(20 October 1937 – 7 February 1983)
Raja Babu, the name itself is sufficient enough to tickle
your ribs. He was the best and highest paid comedian during his times and used
to compete with reigning heroes in terms of remunerations. It’s his mischievous
smile and funny expressions that made him unique and earned countless fans.
Rajababu was born to Punyamurthula Umamaheswara Rao and
Ramanamma as Appala Raju in Rajamundry of East Godavari District of AP. He
passed out Intermediate and completed Teacher Training course and worked as
teacher for a while. Though, he is professionally a teacher, he always had the passion
for acting and acted in few dramas like
“Kukka Pilla Dorikindi”, “Naalugilla Chavidi” and “Alluri Sitaramaraju”. It’s his spontaneity that attracted Garikapati
Raja Rao invited him to Madras and he initially lived on tuitions till got a
break. At last, Addala Narayana Rao gave him the first break with “Samajam” in 1960. He became popular
for his slapstick comedy and his pairing with Rama Prabha and Allu Ramalingaih had
sensational hits.
Rajababu acted as hero in few movies like Tata
Manavadu, Pichodi Pelli, Thirupathi, Evariki
Vare Yamuna Teere, Manishi Rodduna Paddad and interestingly his first film as a hero is the
debut film as director for the legendary director Dasari Narayana Rao which was
released in 1972. In his career span of nearly 20 years he acted in over 589
films.
Rajababu had ruled
the industry till the very last movie but, with fame and name, he got addicted
to alcohol and was unable to come out of the habit. At last, the same alcohol
took his breath at the mid-age.
BY RAJASEKHAR BODDUPALLI
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