockbusters defined his image—films such as ‘Devatha,’ ‘Gorintaku,’ ‘Soggadu,’ and ‘Jeevana Poratam’ mesmerized fans. Notably, ‘Manchi Manushulu’ (1973), inspired by ‘Aa Gale Lag Jaa,’ shattered records as the biggest hit of the year.
A strict no-kissing rule set him apart; even in steamy romances, he never compromised his principles rooted in family respect. Away from the spotlight, Sobhan Babu was intensely private, keeping his family insulated from tinsel town excesses.
In a shocking twist, early career frustrations led him to abandon films after just half a decade. The tide turned dramatically with ‘Veerabhimanyu’ in 1965—a devotional epic on Abhimanyu’s heroic life—that exploded at the box office, establishing him as a leading man among Telugu cinema’s top four stars.
Today, Sobhan Babu’s disciplined legacy endures. His ability to infuse depth into every role, from lovers to warriors, reminds us why he was irreplaceable. Fans worldwide revisit his oeuvre, celebrating a star who lived by unyielding values.