Who was Giribabu? A veteran Telugu actor who appeared in over 600 films

Telugu cinema has suffered the loss of yet another star face. The veteran actor Giribabu died on Saturday, November 14, 2026. The 83-year-old actor is well known for his work as a villain, comedy, and character roles in Telugu films.

He acted in over 600 films in his career. He was also a producer and director with experience in many facets of filmmaking. His son Raghu Babu is a popular comedian in Telugu cinema and has continued his father's legacy on screen. Several film personalities have expressed grief over his demise.

From a small village in Andhra Pradesh to Telugu cinema

Giribabu, whose real name was Yarra Seshagiri Rao, was born on June 8, 1946, in Ravinuthala village of the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh.

He hailed from an agricultural society but developed an interest in acting and theater from a very early age. Dreaming of succeeding in cinema, he migrated to Chennai, then known as Madras, in search of his aspirations. His first film as a villain was 'Jagame Maya' in 1973.

Giribabu's 600-film career as actor, producer and director

Though Giribabu started his career as an actor playing negative characters, he slowly explored other roles as a hero, comedian, and character artist.

His unique style of dialogue delivery and screen presence set him apart from his contemporaries. Apart from acting, he also proved his mettle as a filmmaker. As a producer, he has produced films like 'Devathalara Deevinchandi', 'Simha Garjana' and 'Merupu Daadi'.

Also as a director, he has made films like 'Ranarangam', 'Indrajeet' and 'Nee Sukhame Naa Korukunna'.

Giribabu's family, son Raghu Babu and last film

Giribabu was married to Sridevi, who died in 2016 due to kidney-related health issues. They had two sons, Raghu Babu and Bosu Babu, and a daughter named Madhavi. Carrying forward his father's legacy, Raghu Babu joined the Telugu film industry and became one of its most famous comedians. Giribabu's last movie was the 2023 family entertainer 'Anni Manchi Sakunamule'. His contribution to the Telugu film industry varied across many aspects, including acting, directing, and producing.