Movie legend RB Choudary has sadly died at the age of 76 on Tuesday May 5. The veteran producer, whose RB initials stood for Ratanlal Bhagatram, was a passenger in the car which was involved in a horror car smash while he was returning from a wedding ceremony with his son-in-law, Gautam Seervi, who was driving. Police reports indicated livestock strayed into the road near the Joontha village in the Bewar district of Rajasthan, India, causing the driver to lose control and smash into a roadside wall.
The star died on the spot and his body as been sent for post mortem. Meanwhile Gautam sustained serious injuries and was referred to hospital in Jodhpur according to reports. Photos from the scene show the front of the car was crushed. RB was one of the most well-known producers in South Indian cinema. He was a prominent figure in the Tamil and Telugu film industries and the founder of the production company Super Good Films.
RB took a roundabout route into the film industry first working in the steel, exports and jewellery industries before starting his career as a producer. He would go on to win multiple awards for films such as Cheran Pandiyan, Gokulam, Naatamai, Suryavamsam and Thullatha Manamum Thullum. Three of his four sons have followed him into the business. Suresh works as a producer, Jithan Ramesh is an actor and producer, and the youngest son Jiiva is an actor. Fourth son Jeevan is a businessman who runs a steel company. Tributes flooded in for the multiple award winning star as the news of his death became public. On Facebook one friend penned: "Deeply heartbroken to hear about the sudden and tragic loss of Legendary producer R.B. Choudary garu. I have known him for many years and was recently associated with him on my film God Father through Super Good Films. He has shaped the careers of many talented directors and actors and brought countless stories to life. His contribution to Indian cinema is beyond words. My heartfelt condolences to his family, strength to them in this unimaginable loss."Another added: "Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary producer R.B. Choudary. A towering figure whose vision gave Indian cinema some of its most cherished chapters. I had the privilege of being associated with him through Keerthi Chakra and Jilla, and those memories will stay with me forever. He believed in stories, in people and that belief transformed countless lives and careers. An irreplaceable loss for Indian cinema. My heartfelt condolences to his family. May they find strength in this difficult time."
A third chimed in: "Deeply saddened to hear that legendary film producer RB Choudary (Super Good Films) has reportedly passed away in a tragic car accident in Udaipur just now. His immense contribution to Indian cinema, especially through decades of memorable films, will always be remembered. This is an irreplaceable loss to the film fraternity. Deepest condolences to his family and dear ones. May his soul rest in peace."
A fourth shared: "Heartfelt condolences on the passing of #RBChoudary sir. His contribution to cinema will forever remain unforgettable. Rest in peace." A fifth commented: "Rest in peace, RB Choudary. You will be remembered."
Meanwhile a sixth lamented: "I am deeply shocked to hear about the sad demise of my Guru and Godfather, R.B. Choudary, who made me a well-known director as Major Ravi by producing my first film, Kirti Chakra, in 2006... I am unable to bear this pain, as it comes as a huge shock to me and my family. Why, God? This is not only a loss to me, my family, or your family, but a great loss to the entire film industry in India... I will miss you dearly, sir. Love you always."
