Tamil film industry mourns the sudden and untimely death of prolific producer G Dilli Babu, who passed away in Chennai, in the early hours of Monday, September 9. The esteemed producer’s demise occurred around 12.30 am, sources reported. His funeral is scheduled for later this evening.
The news of his passing was confirmed by his production house, Axess Film Factory, through an official statement released on social media platform X. The production house requested privacy for the family during this intensely difficult period. The statement read, “With a heavy heart, we announce the untimely passing of Mr. G. Dilli Babu sir, the esteemed producer and visionary founder of Axess Film Factory.”
G Dilli Babu, at the age of 50, had carved a significant place for himself within the Tamil film industry. He was responsible for producing several acclaimed Tamil films such as “Ratsasan,” “Oh My Kadavule,” “Bachelor,” and “Maragadha Naanayam.” His influence and vision behind Axess Film Factory saw the production house taking on multiple projects that are currently in various stages of production.
The loss of Dilli Babu has sent waves of shock and grief through the Tamil film community. Various producers, directors, and technicians have expressed their sorrow and astonishment over his sudden death. Director ARK Saravan, known for his work on “Maragadha Nanayam,” expressed his deep sorrow on X. He acknowledged that Dilli Babu was a pivotal figure in his career, providing him the platform for his directorial debut with “Maragadha Naanayam.” Saravan’s message on X conveyed his heartache and appreciation, “Dilli Babu sir… 💔 You gave me life through ‘Maragadha Naanayam’… The Tamil film world has lost a good man, a great producer, and a visionary.
. It’s hard to accept this, sir… #RIP Dillibabu Sir 💔💔.”
Ashwath Marimuthu, another director who gained prominence thanks to Dilli Babu, shared his feelings on X as well. Marimuthu’s debut film “Oh My Kadavule” was produced by Dilli Babu, and the director recalled the first time he narrated the film’s story to the producer. “Dilli sir ! ! My heart is broken ! U were a wonderful producer and I’ll cherish the love u had for me ! The moment of meeting you for the first time and narrating ‘Oh My Kadavule’ still flashes in my mind and makes me cry. My life changed after that narration ! I love u sir. RIP.”
Fellow producer SR Prabhu reminded the industry of the significant support Dilli Babu provided to young and emerging talent. Prabhu tweeted, “Deeply saddened by the loss of producer #Dillibabu of @AxessFilm Factory. So many young and new talents were supported by him. A big loss to the film industry. My condolences to the friends and family! Rest in Peace!!”
Music director Ghibran, who worked closely with Dilli Babu on the film “Ratsasan,” also expressed his grief. Ghibran took to X to share his shock and sorrow, stating, “I am still in shock and speechless at the loss of our ‘Ratsasan’ producer, Dillibabu sir. He had the vision to see big things and was a man with big dreams. Truly a dreamer with the hard work and commitment to make them possible. This is a significant loss to the world. My deepest condolences.”
The grief shared by the industry is a testament to the immense impact Dilli Babu had on Tamil cinema. His contributions extended beyond mere production; he was a visionary who believed in the potential of new stories and emerging talents, helping to bring fresh perspectives to the screen.
As the Tamil film community gathers to bid farewell to one of their guiding lights, the legacy of G Dilli Babu will undoubtedly continue through the films he produced and the many careers he helped shape. In these moments of profound sorrow, the film industry reflects on his invaluable contributions and the void his passing leaves.
Published – September 09, 2024 01:50 pm IST
Tamil cinema / Indian cinema
