Puvvula Suri Babu

P. Suri Babu, or Puvvula Suri Babu (Telugu: పువ్వుల సూరిబాబు) (February 22, 1915 – February 12, 1968), was an Indian actor and singer on stage and cinema. He had a peculiar bold voice and was called Kanchu Kantham Suri Babu.

Early life

Suribabu was born on February 22, 1915 in Bommaluru village of Gudivada taluq, Andhra Pradesh. He learned music from his uncle Hanumanlu. With enthusiasm in drama, he ran away from home and reached Gadwal and played few characters in Samsthanam drama company.

He returned to Guntur and joined the Balamithra Sabha owned by Dantu Venkata Krishnaiah. During those days Kopparapu Subbarao was training children in music and acting. He played many roles and soon became one of the finest actors.

Acting career

He established his own drama troupe named Balakrishna Nataka Samajam in 1931 in Gudivada. They played Bhakta Vijayam, Maya Madhusudhana with huge sets. However they met with heavy losses. He subsequently shifted to Tenali and joined Satyanarayana Natya Mandali in 1936.