Telugu filmmaker Tripuraneni Chittibabu passes away at 71 due to cardiac arrest; Tollywood mourns the loss of 'Raitu Bharatham' star

TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains mention of death.Veteran filmmaker, producer, and actor Tripuraneni Chittibabu passed away at the age of 71. He breathed his last on Wednesday night at a private hospital in Hyderabad after suffering a heart attack. His death has left the Telugu film world in a state of shock and has brought sorrow to millions of his fans and co-workers alike. Known for his strong voice and honest opinions, Chittibabu was also a respected public commentator beyond cinema.According to 123 Telugu, Tripuraneni Chittibabu complained of chest pain on Wednesday evening. His family rushed him to a private hospital in the Kondapur area of Hyderabad. In spite of medical attention, the doctors announced him dead. His demise has quite shaken the industry; scores of filmy individuals are expressing their grief and sharing moments about their association with him.Named Varaprasad at birth on July 28, 1955, in the Krishna district town of Gudlavalleru, Chittibabu hailed from a prominent film family. He was the son of noted writer Tripuraneni Maharathi. Following his father’s path, he entered the film industry and worked as an assistant in the writing department before becoming a director. He made his directorial debut with 'Santhanam' in 1984 and subsequently directed 'Na Peru Durga,' 'Pralayam,' ' Preminchi Choodu, and 'Raitu Bharatham.' He has usually acknowledged Mohan Babu as the one who helped him become a director.The Tripuraneni Chittibabu brought the actors into the film industry. He was credited with a lot of Soundarya's first exposure to cinema. Apart from this, he was the one who had shaped the career paths of several other artists, too, to mention comedian M. S. Narayana. The Chittibabu Express was also a platform where the star offered his opinions on different matters. Tollywood was in deep grief as he passed away. Filmmakers and the audiences no doubt would cherish and remember his creative assignments.