On Thursday March 20th 2008, the 29th of Phalguna Suddha, Telugu matinee idol and film producer Sobhan Babu passed away in Chennai, India. He was 71 years old. Born Manchu Bhupati Raju in 1932, Sobhan Babu began his acting career with small roles in 1956 and eventually emerged onto the scene in Gudi Gantalu in 1964, becoming a major star in the years that followed. He was a successful actor for thirty years, working in over 175 Telugu feature films before he turned to producing in 1997. Sobhan Babu not only personified classical acting, but was also an esteemed producer and music director. He has been awarded in his lifetime the prestigious Padma Shri (1992), the Nandi Awards, and Raghupathi Venkaiah Awards for his contribution to Telugu Film Industry. Sobhan Babu is survived by his beloved wife, the famous dancer Sandhya Rani, and five sons. He will be remembered for his impressive acting, generosity, and leadership throughout his life in the world of Telugu cinema. His fans mourn the loss of a legend.