N.T. Rama Rao

Biography

Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (born Nimmakuru, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh; 28 May 1923–18 January 1996), also known as NTR and fondly referred to as Anna Garu, was an Indian film actor, director, producer, and a politician. Rama Rao made his debut as an actor in Mana Desam, a Telugu social film directed by L. V. Prasad in 1949. He first gained popularity in the 1950s when he became well-known for his portrayals of Hindu deities, especially Lord Krishna and Lord Rama, roles which have made him a mythic figure among the Telugu-speaking people of Andhra Pradesh. He later became known for portraying antagonistic characters and cementing leading roles in films. In total he starred in over 320 Telugu films and has become one of the most prominent figures in the history of Telugu cinema. After his career in movies, Rama Rao became a political activist and a political party leader. Rao founded the Telugu Desam Party in 1982 and served three tumultuous terms as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh between 1983 and 1994. He was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1968, recognizing his contribution to Telugu cinema. He is known as an advocate of Andhra Pradesh's distinct cultural identity, distinguishing it from Madras State with which it was often associated. Besides Telugu, he has also acted in a few Tamil and Kannada films.

Most Known For

Kondaveeti Simham

as Inspector Ranjit Kumar & Raju

Sri Krishna Tulabharam

Parivartana

as Ananda Rao

Aaradhana

as Gopi

Gulebakavali Katha

as Vijay

Bandipotu

as Narasimham

Daana Veera Soora Karna

as Karna / Duryodhana / Krishna

Charana Daasi

as Dr. Chandra Sekhar

Mayabazar

as Krishna

Pathala Bhairavi

as Thota Ramudu

Karnan

as Krishna

Pandava Vanavasamu

as Bheema

Gundamma Katha

as Anji

Chanakya Chandragupta

as Chandragupta Maurya

Ramu

as Raja

Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam

as Lord Krishna / Duryodhana

Brahmarshi Vishwamitra

as Vishwamitra / Ravana

Samrat Ashoka

as Ashoka / Chanakya

Vetagadu

as Raja

Srimadvirat Veerabrahmendra Swami Charitra

as Sri Potuluri Veerabrahmendra Swamy, Gautama Buddha, Aadi Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya & Yogi Vemana