2021 is turning out to be a year filled with grief and sorrow as many people have lost their lives world over due to the coronavirus pandemic, which continues to be a major problem for governments everywhere. There have been deaths of notable personalities due to COVID-19 and other health-related issues as well over the year so far and the latest tragic news has come from the Telugu film industry as notable producer and senior publicist BA Raju passed away in Hyderabad due to cardiac arrest on Saturday night. He was 62 and is survived by two sons. Taking to his Twitter page, his son Shiva Kumar dropped the heart-breaking news and wrote. "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." 

As a mark of respect, all the PRs in Telugu cinema have made the decision to not post any film related updates today (May 22). BA Raju turned producer in 2002 with the film, Premalo Pavani Kalyan, with Deepak and Ankita as the lead actors under Polur Ghatikachalam's direction. He also produced films like Chantigadu, Premikulu, Lovely, and Vaisakham. The news of BA Raju's sudden demise has sent shockwaves across the Telugu film industry as condolences have been pouring in from leading superstars and celebrities. Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu paid his tributes to Raju on Twitter and wrote, "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." He also said, "A thorough professional and a gentleman at heart who was immensely passionate about cinema. Our family meant the world to him. A monumental loss for our family and the media fraternity." Mahesh Babu concluded, "May your soul rest in peace! Raju garu, you will be terribly missed. Sending love and strength to his son in these tough times." 

Similarly, Jr. NTR, director SS Rajamouli, actress Samantha Akkineni and composer Devi Sri Prasad too paid their respects on their social media pages. Jr NTR tweeted, "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."

SS Rajamouli too paid his respects and wrote, "Truly shocked by the sudden demise of BA Raju garu. Losing a senior member like him, who has such a vast experience of working as a Film Journalist & PRO for over 1500 movies, is a void that cannot be filled. You’ll be missed. Rest in peace."

Samantha's emotional statement read, "He has been such a positive light in my life .. right from my first film .. every film that has released since then ..hit or flop .. he has always had a kind word to say . I will miss you terribly #RipBaRajuGaru A terrible loss."

DSP penned a heartfelt emotional statement as well saying, "Totally shocked to hear this :(( He spoke to me 2 days bak..Such a Lovely affectionate Human.. Always had been a great support since the beginning of my career. You will always be remembered for ur Legendary work dear Raju Garu @baraju_SuperHit. #RipBaRajuGaru"

Leading Tamil film superstars namely 'Chiyaan' Vikram and Karthi too offered their condolences to BA Raju's family. Vikram wrote, "I am deeply saddened by the passing of a dear friend and associate B A Raju garu. Thank you Raju garu for being a beautiful bridge between tamil and telugu cinema. You will always be fondly remembered. Deepest condolences to family and friends. You are in my thoughts and prayers."

Karthi too paid his respects and wrote, "B.A.Raju garu has been with me from my very first trip to Hyderabad until the recent one. Always humorous and affectionate, he was a great support. Hard to believe he is no longer with us. Heartfelt condolences to the family. #RIPBaRaju".