Versatile Telugu actor Jagapathi Babu has opened up about a shocking incident from his career, revealing how he once felt he had narrowly escaped death during a film shoot. Known for effortlessly slipping into any role – whether hero, villain, or character artist – the veteran star remains one of the busiest actors in Tollywood even today.
Speaking in a recent YouTube video, Jagapathi Babu recounted an unforgettable experience while shooting director Krishna Vamsi’s Anthahpuram. He explained that during the film’s intense climax sequence, Krishna Vamsi became so engrossed in the scene that he forgot to call “cut”. “I genuinely thought I had died in that moment,” he admitted, recalling how real the situation had felt. The actor said that particular shot would forever remain one of the most memorable moments of his life.
Jagapathi Babu began his career as a much-loved family hero, enjoying immense popularity in the 1990s with a string of family dramas. However, after a brief break from the industry, he reinvented himself with Balakrishna’s Legend, where his powerful portrayal of a ruthless antagonist earned him critical acclaim. Since then, he has carved a niche as a versatile performer, equally at home playing supportive father figures and menacing villains.
In the same video, the actor also revealed the reason behind his name change from Jagapathi Rao to Jagapathi Babu. “There were already many Raos in the industry,” he explained, “so I dropped it and added Babu. Later, I gave myself the nickname ‘Jaggubhai’, which fans and friends find easy to call me by.”
Beyond films, Jagapathi Babu recently launched a talk show titled Jayammu Nishchayammura, with his first guest being veteran actor Akkineni Nagarjuna. His candidness and humour have made the show instantly popular, giving fans a new way to connect with the actor.
From family dramas to action-packed villains, Jagapathi Babu’s journey reflects his adaptability and enduring passion for cinema. And if his story from Anthahpuram proves anything, it’s that he has truly lived and breathed every role he has ever played.
