Kannada director D Rajendra Babu passes away

BANGALORE: Noted Kannada film director and screenplay writer D Rajendra Babu died of heart attack, family sources said. He was 62.

"My father suffered a heart attack in our residence and we rushed him to MS Ramaiah Hospital. The doctors there declared him brought dead," Nakshatra, daughter of Babu, told reporters here.

He is survived by wife and two daughters. Nakshatra said her father was suffering from low sugar and had not been keeping well.

The director has directed over 50 films invarious genres, major being sentimental films.

He has written and directed numerous blockbuster films, though major of them are remakes.

Considered one of the most revered directors of Kannada film industry, Babu has also directed a few Telugu films and a Malayalam film.

He has also directed a Hindi film "Pyaar Karke Dekho" in 1987 with Govinda and Madakini playing the lead roles.

Condoling the death, Shivarajkumar, son of late Kannada film icon Rajkumar said Babu was the finest director and his death was a great loss for "Sandalwood".

Ramya, actor-turned politician, said Babu was a very affectionate person and actors felt free in his company while shooting.

Actor-director Upendra said Babu's death was quite unexpected. "May his soul rest in peace", he said.

Some of Babu's notable works are "Nanu Nanna Hendathi" (1985), "Olavina Udugore" (1987), "Ramachaari" (1991), Ramarajyadalli Rakshasaru (1990), Halunda Thavaru (1994), "Appaji" (1996), "Diggajaru" (2000), "Amma" (2001), "Encounter Dayanayak" (2005) and "Bindaas" (2010).