Sobhan Babu (born Uppu Sobhana Chalapathi Rao; 14 January 1937 – 20 March 2008) was an Indian actor known for his work in Telugu cinema.[1][2] He made his film debut in Bhakta Sabari (1959), but Daiva Balam (1959) was his first official release.[3][4] He garnered four Filmfare Awards South for Best Actor, and Special Mention for Bangaru Panjaram (1969) at the 4th IFFI.[5][6] Sobhan Babu was featured in National Award winning films such as Sita Rama Kalyanam (1961), Mahamantri Timmarusu (1962), Lava Kusa (1963), Nartanasala (1963), which was featured at the 3rd Afro-Asian Film Festival, and Desamante Manushuloyi (1970).[3][7][8] He is often referred to as Nata Bushana.[9]

Sobhan Babu
Born
Uppu Sobhana Chalapathi Rao

(1937-01-14)14 January 1937
Died20 March 2008(2008-03-20) (aged 71)
Other namesNatabhushana
Years active1959–1996
WorksFull list
Spouse
Santhakumari
(m. 1957)
Children4

In a film career spanning more than thirty five years, Sobhan Babu starred in over 200 feature films in a variety of roles in films such as Veerabhimanyu (1965), Manushulu Marali (1969), Tara Sasankam (1969), Kalyana Mandapam (1971), Chelleli Kapuram (1971), Sampoorna Ramayanam (1972), Sarada (1973), Manchi Manushulu (1974), Jeevana Jyothi (1975), Soggadu (1976), Kurukshetram (1977), Mallepoovu (1978), Gorintaku (1979), Karthika Deepam, (1979), Mosagadu (1980), Devatha (1982), and Mundadugu (1983).[10]

Background

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Sobhanbabu was born to Uppu Suryanarayanarao and had four siblings, three sisters, Dhanaranga, Jhansi and Nirmala, and a brother, Sambasivarao. Sobhanbabu completed his initial schooling at Kuntamukkula, Mylavaram. He pursued his Intermediate in Krishna District.[1][2] He completed B.Sc degree in Physics at Andhra Christian College, Guntur. After that he opted for a Law degree in Madras to pursue his cinema career.[11]

Personal life

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He married Santhakumari on May 15, 1958. They had three daughters, and a son Karunasesh. He never introduced his son into film industry and he made him a successful businessman. He enjoyed a peaceful family life. Shoban Babu and KV Chalam were best friends, till KV Chalam's death, after that he shared a close friendship with Chandramohan until his last breath. He also helped his workers (driver, chefs, etc) financially and got them settled well. He also used to give valuable suggestions to film actors regarding buying assets and investments. Actor Murali Mohan followed his suggestions and is well settled.[1]

Death

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screenshot of Sobhan Babu from a movie scene

On 20 March 2008, aged 71. Shobanbabu after completing yoga he freshned up and sat on his favourite "rocking chair" reading newspaper and waiting for breakfast. Suddenly he suffered massive heart attack and fell down from his chair and injured his nose. Immediately family members rushed him to hospital and he was pronounced dead. Tollywood and Kollywood stars paid homage to him, whole film fraternity mourned his death. He was cremated at his own farm in chennai.[1]

Awards

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Filmfare Awards South

Filmography

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Telugu star Shoban Babu passes away". dna. Archived from the original on 2 November 2016. Retrieved 23 September 2016.
  2. ^ a b Bangaru Panjaram in Venditera Paatalu, Krishnasastri Sahityam, third volume, Vishalandhra Publishing House, Hyderabad, pp.78-82.
  3. ^ a b "Actor Sobhan Babu passes away". 21 March 2008 – via The Hindu.
  4. ^ "Sobhan Babu's statue unveiled in Kurnool". The Hindu. 16 April 2012. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 23 May 2013.
  5. ^ The Times of India directory and year book including who's who. Times of India Press. 1984.
  6. ^ Sobhan Babu passes away. DNA India.
  7. ^ "Bangaru Panjaram 1969 Telugu Movie Online". Archived from the original on 2 April 2012. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  8. ^ "6th International Film Festival of India" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. 1 November 1976. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 May 2017. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
  9. ^ "Sobhanbabu's 100 Days Films List". CineGoer. 27 September 2012. Archived from the original on 27 September 2012.
  10. ^ Ramachandran, T.M. (1973). Film world. Vol. 9.
  11. ^ "A star is born after lot of struggle! | Telugu Swag". teluguswag.com. Archived from the original on 25 January 2020. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
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