KRISHNAM RAJU

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:

YearFilm TitleRole(s)Notes
1966Chilaka GorinkaDebut film
1967Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna
1968Nenante Nene
1968Raja
1969Bhale Abbayilu
1969Budhimantudu
1969Manushulu Marali
1970Maa Nanna Nirdoshi
1970Kanchukota
1971Bangaru Talli
1971Nenu Manishine
1971Mosagadu
1972Ganga Manga
1972Neeti-Nijayiti
1972Manavudu Danavudu
1973Jeevana Tarangalu
1973Kota Veerudu
1973Palletooru
1973Puttinillu Mettinillu
1973Rakta Sambandham
1974KrishnaveniProduced under his banner Gopi Krishna Movies
1974Parivartana
1974Bharati
1974Yavvanam Katesindi
1974Iddaru Iddare
1974Bantrotu BharyaFirst collaboration with director Dasari Narayana Rao
1975Manushulanta Okkate
1975Mutyala Muggu
1975Bhakta KannappaArjuna / KannappaDual role; produced under his banner Gopi Krishna Movies
1976KurukshetramKarnaPortrayed the character of Karna
1977Amara DeepamFilmfare Best Actor Award and Nandi Award for Best Actor
1977Jeevana Teeralu
1977Manushulu Chesina Dongalu
1978Sati Savitri
1978Katakataala RudraiahHigh-budget film that grossed significantly
1978Mana Voori PandavuluFilmfare Best Film Award (Telugu); also served as producer
1979Rangoon Rowdy
1979Sri Vinayaka VijayamuLord ShivaPortrayed Lord Shiva
1980Sita Ramulu
1981Taxi Driver
1981Aadavaallu Meeku JoharluDirected by K. Balachander
1982Trisulam
1983Dharmaatmudu
1984Bobbili BrahmannaFilmfare Best Actor Award and Nandi Award for Best Actor
1984Yuddham
1984Sardar
1984Babulugaadi Debba
1984Kondaveeti Nagulu
1984S. P. Bhayankar
1985Raraju
1985Bharatamlo Shankaravam
1985Rowdy
1985Bandee
1985Tirugubatu
1985Aggi Raju
1985Bullet
1985Ukku Manishi
1986Tandra PaparayuduTandra PaparayuduFilmfare Best Actor Award; premiered at the 11th International Film Festival of India
1986Brahma Nayudu
1987Marana SasanamFilmfare Best Actor Award
1987Viswanatha NayakuduSrikrishnadevarayaPortrayed the historical figure Srikrishnadevaraya
1988Antima Teerpu
1988Prithvi Raj
1988Prachanda Bharatam
1988Dharma Teja
1988Prana Snehitulu
1988Simha Swapnam
1988Srirama Chandrudu
1988Bhagawan
1988Two Town Rowdy
1990Guru Sishyulu
1990Yamadharma Raju

YearFilm TitleRole(s)Notes
1991Vidhata
1991Bava Bavamaridi
1991Jailor Gaari Abbayi
1991Andaroo Andare
1991Gangmaster
1994Palnati PourushamFilmfare Best Actor Award (Telugu)
1995Rikshaw Rudraiah
1995Simha Garjana
1996Nayudugaari Kutumbam
1996Tata Manavadu
1996Kutumba Gowravam
1997Maa Nannaku PelliNandi Award for Akkineni Award for Best Home-viewing Feature Film
1997Hai BangaloreKannada film
1997Simhada MariKannada film
1999Sultan
2000Vamsoddharakudu
2003Neeku Nenu Naaku NuvvuNandi Award for Akkineni Award for Best Home-viewing Feature Film
2006Raam
2009BillaPart of the Don film series; acted alongside Prabhas
2010Thakita Thakita
2012Rebel
2013Chandee
2015RudhramadeviGanapati DevuduPortrayed the father of Rudrama Devi
2022Radhe ShyamParamahamsaOne 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

YearAward NameCategory / FilmNotes
1977Filmfare AwardBest Actor – Telugu (Amara Deepam)Powerful performance in a dramatic role
1977Nandi AwardBest Actor (Amara Deepam)Prestigious state-level honor
1984Filmfare AwardBest Actor – Telugu (Bobbili Brahmanna)Iconic role that earned him critical acclaim
1984Nandi AwardBest Actor (Bobbili Brahmanna)One of the most recognized roles of his career
1986Filmfare AwardBest Actor – Telugu (Tandra Paparayudu)Historical role as a freedom fighter
1987Filmfare AwardBest Actor – Telugu (Marana Sasanam)A dramatic role with high emotional impact
1994Filmfare AwardBest Actor – Telugu (Palnati Pourusham)Late career standout performance
1997Nandi AwardAkkineni Award for Best Home-viewing Feature Film (Maa Nannaku Pelli)As producer
2003Nandi AwardAkkineni Award for Best Home-viewing Feature Film (Neeku Nenu Naaku Nuvvu)As producer
Title – “Rebel Star”Honorific TitleA title fondly given by fans for his daring roles
2022Lifetime Achievement (Posthumous)Various retrospectives and tributesCelebrated 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