Veteran Telugu director and producer Tripuraneni Chittibabu died at the age of 71.

Former Chief Minister and YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed deep sorrow after learning of his death on Wednesday.

Describing his death as an irreparable loss to the film industry, he said that Chittibabu had carved a unique identity as a producer and analyst through his deep understanding of cinema and sharp analytical vision, which guided many in the field.

YS Jagan conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that they find the strength to cope with this profound loss.

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy also paid his respects.

“The news of the demise of Chitti Babu garu, the renowned Telugu film producer, political analyst, and my close friend, Tripuraneni, has deeply shaken me. His multifaceted talent and unwavering commitment to society, along with the powerful voice he raised on various issues, were truly remarkable. I pray for eternal peace for his noble soul and extend my deepest condolences to his family,” Kishan Reddy wrote on X.

ప్రముఖ తెలుగు సినిమా నిర్మాత, రాజకీయ విశ్లేషకులు, నా ఆప్తమిత్రులు త్రిపురనేని చిట్టిబాబు గారి మరణ వార్త నన్ను తీవ్రంగా కలచివేసింది. బహుముఖ ప్రజ్ఞాశాలిగా సమాజం పట్ల ఆయనకు ఉన్న నిబద్ధత, సమస్యలపై ఆయన గళం ఎంతో గొప్పవి. ఆయన పవిత్ర ఆత్మకు శాంతి కలగాలని ప్రార్థిస్తూ, వారి కుటుంబానికి నా… pic.twitter.com/utOVFh8zjn

— G Kishan Reddy (@kishanreddybjp) April 22, 2026

Reportedly, Tripuraneni Chittibabu died of a cardiac arrest.

He made his directorial debut with Santhanam in 1984 and went on to helm several notable films, including Na Peru Durga, Pralayam, Preminchi Choodu, and Raitu Bharatham.

ALSO READ: Haryanvi Actor Divyanka Sirohi Dies At 30 In Ghaziabad

Haryanvi actress and social media personality Divyanka Sirohi died at the age of 30, leaving fans and the regional entertainment industry in shock.

Born in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, Divyanka had built a name for herself through her work in the Haryanvi music scene and her strong presence on social media. 

She was residing in Rajnagar Extension, Ghaziabad, at the time of her death.

According to initial reports, Divyanka’s health deteriorated suddenly late on Tuesday night. Her family members rushed her to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared her dead upon arrival. 

The exact cause of her death has not yet been confirmed.

About Divyanka

Divyanka had featured in more than 50 Haryanvi songs during her career and was particularly known for her collaborations with popular singer Masoom Sharma. 

Her on-screen presence and performances helped her carve a niche in the regional entertainment space.

Apart from her work in music videos, Divyanka had also amassed a significant following on social media, with over 1.3 million followers on Instagram. 

Her last rites were performed at Moksh Sthal Hindon in Rajnagar Extension, Ghaziabad, at 9:30 AM. Her brother, Himanshu Sirohi, carried out the final rites.

(Inputs by Pintu Tomar)

New Delhi:

David Dhawan has worked with the biggest names in Bollywood at the peak of his career. From Salman Khan and Govinda to Sanjay Dutt, he has delivered some memorable films. The filmmaker, who is currently busy promoting Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai led by his son, actor Varun Dhawan, opened up about why he never worked with Shah Rukh Khan.

What’s Happening

• David Dhawan told Pinkvilla, “Aisi baat nahi hai (It isn’t like that). I think at one time we were planning to do something together. But I was always busy. Always mere paas do pictures floor mein rahti thi (I always had two films on the floors at that time). So, it was very difficult, you know. But definitely at one stage it was there.”
• He continued, “Par mere kabhi bhi aisa nahi hai ke main yeh actor ke saath work karunga. Maine jaise Govinda ke saath kiya, Salman ke saath kiya, Sanjay… wohi ho gaya tha hisab kitab (But it’s never been the case that I would only work with a specific actor. As I worked with Govinda, Salman, and Sanjay (Dutt), it just worked out that way).”

Work

On the work front, David Dhawan is gearing up for the release of his film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. The teaser of the film was released recently which received significant backlash for the use of AI toddlers speaking about how their mothers might be different, but their father Jass — played by Varun Dhawan — is the same. The mothers of these children are played by Mrunal Thakur as Baani and Pooja Hegde as Preet.

Reacting to the online backlash against the film’s teaser, David Dhawan told ANI, “AI hai hee nahin picture mein… Kya karein kuch alag karein, to banake dekha humne. Theek laga. Kahani bhi ye nahin hai. (There is no AI in the film. We wanted to do something different. We thought it looked ok. The story is also different) It’s just a teaser. You’ll get to know when the songs will come. The picture has got nothing to do (with AI)”

Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, produced by Ramesh Taurani of Tips Films, is set to be released worldwide on May 22. The film also stars Maniesh Paul, Chunky Pandey, Jimmy Shergill, and Mouni Roy.

ALSO READ | David Dhawan Reacts To Varun Dhawan Getting Trolled For Border 2: “Kya Hua? Sab Ulat Gaye“