EXCLUSIVE: Baashha director Suresh Krissna reveals his first meeting with Sarath Babu, reveals how he cast him in Rajinikanth's Annaamalai

The news of popular South Indian actor Sarath Babu's death has come as a big shock to the film fraternity and fans, and many have been paying their tributes on social media. The iconic actor, who is best known among Tamil cinema audiences for his appearances in 'Superstar' Rajinikanth's Mullum Malarum (1978), Ninaithale Inikkum (1979), Netrikkan (1981), Velaikaran (1987), Annaamalai (1992), and Muthu (1995), earned him immense praise and popularity. Among Sarath Babu's most notable performances was his role as Ashok in Annaamalai directed by Baashha fame Suresh Krissna, who sat down for an exclusive interview with Galatta to talk about his first-ever meeting with the late actor, while also revealing how he got cast in the 1992 blockbuster. 

Speaking about Sarath Babu, Suresh Krissna said, "I first met him for Annaamalai. Prior to that, I had watched his films, but I didn't know him on a personal level. So, when it came to choosing the friend's role, Rajinikanth sir suggested that Sarath Babu would be a good choice. I too felt he would be the right choice since they both were in the same age group and they would look good on the screen." He added, "So, when I first met him on the shooting spot, I took an instant liking to him. He received me warmly despite being a senior in the industry as I had done only 3-4 films at that point in time. He had garnered a name for himself over the years and he appeared as a hero and did many other roles." 

Suresh Krissna added, "During our first meeting, he spoke to me warmly and in the first five minutes and broke that ice. I felt that warmth throughout filming (Annaamalai). The friendship between Ashok and Annaamalai ended with the film, but it continued between Suresh and Sarath Babu." 

Watch veteran director Suresh Krissna reminisce about Sarath Babu in the video below: