Tollywood film producer and senior film publicist BA Raju passed away in Hyderabad on Friday due to cardiac arrest. He was 62 and survived by two sons. His son, Shiva Kumar tweeted that Raju passed due to “sudden fluctuations of diabetes and cardiac arrest.”
“With extreme sorrow & grief we would like to announce the untimely demise of our beloved father Shri B.A.Raju. He passed away due to sudden fluctuations of diabetes & cardiac arrest. May his Soul Rest In Peace. Dad Be A “Raju” Forever because You are a “SUPERHIT” in Our Hearts.” (sic), he tweeted.
With extreme sorrow & grief we would like to announce the untimely demise of our beloved father Shri B.A.Raju. He passed away due to sudden fluctuations of diabetes & cardiac arrest.
— Shiva Kumar B (@shivakumar2204) May 21, 2021
May his Soul Rest In Peace.
Dad Be A “Raju” Forever because You are a “SUPERHIT” in Our Hearts. pic.twitter.com/QpNYpFW4t0
Raju began his career as the founder and editor of film magazine ‘Superhit’, and worked as the personal publicist for veteran actor Krishna. Later, he worked as the publicist for over 1500 Telugu films, and also produced a few films like Premalo Pavani Kalyan, Chantigadu, Premikulu, Lovely and Vaisakham. Lovely was directed by his wife B Jaya, who passed away four years ago.
Condolences from the Telugu film industry poured in mourning the loss of Raju.
“Not able to process the sudden demise of BA Raju garu. I've known him since my childhood. We travelled together for many years and I worked with him very closely,” expressed actor Mahesh Babu. He added that Raju was a thorough professional who was passionate about cinema. “Our family meant the world to him. A monumental loss for our family and the media fraternity,” Mahesh tweeted.
Not able to process the sudden demise of BA Raju garu. I've known him since my childhood. We travelled together for many years and I worked with him very closely. pic.twitter.com/N6gbW8DPxv
— Mahesh Babu (@urstrulyMahesh) May 21, 2021
Expressing shock, actor Junior NTR wrote, “The sudden demise of BA Raju Garu has left me in shock. As one of the most senior film journalists & PRO, he has contributed greatly to the Film Industry. I've known him since my earliest days in TFI. It is a huge loss.Praying for strength to his family. Rest in Peace Raju Garu.”
The sudden demise of BA Raju Garu has left me in shock. As one of the most senior film journalists & PRO,he has contributed greatly to the Film Industry. I've known him since my earliest days in TFI. It is a huge loss.Praying for strength to his family. Rest in Peace Raju Garu pic.twitter.com/B5lytChlqW
— Jr NTR (@tarak9999) May 22, 2021
Director Koratala Siva said that he was devastated by the demise of Raju. “Your love for me and my films is truly memorable and I will cherish it forever. Will miss you sir.”
Shocked and devastated to hear that BA Raju garu passed away. A true positive soul and ever smiling. Your love for me and my films is truly memorable and I will cherish it forever. Will miss you sir. Rest in peace pic.twitter.com/jMMiJ9jfk3
— koratala siva (@sivakoratala) May 22, 2021
“Woke up to such a terrible terrible news ! BA Raju Garu you will be missed . He has been a PRO for so many films of mine. He was an extremely warm person and always had a smile on his face. Huge loss to TFI . May your soul RIP. Strength to the family,” tweeted actor Rakul Preet Singh.
Woke up to such a terrible terrible news ! BA Raju Garu you will be missed . He has been a PRO for so many films of mine. He was an extremely warm person and always had a smile on his face. Huge loss to TFI . May your soul RIP. Strength to the family .
— Rakul Singh (@Rakulpreet) May 22, 2021
Extremely sad to hear of @baraju_SuperHit garu’s demise. Loss to our industry. Condolences to family and friends. Om Shanti #RipBaRajuGaru
— Kajal Aggarwal (@MsKajalAggarwal) May 22, 2021
As a mark of respect, the publicist fraternity have decided not to post any film updates on May 22, Saturday.