Veteran Telugu actor Giri Babu dies at 80

Veteran Telugu actor Yerra Seshagiri Rao, popularly known as Giri Babu, died at a private hospital in Hyderabad on Saturday while undergoing treatment. He was 80 years old and had reportedly been suffering from age-related ailments.

Born in Ravinuthala in Prakasam district, Giri Babu made his debut with Jagame Maya. He started out as a lead actor and later played villains and comic roles before becoming a familiar face in character roles. Through his five-decade-long career, Giri Babu acted in over 600 films He also directed and produced a few films. He is survived by three children, including actor Raghu Babu.

The Movie Artistes Association (MAA) expressed condolences to the family of its life member. In a statement, it said his mortal remains would be kept at the Film Chamber from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday for people to pay their last respects. His last rites would be performed between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday at Ravinuthala, near Medarametla.

Several actors and politicians posted condolence messages on social media, mourning his death and offering their sympathies to his family.