Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, widely known as N. T. Rama Rao or NTR, was a legendary actor, film director, producer, and politician in the Telugu film industry. He is considered one of the greatest and most influential actors in the history of Indian cinema. Below are the full details of this iconic personality:
1. Early Life:
- Full Name: Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao
- Date of Birth: May 28, 1923
- Place of Birth: Nimmakuru, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Parents: Nandamuri Veera Raghava Rao (father) and Venkata Ramamma (mother)
- Siblings: NTR belonged to a family with strong cultural roots and had several siblings.
- Education: NTR graduated from the Andhra Christian College in Guntur, with a degree in Bachelor of Arts.
2. Career in Film:
NTR’s film career spanned several decades, and he was known for his versatility, powerful performances, and larger-than-life roles.
Film Career
- Debut Film: Palleturi Pilla (1949) — NTR appeared in a supporting role. His first major role was in the film Mana Desam (1949), but it was his portrayal of Lord Krishna in the film Mayabazar (1957) that made him a household name in Telugu cinema.
- Success as a Lead Actor: NTR rose to fame with roles portraying Hindu mythological characters, especially in films where he played Lord Rama, Krishna, and other deities. His portrayal of Lord Krishna in Sri Krishna Leela (1951) and Raja Harishchandra (1952) was highly praised.
- Political Career:
- NTR’s influence extended beyond cinema into the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh. He founded the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in 1982, with the aim of serving the people of Andhra Pradesh and promoting the welfare of Telugu-speaking people.
Filmography as Director
| Year | Film Title | Language | Role(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1962 | Seetharama Kalyanam | Telugu | Director, Producer, Actor | His directorial debut; mythological film |
| 1963 | Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam | Telugu | Director, Actor | Based on Mahabharata |
| 1966 | Umachandi Gowri Sankarula Kalyanam | Telugu | Director, Actor | Mythological drama |
| 1967 | Sri Krishnavataram | Telugu | Director, Actor | Played multiple roles |
| 1968 | Brahmashri Vishwamitra | Telugu | Director, Actor | Based on the life of Sage Vishwamitra |
| 1969 | Kodalu Diddina Kapuram | Telugu | Director, Actor | Family drama |
| 1970 | Sri Krishna Satya | Telugu | Director, Actor | Nandi Award Winner |
| 1971 | Tata Manavadu | Telugu | Director, Actor | Social drama |
| 1973 | Daana Veera Soora Karna | Telugu | Director, Producer, Writer, Actor | Played Karna, Duryodhana & Krishna |
| 1977 | Sri Rama Pattabhishekam | Telugu | Director, Actor | Sequel to Seetharama Kalyanam |
| 1979 | Sri Madvirata Parvam | Telugu | Director, Actor | Mahabharata-based epic |
| 1980 | Sri Tirupati Venkateswara Kalyanam | Telugu | Director, Actor | Played Lord Venkateswara |
| 1982 | Sri Rama Bantu | Telugu | Director, Actor | Social mythological blend |
Political Career Highlights:
- Founding Telugu Desam Party (TDP): NTR founded the TDP on March 29, 1982, promising to bring change and self-respect to the people of Andhra Pradesh. His slogan, “Telugu vari atma gauravam” (The soul of Telugu people), resonated with the masses, and he quickly became a powerful political figure.
- Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh: NTR became the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh in 1983 after a landslide victory, just 9 months after forming the party. He was known for introducing several pro-poor welfare schemes.
- Welfare Schemes: Some of his notable initiatives include:
- Rs. 2 per kg rice scheme (subsidized rice for the poor).
- Promoting irrigation projects and agricultural reforms.
- Establishing a strong Telugu identity and focusing on regional pride and welfare.
- Political Struggles: NTR faced several political challenges, including a coup within his party in 1984, but he returned to power after a successful election in 1985. Despite personal and political difficulties, he remained a towering figure in Andhra Pradesh politics.
- Chief Minister for Three Terms: NTR served as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh for three non-consecutive terms: 1983–1989, 1994–1995, and briefly in 1995 before his death.
Major Awards:
- Padma Shri (1968)
- Padma Bhushan (1982)
- Padma Vibhushan (1999, posthumously)
- Filmfare Awards (South): Best Actor
- Nandi Awards (Best Actor and other honors)
- Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1995)
- Honorary Doctorates
- NTR National Award (Posthumous)
Awards & Honors
| Year | Award | Category / Honor | Film / Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | Padma Shri | Civilian Honor (Government of India) | Contribution to Indian cinema |
| 1968 | National Film Award | Best Feature Film in Telugu (Producer) | Varakatnam |
| 1970 | Nandi Award | Best Actor | Kodalu Diddina Kapuram |
| 1972 | Nandi Award | Best Actor | Badi Panthulu |
| 1973 | Nandi Award | Best Actor | Varakatnam |
| 1977 | Filmfare Award (South) | Special Recognition | Lifetime contribution to cinema |
| 1978 | Nandi Award (Special Jury) | Performance in Mythological Films | Daana Veera Soora Karna |
| 1984 | Honorary Doctorate | Andhra University | Contribution to arts and public life |
| Various | Cultural & State Honors | Various Lifetime Achievement Awards | Across acting, direction, and politics |
Death:
- Date of Death: January 18, 1996
- Cause of Death: NTR passed away due to a heart attack after suffering a stroke the previous year. His death marked the end of an era for both Telugu cinema and politics.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS :
Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmxV3GJ2ixY&pp=ygUac3IgbnRyIGludGVydmlldyBpbiB0ZWx1Z3U%3D
