Late J. Jayalalitha Former CM of Tamilnadu serving meals to Sobhan Babu, when he once visited her house.
Late Sobhan Babu (Born : 1937 and Expired : 2008) was/ is considered the richest Tollywood (Telugu) actor with a networth of several thousands of crores (current estimates).
Sobhan was married even as he was still in the middle of his B. Sc studies. He started acting in Telugu movies around 1961 and stayed in the league of top-notch actors until 1996 when he voluntarily opted out of the field. He acted in nearly 300 movies, of which he was the hero in more than 240. Former CM of Tamilnadu, Late J. Jayalalitha was his diehard fan during her teens.
Initially he suffered extreme poverty in the metropolis of Chennai in the course of trying for movie roles. At one point, he was totally frustrated, left in tears, wanted to withdraw from the efforts and become a taxi driver to feed his family. But destiny has another plan in store for him.
Very early on in his film career, he started channeling his earnings to other businesses like real estate, infra-building and leasing. Ironically he never invested in movies. Luckily his assets multiplied almost every few years. He owned many vast real estate ventures, several huge shopping malls and large multi-floor office complexes in Chennai and was nicknamed by his fans and admirers as the King of Madras.
A sample piece from ‘Kathaa naayakuraalu’ one of his old movies (1971)
Born in a high-caste Hindu middle-class family in Andhra, Sobhan led the life of an agnostic for a good part of his life, but began to lean towards Buddhism during his mature years. So he built a garden named Prashanti Vanam on a 10-acre plot. It was exclusively meant for himself to do meditation without disturbance. A kind-hearted man as he was, he donated generously and helped many a person as well as institutions, but always preferred to remain anonymous. He was also a good poet in Telugu.
While in the film industry, Sobhan fought for the rights of junior artistes and lower level technicians. It was only because of his efforts that today’s Telugu artistes and technicians enjoy the facilities of insurance and housing as also fixed timings of work. Sobhan esp. insisted on day-time shoots because in his opinion, late-night schedules have a big role in the formation of illicit relationships and ruining of the families. Even now, Tollywood follows his words in this aspect.
Sobhan was in pain, watching the film artistes and technicians squandering away their hard earnings on petty enjoyments. Whenever they came to meet him, he used to talk to them at length on the need to save for the future, the need to value family life and the importance of productive investment. However, there were many people who did not listen to him and spoiled their own lives. They still repent over that, saying, “That day Sobhan already told us. But sadly we did not listen.” .
Back in his early youth, Sobhan married his teacher’s daughter because he found that the teacher could not afford to marry her off for want of money. Thus he valued humans above everything and genuinely wished for their welfare. His contemporaries and film colleagues frequently testify to this fact.
In spite of being a billionnaire, Sobhan was not a withdrawn or reserved soul, but a man fond of free, long, lively and hearty talks with everyone including his own staff. In that aspect, he did not care class or caste. He also used to write articles in Telugu magazines about his experiences in the filmdom and his friendship and interaction with his fellow-actors and actresses. He kept in regular touch with his childhood friends at his village even after he became a high-profile personality, as can be known from a number of letters he wrote to them.
One thing that most of Sobhan’s fans still fondly remember of him - is that - he never refused to receive any fan at his home, even after he became a big tycoon and retired from movies. He did not allow any of his fans to leave without having lunch with him at the same table. But he used to humbly tell them : “What you see on the screen is only maaya. Do not take it seriously and do not hanker after movie stars. We are ordinary humans just like you. In fact, we are nothing, compared to scientists and national leaders.”
Sobhan in his old age (post-60)
Thus Sobhan discouraged the formation of his fans’ associations. As a result, he was the only top Telugu hero to not have a single fans’ association in his name.
The most loved man of Andhra who hated none and hurt none
Sobhan was a highly disciplined man. He kept aloof from “all” bad habits and stayed absolutely fit and healthy until he breathed his last. In a way, it is still Sobhan’s personal discipline which serves as an inspiration and model for the entire Tollywood. After retiring, he kept off the public glare for a good 12 years. Yet people did not forget him. He was the darling of the rich and poor alike, liked by politicians and sportsmen alike. He never entered politics, nor contested elections. When he suddenly died in 2008, millions were in tears, listening to the news. Even industry top guns and political leaders were seen weeping in public.
He is still the role model for many Telugus. That’s why a proverb became popular in Andhra. “Be born like Sobhan if you should. Live like Sobhan if you should.”
His life is his message : Some say he was a saintly character inside, and many call him a humanist. In my opinion, he had both the qualities.
He is survived by 3 daughters and a son.
