The Tamil film industry reeling over the shocking death by suicide of actor Vijay Antony's daughter Meera has received another shock as veteran actor Babu has passed away. He was in his mid fifties and was bedridden for more than thirty years after suffering paralysis from a fall while shooting for a movie. Bharathiraja recently met him in a hospital and consoled him and also aided him financially.

Babu who worked as an assistant director was indroduced by legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja in his political movie 'Ennuyir Thozhan'. Babu portrayed the role of a slum dwelling party worker who is betrayed by the leader he revers. The film also introduced popular actors Rama and Thennavan who are leading character artistes now.

Babu's performance in 'Ennuyir Thozhan' was so powerful that he became an overnight star. Vikraman who became a sensational director with 'Puthu Vasantham' booked Babu for his second movie 'Perumpulli' that had Bollywood heroine Suman Ranganathan as the heroine.

Babu had a fall from a high rock in 1991 when shooting for a film 'Mansara Vazhthungalen' that rendered him paralysed. He was bedridden for the next three decades occassionally contributing to scripts for his friends. Two more of his films 'Thayamma' and 'Ponnukku Seithi Vachachi' were released after his accident. RIP!