Nandamuri Balakrishna, popularly known as Balayya, is one of the most celebrated actors in Telugu cinema. He is known for his powerful performances, larger-than-life roles, and dynamic screen presence. A member of the renowned Nandamuri family, Balakrishna has had a remarkable career spanning several decades. In addition to acting, he is also involved in politics, contributing to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), a political party founded by his father, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), a legendary actor and politician.
Early Life and Family Background:
- Full Name: Nandamuri Balakrishna
- Date of Birth: June 10, 1960
- Place of Birth: Chennai (formerly Madras), Tamil Nadu, India
- Family Background:
- Balakrishna is the fourth son of Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), one of the most iconic figures in Telugu cinema and politics, and Shanthakka.
- He comes from the Nandamuri family, which has a deep-rooted legacy in Telugu cinema and politics. His siblings include famous actors and politicians, such as Nandamuri Harikrishna, Nandamuri Ramakrishna, and Nandamuri Jayakrishna.
- His son, Nandamuri Mokshagna, is also an aspiring actor.
- Education: Balakrishna attended Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and later completed his education in Hyderabad.
Film Career:
Balakrishna’s career in the film industry began in the 1980s, and he quickly rose to stardom due to his intense performances and powerful presence on screen.
Debut Film:
- “Tatamma Kala” (1974): Balakrishna made his acting debut as a child artist in Tatamma Kala, playing a small role at the age of 14. His first significant role came in 1984, when he appeared as the lead actor in “Nandi”.
- First Major Film:
- “Nursery” (1984) marked his entry into mainstream cinema in the early 1980s. However, it was his performance in the movie “Sivaji” that made him a household name and established his career.
Filmography (1974–1989)
| Year | Film Title | Role(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Tatamma Kala | Balakrishna | Debut film |
| Ram Raheem | Ramu | ||
| 1975 | Annadammula Anubandham | Naveen | |
| Vemulawada Bheemakavi | Vemulawada Bheemakavi | ||
| 1977 | Daana Veera Soora Karna | Abhimanyudu | |
| 1979 | Akbar Salim Anarkali | Salim | |
| Sri Madvirata Parvam | Abhimanyudu | ||
| Sri Tirupati Venkateswara Kalyanam | Narada Maharshi | ||
| 1980 | Rowdy Ramudu Konte Krishnudu | Balakrishna | |
| 1982 | Anuraga Devatha | Prakash | |
| 1983 | Simham Navvindi | Balakrishna | |
| 1984 | Sahasame Jeevitham | Ravi | Solo lead debut |
| Disco King | Balakrishna | ||
| Janani Janmabhoomi | Ramesh | ||
| Mangammagari Manavadu | Veeranna | ||
| Palnati Puli | Raju | ||
| Srimadvirat Veerabrahmendra… | Sayyad / Sidda | ||
| Kathanayakudu | Ravi | ||
| 1985 | Atmabhalam | Anand Kumar Bhupathi / D. Prasad | |
| Babai – Abbai | Bala | ||
| Bharyabhartala Bhandam | Radha | ||
| Bhale Thammudu | Rajendra | ||
| Kattula Kondayya | Kiran | ||
| Pattabhishekam | Balu | ||
| 1986 | Nippulanti Manishi | Parasuram | 25th film |
| Muddula Krishnayya | Krishnayya | ||
| Seetarama Kalyanam | Raja | ||
| Anasuyamma Gari Alludu | Hari Krishna | ||
| Desoddarakudu | Gopi | ||
| Kaliyuga Krishnudu | Mohana Krishna | ||
| Apoorva Sahodarulu | Arun Kumar & Ramudu | Dual role | |
| 1987 | Bhargava Ramudu | Bhargav | |
| Ramu | Ramu | ||
| Allari Krishnayya | Gopala Krishna | ||
| Sahasa Samrat | Ramudu | ||
| President Gari Abbai | Rama Krishna | ||
| Muvva Gopaludu | Gopi | ||
| Bhanumati Gari Mogudu | Jaya Krishna | ||
| 1988 | Inspector Pratap | Pratap | |
| Donga Ramudu | Rama Krishna | ||
| Tiragabadda Telugubidda | Ravi Teja | ||
| Bharatamlo Bala Chandrudu | Balachandra | ||
| Ramudu Bheemudu | Ramudu & Bheemudu | Dual role | |
| Raktabhishekam | Pardhasaradhi | ||
| 1989 | Bhale Donga | Surendra | |
| Muddula Mavayya | Raja | ||
| Ashoka Chakravarthy | Ashok | ||
| Bala Gopaludu | Bala Gopalam |
(1990–1999)
| Year | Film Title | Role(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Lorry Driver | Raju | |
| Nari Nari Naduma Murari | Venkat | ||
| Aditya 369 | Krishna Kumar / Sri Krishnadeva Raya | Sci-fi classic, dual role | |
| 1991 | Dharma Kshetram | Advocate Banerjee | |
| Rowdy Inspector | Inspector Ramaraju | ||
| 1992 | Aswamedham | Vijaya Krishna | |
| Brahmarshi Viswamitra | Satya Harischandra | Mythological | |
| Sundarakanda | Karthik | ||
| 1993 | Nippu Ravva | Suryam | |
| Vamsanikokkadu | Raja | ||
| 1994 | Bhairava Dweepam | Vijay | Fantasy epic |
| Bangaru Bullodu | Ramudu | ||
| Top Hero | Raju | ||
| 1995 | Peddannayya | Rama Krishna | |
| Maatho Pettukoku | Raju | ||
| Vamsoddharakudu | Satyam | ||
| 1996 | Pokiri Raja | Raja | |
| Ullala Ullala | Sekhar | ||
| 1997 | Muddula Mogudu | Chakri | |
| Pelli Chesukundam | Vijay | ||
| Annamayya (cameo) | Himself | Guest appearance | |
| 1998 | Bava Garu Bagunnara? | Raju | |
| Pavitra Prema | Krishna | ||
| 1999 | Samarasimha Reddy | Samarasimha Reddy / Abbulu | Landmark hit |
(2000–2009)
| Year | Film Title | Role(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Goppinti Alludu | Gopi | |
| Vamsoddharakudu (re-release) | Satyam | ||
| 2001 | Narasimha Naidu | Narasimha Naidu | Nandi Award for Best Actor |
| Seema Simham | Raghupati Rayudu / Chandu | Dual role | |
| 2002 | Chennakeshava Reddy | Chennakeshava Reddy / Raghava | Dual role |
| 2003 | Palnati Brahmanayudu | Brahmanayudu | |
| Tappu Chesi Pappu Koodu | Krishna Murthy | Comedy | |
| 2004 | Lakshmi Narasimha | Lakshmi Narasimha | Remake of Saamy |
| Vijayendra Varma | Vijayendra Varma | ||
| 2005 | Andhrudu (cameo) | Himself | Guest appearance |
| Allari Pidugu | Ranjith / Giri | Dual role | |
| 2006 | Veerabhadra | Murali Krishna | |
| Okka Magadu | Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy | ||
| 2008 | Maharathi (delayed) | — | Not released theatrically |
| 2009 | Mitrudu | Aditya |
(2010–2025)
| Year | Film Title | Role(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Simha | Srimannarayana / Narasimha | Nandi Award, major hit |
| 2011 | Parama Veera Chakra | Major Jai Simha / Chakradhar | Dual role |
| 2012 | Adhinayakudu | Harish Chandra / Ramakrishna / Bobby | Triple role |
| 2013 | Srimannarayana | Srimannarayana | |
| 2014 | Legend | Jaidev / Krishna | Nandi Award, blockbuster |
| 2015 | Lion | Bose / Godse | Dual role |
| 2016 | Dictator | Chandrasekhar Dharma / Dictator | |
| 2017 | Gautamiputra Satakarni | Satakarni | 100th film |
| 2018 | Jai Simha | Narasimha | |
| 2019 | N.T.R: Kathanayakudu / Mahanayakudu | N. T. Rama Rao | Biopic; also producer |
| 2020 | (No release) | — | COVID-19 impact |
| 2021 | Akhanda | Akhanda Rudra Sikandar / Murali Krishna | Massive commercial hit |
| 2023 | Veera Simha Reddy | Veera Simha Reddy / Jai Simha Reddy | Dual role, Sankranti release |
| Bhagavanth Kesari | Nelakonda Bhagavanth Kesari | Success with emotional depth | |
| 2025 | NBK 109 (TBA) | (Not yet revealed) | Directed by Bobby Kolli |
Recent Release:
- Daaku Maharaaj (January 12, 2025):
Directed by Bobby Kolli, this action-packed film features Balakrishna alongside Bobby Deol, Pragya Jaiswal, Shraddha Srinath, and Urvashi Rautela. The movie received positive feedback for its gripping storyline and dynamic performances, especially Balakrishna’s powerful screen presence.
Upcoming Projects:
- Akhanda 2: Thaandavam:
A sequel to the blockbuster Akhanda (2021), this film reunites Balakrishna with director Boyapati Srinu. It is expected to feature intense action sequences and a gripping narrative, with a release planned for Sankranti 2026. - Aditya 369 Sequel:
A sequel to the iconic sci-fi film Aditya 369 (1991) is in the works. Balakrishna is reprising his role, and his son, Mokshagna, is likely to play a significant part in this project. The film promises to explore new dimensions of time travel and adventure.
Political Involvement:
Balakrishna is heavily involved in politics and is a prominent member of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), founded by his father, NTR. His political career began in 1999, when he joined the party. He has been an important figure in TDP, particularly during the tenure of his brother-in-law N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Political Career:
- 1999 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Elections: Balakrishna contested and won from the Hindupur constituency.
- TDP Leadership: He became an active participant in the Telugu Desam Party’s political activities, assisting in the party’s expansion and growth. His association with TDP has made him a significant political figure in Andhra Pradesh.
- Philanthropy: Balakrishna has been active in various charitable activities, particularly those related to education, health, and welfare.
Personal Life:
- Marriage: Balakrishna is married to Vijaya Nirmala, and they have three children: Tejaswini, Nara Brahmani, and Nandamuri Mokshagna.
- Family Legacy: Balakrishna’s family is one of the most influential in both Telugu cinema and Indian politics. His father, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, is a legendary actor and politician, and his legacy continues to inspire him in both cinema and politics. Balakrishna’s son, Nandamuri Mokshagna, is also being groomed to enter Telugu cinema.
Awards and Recognition:
Balakrishna has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to Telugu cinema, including:
- Nandi Awards: Several times, including for Best Actor and Best Character Actor.
- Filmfare Awards South: Best Actor for “Narasimha Naidu”, “Simha”, and “Gautamiputra Satakarni”.
- CineMAA Awards: Multiple awards in various categories.
- AP Film Chamber of Commerce Awards: Recognizing his dedication and contribution to the industry.
- Padma Shri (2019): Balakrishna was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in India, for his contributions to Indian cinema.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS :
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/balayyababu_official/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/NandamuriBalakrishna/
Twitter : https://twitter.com/NBK_Unofficial
