The Telugu film industry is in a state of mourning following the peaceful passing of Santha Kumari, the wife of the legendary Tollywood icon Shobhan Babu. At age 86, she passed away on Thursday evening at a private hospital in Chennai.
Admitted earlier for age-related issues, she suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while interacting with a visiting friend. Her final rites are being conducted today, July 10, 2026, amid a wave of condolences from veteran stars and fans.
Married to Shobhan Babu on May 15, 1958, Santha Kumari was the pillar of strength behind his disciplined and successful cinematic career. Despite her husband’s massive stardom as a romantic hero, she consciously chose to stay away from the media spotlight.
Her commitment to a dignified and grounded lifestyle earned her immense respect within film circles. Since Shobhan Babu’s death in 2008, she lived privately in Chennai with her son and three daughters.
The film fraternity has highlighted her quiet grace and the stable foundation she provided for her husband’s unblemished career. Industry insiders frequently credit her for maintaining the exemplary personal life that the couple was known for.
As Tollywood expresses deep sympathies to her children, Karuna Seshu, Mridula, Prasanti, and Nivedita, her passing marks the end of an era for one of cinema’s most cherished households.
