From winning a Nandi award for 'Amma' to falling ill on the sets of TV show 'Babai Hotel': A look at the journey of late actor Raja Babu

Noted actor Raja Babu aged 64, reportedly passed away on Sunday due to age-related illnesses. He has appeared in various supporting roles in over 60 films and 40 TV shows. From starting his career as a theatre artiste to winning the prestigious Nandi award, here's a look at the lesser-known side of Rajababu.

Raja Babu hailing from Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, was known for his authentic Konaseema dialect. His father was an actor, film producer, and distributor, too, which apparently nurtured his interest in cinema.

Raja Babu started his career as a theatre artiste and performed many plays across the country. His award-winning performances in the plays got him close to the cinema.

He later forayed into films in the year 1995 with the Telugu film, Ooriki Monagadu which starred actor Krishna and Jayasudha in the leads. He went onto play prominent supporting roles in over 60 films which include Sindhooram, Samudram, Murari, Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu, Malli Raava, Brahmotsavam, and others.

Raja Babu is known for his performances in popular shows including Abhishekam, Chi La Sow Sravanthi, Vasantha Kokila, Radha Madhu, Manasu Mamata, Bangaru Kodalu, Na Kodalu Bangaram and 35 other shows. He has acted as 'Mastaru' in over 1800 episodes in the TV show Abhishekam alone. In 2005, Raja Babu received the prestigious Nandi Award for his supporting role in the TV show, 'Amma'. He is also seen as 'Babai' in a few episodes of the cooking show 'Babai Hotel'. He cooked non-vegetarian recipes on the show. The supporting actor had also featured in many advertorials as well.

Raja Babu survived an accident in 2016 with a major injury to his leg. He was bedridden for a couple of months, too. Sources close to the actor revealed that he has been suffering from age-related ailments since February this year and fell ill on the sets of Babai Hotel.

Raja Babu is survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter who were married and well settled. In one of his recent online interviews, Raja Babu mentioned that he loves spending time with his family especially his granddaughter when he is not shooting.