Venkatesh Daggubati Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Robert Redford: “A Huge Inspiration, On and Off Screen”

Veteran actor Venkatesh Daggubati joined the global outpouring of tributes following the passing of Robert Redford, who died on September 16, 2025, at the age of 89. Sharing a black-and-white photo of the Hollywood legend, Venkatesh wrote: “Robert Redford had a rare magic on and off the screen that touched so many lives, mine included. He’s always been one of my all-time favorites, a huge inspiration and someone whose work and spirit I’ll hold close forever. Rest in peace, legend.”

 

The tribute offers a personal glimpse into Redford’s far-reaching legacy — one that clearly transcended borders. For actors like Venkatesh, Redford wasn’t just a star of classics like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid — he was a storyteller, a creative rebel, and a symbol of authenticity. Redford's work consistently challenged the Hollywood system, especially during the 1970s when his films grossed over $500 million globally (adjusted for inflation), defying studio expectations and ushering in a new wave of character-driven cinema.

 

Redford also left an indelible mark on the world of independent filmmaking. His founding of the Sundance Institute in 1981 supported more than 1,000 films, helping launch the careers of auteurs across the globe. His vision for a platform outside of the studio system fundamentally reshaped how cinema is developed, distributed, and discussed.

 

Beyond film, Redford's legacy is equally profound in environmental activism. He co-founded The Redford Center with his son James in 2005, a nonprofit that has since funded over 200 climate action projects. His commitment to environmental issues dates back decades, notably to his powerful 1989 call to action at a global warming conference in Denver — a moment detailed in Rolling Stone as a cultural wake-up call.

 

The image shared by Venkatesh — Redford in a polka-dot tie, channeling his effortlessly cool 1970s aesthetic — is more than nostalgia. It captures a man who made being thoughtful look iconic and made integrity fashionable in an industry that rarely rewards it. For Daggubati and countless others across the globe, Robert Redford wasn’t just a star — he was a standard.

 

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