June 3, 2025, 12:15 IST
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Complaint Filed Two Decades Later Sparks Controversy
In March 2025, a man named Chittimallu from Khammam district, Telangana, filed a police complaint alleging that veteran Telugu actor Mohan Babu was involved in the death of actress Soundarya, who perished in a plane crash in 2004.
The complaint claimed that Mohan Babu pressured Soundarya and her brother to sell six acres of land in Shamshabad, leading to a conflict. After their refusal and subsequent deaths, Mohan Babu allegedly took possession of the land.
No FIR was registered, and police later confirmed the complainant was mentally unstable, dismissing the allegation. ALSO READ: “Why Don’t You Behave Like a Normal Person?” – Bharadwaj Questions Vishnu Manchu in Viral Interview
Vishnu Manchu Responds to Allegations
On May 29, 2025, in an interview with SCREEN, Vishnu Manchu, Mohan Babu’s son, strongly condemned the allegations.
“A mad man randomly went and complained against my father… While it became national news, even the police confirmed he was mentally unstable.”
He added that the media should maintain journalism ethics and avoid sensationalizing baseless claims.
Vishnu also recalled the deep emotional toll Soundarya’s death had on his father.
“Soundarya was very close to my father. My dad stopped his film midway because of Soundarya’s death.” ALSO READ: “I Want to Hold My Father’s Feet, But It Feels Like Accepting a Lie: Manchu Manoj”
Soundarya’s Husband Denies All Allegations
Soundarya’s husband Raghu GS also dismissed the claims in a public statement, calling them “baseless.”
“I want to deny the baseless news… involving Shri Mohan Babu sir and my late wife, Soundarya.”
How Did Soundarya Die?
Actress Soundarya tragically died on April 17, 2004, when a private aircraft carrying her to Karimnagar for a BJP campaign crashed shortly after takeoff from Bengaluru.
She was traveling with her brother Amarnath and two others when the plane caught fire mid-air.
All four passengers were killed. Her body was charred beyond recognition. Reports later revealed that she was pregnant at the time of the crash. ALSO READ: He want’s my ‘downfall’
Soundarya: A Bright Star Lost Too Soon
Soundarya’s Film Career in South Cinema
Soundarya, born Sowmya Satyanarayan, was one of the most beloved actresses in South Indian cinema.
She began her acting career in 1992 with the Kannada film Gandharva and quickly rose to fame with hits in Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada films.
Her breakthrough came with the 1994 Telugu blockbuster Hello Brother, opposite Nagarjuna.
She became known for her versatile acting, expressive eyes, and strong screen presence.
In 1999, Soundarya gained pan-India recognition with the Hindi film Sooryavansham, where she starred opposite Amitabh Bachchan.
The film didn’t fare well commercially at the time but later gained cult status through television reruns. ALSO READ: Kannappa Movie in Trouble After VFX Theft
Awards and Accolades
During her career, Soundarya won several prestigious awards, including:
- National Film Award for Dweepa (2002) as a co-producer
- Four Filmfare Awards South
- Three Nandi Awards
She was often praised for portraying strong female characters and earned critical acclaim for both commercial and art-house cinema. ALSO READ: “I Want to Hold My Father’s Feet, But It Feels Like Accepting a Lie: Manchu Manoj”
Political Aspirations and Legacy
In her final years, Soundarya had turned to politics, aligning with the BJP. She was actively campaigning at the time of her death.
Her sudden demise at the age of 31 shocked the industry and fans across the country.
She is remembered not only for her talent but also for her dignity, grace, and social work.
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