The Tamil film industry is engulfed in grief following the untimely death of notable producer G Dilli Babu. The influential figure in Tamil cinema passed away at the age of 50 in the early hours of Monday, September 9, in Chennai. According to sources close to the family, Dilli Babu breathed his last at approximately 12:30 am, leaving a void that will be challenging to fill. The funeral services for the late producer are scheduled for this evening, where close friends and family will come together to pay their respects.
Known for his impactful contributions to Tamil cinema, G Dilli Babu was the driving force behind Axess Film Factory. The production house confirmed his passing through a heartfelt post on X, reflecting the deep sense of loss felt by those who knew him. “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,” the tweet read, underscoring the gravity of the situation and requesting privacy during this challenging period for his family and friends.
The demise of Dilli Babu has left a significant void in the Tamil film community. He was the producer behind several critically acclaimed films such as ‘Ratsasan’, ‘Oh My Kadavule’, ‘Bachelor’, and ‘Maragadha Naanayam’. His production house, Axess Film Factory, currently has multiple projects in various stages of development, indicating the busy and ambitious nature of the firm under Dilli Babu’s leadership. The future of these projects now remains uncertain as the production house grapples with this sudden loss.
Many renowned figures from the industry have expressed their sorrow and shock over the news. Director ARK Saravan, who gained recognition through the film ‘Maragadha Naanayam’ produced by Dilli Babu, paid a touching tribute on X. “Dilli Babu sir… 💔 He gave me a life with ‘Maragadha Naanayam’… We have lost a good man, a great producer, and an achiever… The Tamil film industry is in disbelief. My heart refuses to accept this, sir.
… #RIP Dillibabu Sir… 💔💔.”
Ashwath Marimuthu, another director who benefitted from Dilli Babu’s support, shared an emotional message on X. His film ‘Oh My Kadavule’ marked his debut, and he credited Dilli Babu with changing his life. “Dilli sir!! My heart is broken! You were a wonderful producer, and I’ll cherish the love you 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 you sir. RIP,” Ashwath wrote, encapsulating the nurturing nature of Dilli Babu.
The sense of loss was echoed by fellow producer SR Prabhu, who described Dilli Babu’s departure as a “big loss to the film industry.” He 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!!” His sentiments were shared by many others in the industry who recognized Dilli Babu’s supportive role in nurturing new talent.
Music director Ghibran, who worked with Dilli Babu on the critically acclaimed movie ‘Ratsasan’, also shared his feelings on X. “I am still in shock and speechless at the loss of our ‘Ratsasan’ producer, Dilli Babu 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,” he wrote, highlighting the producer’s visionary approach and commitment to the craft.
These messages of mourning from notable figures in the industry paint a vivid picture of the impact Dilli Babu had on Tamil cinema. His vision and dedication propelled several successful films and brought new talent to the forefront, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. As the Tamil film community comes to terms with this devastating loss, it is clear that G Dilli Babu’s contributions will continue to be celebrated, and his absence will be profoundly felt for years to come.
Published: September 09, 2024, 01:50 PM IST
Tamil cinema / Indian cinema
