Comedian-TV Artist Chitti Babu Passes Away in Chennai Hospital

Actor and Television anchor Chitti Babu, known for his comic roles in "Sivakasi" and "Pazhani", passed away at a private hospital in Chennai on Friday. He was 49.

Chitti Babu (aka Sajjadh Adeebh) was admitted to the Royapettah Government Hospital on Wednesday, after he fell unconscious at his home due to diabetes. On Thursday, the actor slipped into coma and was in a serious condition. Despite doctors trying to revive him, he breathed his last on Friday evening.

Chitti Babu made his film debut with 2002-release "Five Star." Later, he continued working as a comedian in several Tamil films. Some of his notable films include "Ottran", "Dhool", "Sivakasi', "Pazhani", "Varnajalam", "Maapillai", "Dindigul Sarathy" and "Thiruthani" among others.

Besides working in films, Chitti Babu has hosted several Television programs on popular channels. He has entertained the audience through his shows such as "Hari Giri Assembly", "Comedy Time" and "Asathapovadhu Yaaru." He has also worked in a few TV serials.

The actor was under self-imposed break from the film industry after undergoing a by-pass surgery two years ago. He accepted very few film projects in the last two years as he was not able to work actively. He was last seen donning a role in supernatural thriller film "Masani", which released this year.

Chitti Babu is survived by his wife and son.

The sudden death of the actor has shocked many fans and celebrities. Some of them posted condolence messages to his family members on the micro-blogging site twitter.

Comedian Bosskey tweeted, "Chitti babu was such a smart wisecrack specialist,& i enjoyd his unique sense of humor in every VIP interview i did !"

"I miss him chitti babu n d rockin fun v hd every time v pulled d legs of several greats!My intense condolences to his kin. i shall always remember u chitti"

Senior film journalist Sreedhar Pillai tweeted, "RIP - Chitti Babu - Tamil film comedian, TV presenter & actor."

South Indian Movie Industry Tracker Ramesh Bala: "Comedy Actor #ChittiBabu passed away in #Chennai.. He has done several TV shows & movies May his soul Rest In Peace!"

Indian Film Editor T.S. Suresh: "#RIP #ChittiBabu Sir! No one can forget #HariGiriAssembly & #ComedyTime Show! Condolence to his family & dear ones!"