
Uppalapati Krishnam Raju is a prominent actor, politician, and producer in the Telugu film industry, known for his charismatic screen presence and larger-than-life roles in action-oriented films. He is a celebrated figure in the industry and is regarded as one of the stalwarts of Telugu cinema. Krishnam Raju’s career spans several decades, and he has earned a massive fan following due to his dynamic roles and contribution to the Telugu film industry. Beyond his acting career, Krishnam Raju also ventured into politics and has held significant positions.
1. Early Life:
- Full Name: Uppalapati Krishnam Raju
- Date of Birth: January 20, 1940
- Place of Birth: Mogalthur, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Family Background: Krishnam Raju hails from a middle-class family in the village of Mogalthur. He was born into the Uppalapati family, a well-known family in Andhra Pradesh, and had an early inclination towards acting and the performing arts.
- Education: He completed his schooling in his hometown, after which he moved to Chennai to pursue his higher education. His initial education helped him develop a keen interest in films and acting.
2. Entry into Films:
- Debut Film: Krishnam Raju made his acting debut with the film “ “Mana Desam” (1966)**, though his breakthrough as a leading actor came later. However, it was his second film, “Chilaka Goribaa” (1970), that made him a well-known figure in Telugu cinema.
- Initial Struggles and Rise to Fame: Initially, Krishnam Raju struggled to find success, but after a few years of working in the industry, he gained popularity through his roles in action films and his unique style of portrayal.
filmography of Uppalapati Venkata Krishnam Raju, the esteemed “Rebel Star” of Telugu cinema:
Year | Film Title | Role(s) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1966 | Chilaka Gorinka | Debut film | |
1967 | Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna | ||
1968 | Nenante Nene | ||
1968 | Raja | ||
1969 | Bhale Abbayilu | ||
1969 | Budhimantudu | ||
1969 | Manushulu Marali | ||
1970 | Maa Nanna Nirdoshi | ||
1970 | Kanchukota | ||
1971 | Bangaru Talli | ||
1971 | Nenu Manishine | ||
1971 | Mosagadu | ||
1972 | Ganga Manga | ||
1972 | Neeti-Nijayiti | ||
1972 | Manavudu Danavudu | ||
1973 | Jeevana Tarangalu | ||
1973 | Kota Veerudu | ||
1973 | Palletooru | ||
1973 | Puttinillu Mettinillu | ||
1973 | Rakta Sambandham | ||
1974 | Krishnaveni | Produced under his banner Gopi Krishna Movies | |
1974 | Parivartana | ||
1974 | Bharati | ||
1974 | Yavvanam Katesindi | ||
1974 | Iddaru Iddare | ||
1974 | Bantrotu Bharya | First collaboration with director Dasari Narayana Rao | |
1975 | Manushulanta Okkate | ||
1975 | Mutyala Muggu | ||
1975 | Bhakta Kannappa | Arjuna / Kannappa | Dual role; produced under his banner Gopi Krishna Movies |
1976 | Kurukshetram | Karna | Portrayed the character of Karna |
1977 | Amara Deepam | Filmfare Best Actor Award and Nandi Award for Best Actor | |
1977 | Jeevana Teeralu | ||
1977 | Manushulu Chesina Dongalu | ||
1978 | Sati Savitri | ||
1978 | Katakataala Rudraiah | High-budget film that grossed significantly | |
1978 | Mana Voori Pandavulu | Filmfare Best Film Award (Telugu); also served as producer | |
1979 | Rangoon Rowdy | ||
1979 | Sri Vinayaka Vijayamu | Lord Shiva | Portrayed Lord Shiva |
1980 | Sita Ramulu | ||
1981 | Taxi Driver | ||
1981 | Aadavaallu Meeku Joharlu | Directed by K. Balachander | |
1982 | Trisulam | ||
1983 | Dharmaatmudu | ||
1984 | Bobbili Brahmanna | Filmfare Best Actor Award and Nandi Award for Best Actor | |
1984 | Yuddham | ||
1984 | Sardar | ||
1984 | Babulugaadi Debba | ||
1984 | Kondaveeti Nagulu | ||
1984 | S. P. Bhayankar | ||
1985 | Raraju | ||
1985 | Bharatamlo Shankaravam | ||
1985 | Rowdy | ||
1985 | Bandee | ||
1985 | Tirugubatu | ||
1985 | Aggi Raju | ||
1985 | Bullet | ||
1985 | Ukku Manishi | ||
1986 | Tandra Paparayudu | Tandra Paparayudu | Filmfare Best Actor Award; premiered at the 11th International Film Festival of India |
1986 | Brahma Nayudu | ||
1987 | Marana Sasanam | Filmfare Best Actor Award | |
1987 | Viswanatha Nayakudu | Srikrishnadevaraya | Portrayed the historical figure Srikrishnadevaraya |
1988 | Antima Teerpu | ||
1988 | Prithvi Raj | ||
1988 | Prachanda Bharatam | ||
1988 | Dharma Teja | ||
1988 | Prana Snehitulu | ||
1988 | Simha Swapnam | ||
1988 | Srirama Chandrudu | ||
1988 | Bhagawan | ||
1988 | Two Town Rowdy | ||
1990 | Guru Sishyulu | ||
1990 | Yamadharma Raju |
Year | Film Title | Role(s) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1991 | Vidhata | ||
1991 | Bava Bavamaridi | ||
1991 | Jailor Gaari Abbayi | ||
1991 | Andaroo Andare | ||
1991 | Gangmaster | ||
1994 | Palnati Pourusham | Filmfare Best Actor Award (Telugu) | |
1995 | Rikshaw Rudraiah | ||
1995 | Simha Garjana | ||
1996 | Nayudugaari Kutumbam | ||
1996 | Tata Manavadu | ||
1996 | Kutumba Gowravam | ||
1997 | Maa Nannaku Pelli | Nandi Award for Akkineni Award for Best Home-viewing Feature Film | |
1997 | Hai Bangalore | Kannada film | |
1997 | Simhada Mari | Kannada film | |
1999 | Sultan | ||
2000 | Vamsoddharakudu | ||
2003 | Neeku Nenu Naaku Nuvvu | Nandi Award for Akkineni Award for Best Home-viewing Feature Film | |
2006 | Raam | ||
2009 | Billa | Part of the Don film series; acted alongside Prabhas | |
2010 | Thakita Thakita | ||
2012 | Rebel | ||
2013 | Chandee | ||
2015 | Rudhramadevi | Ganapati Devudu | Portrayed the father of Rudrama Devi |
2022 | Radhe Shyam | Paramahamsa | One of his final film appearances |
Political Career:
Beyond acting, Krishnam Raju entered politics, where he became a significant figure in Indian politics, particularly in Andhra Pradesh.
- Political Affiliation: Krishnam Raju was a prominent member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), having been actively involved in political affairs for many years.
- Positions Held:
- He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Lok Sabha and was appointed as the Union Minister of State for Defence in the NDA Government. He played a crucial role in national politics, focusing on issues related to defense and development.
- Role in State Politics: Krishnam Raju has also been involved in state politics, where he is respected for his political acumen and leadership.
Personal Life:
- Family:
- Krishnam Raju is married to Shyamala Devi, and the couple has two daughters and one son. His son, Prabhas, has become a global superstar through the Baahubali film series, cementing the Uppalapati family’s legacy in the Indian film industry.
- Relationship with Prabhas: Krishnam Raju shares a special bond with his nephew Prabhas, who is one of the biggest stars in contemporary Indian cinema. His support and guidance have been instrumental in Prabhas’s rise to fame.
- Philanthropy: Known for his humble nature, Krishnam Raju has been involved in philanthropic activities, particularly related to healthcare and education. He has also contributed to social welfare programs and various charitable causes.
Awards & Honors
Year | Award Name | Category / Film | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1977 | Filmfare Award | Best Actor – Telugu (Amara Deepam) | Powerful performance in a dramatic role |
1977 | Nandi Award | Best Actor (Amara Deepam) | Prestigious state-level honor |
1984 | Filmfare Award | Best Actor – Telugu (Bobbili Brahmanna) | Iconic role that earned him critical acclaim |
1984 | Nandi Award | Best Actor (Bobbili Brahmanna) | One of the most recognized roles of his career |
1986 | Filmfare Award | Best Actor – Telugu (Tandra Paparayudu) | Historical role as a freedom fighter |
1987 | Filmfare Award | Best Actor – Telugu (Marana Sasanam) | A dramatic role with high emotional impact |
1994 | Filmfare Award | Best Actor – Telugu (Palnati Pourusham) | Late career standout performance |
1997 | Nandi Award | Akkineni Award for Best Home-viewing Feature Film (Maa Nannaku Pelli) | As producer |
2003 | Nandi Award | Akkineni Award for Best Home-viewing Feature Film (Neeku Nenu Naaku Nuvvu) | As producer |
— | Title – “Rebel Star” | Honorific Title | A title fondly given by fans for his daring roles |
2022 | Lifetime Achievement (Posthumous) | Various retrospectives and tributes | Celebrated after his passing for his contribution to Telugu cinema |
Death:
- Date of Death: SEP 11, 2022.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0a-Q-Z7WgwI&pp=ygUjICBrcmlzaG5hbSByYWp1IGludGVydmlldyBpbiB0ZWx1Z3U%3D