Shoban Babu (1937-2008)

Telugu actor Shoban Babu passed away this morning at 11 a.m. at the Chennai Appollo Hospital. He was 70. It is said that he collapsed while performing yoga in his house at Mehta Nagar. The actor was immediately rushed to a hospital where he was declared brought dead.

Uppu Shobana Chalapathy Rao which is Sobhanbabu's real name was born on January 14, 1937 at G. Konduru Mandalam, in Chinna Nandigama village. His debut in the film was 'Baktha Sabari'. After acting in many films playing small roles, he made his debut as hero in 'Veerabhimanyu' in 1965. This movie turned out to be a big hit. The success of 'Manushulu Maarali' propelled him to stardom in Tollywood.

Shoban was a very stylish star in his period but later he thoroughly distanced himself from the film industry as well as from attending any award functions. During his hay days he was fondly addressed as 'Andhra Andagadu', which means 'the most handsome person' in Andhra Pradesh. The most famous and much talked about pair was the Shoban Babu-Sharadha pair which was a runaway hit among the audience. Most of his films had two or three heroines.

Being the most stylish star during his time he was the most favorite star among the ladies for almost twenty years and he was very popular among ladies that even a good ladies entertainer film is still recalled as a Shoban babu kind of film.

With many Filmfare awards, state awards as well as a national award to his credit, Shoban Babu ruled Tollywood for almost thirty years. He had been living in Chennai with his family. The deceased actor is survived by his wife, a son and three daughters. His last rites will be performed in Andhra Pradesh.

On this sad day our heart goes out to the bereaved family and we at Indiaglitz.com pray for the actor's soul to rest in peace.