Full Name:
- Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR)
Birth and Early Life:
- 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).
- NTR was born into a Telugu-speaking family with modest means. He was the eldest of several siblings. His early education was in the village school, and he showed a deep interest in the arts and acting from a young age.
Career in Cinema:
N.T. Rama Rao’s contribution to Indian cinema, particularly Telugu cinema, is unparalleled. His career as an actor, director, and producer spanned over four decades and left an indelible impact on the film industry.
Acting Career:
- NTR’s film debut came with the movie “Mana Desam” (1949), where he played a supporting role. However, he rose to fame with his portrayal of mythological characters.
- His first major breakthrough came with “Palletoori Pilla” (1950), where his performance was widely appreciated.
- NTR’s portrayal of mythological and historical figures like Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, Dharmaraja Yudhishthira, and Arjuna cemented his place as a hero in Telugu cinema. His performances in films such as “Pathala Bhairavi” (1951), “Mayabazar” (1957), “Sri Venkateswara Mahatyam” (1960), and “Krishna Leela” (1961) were monumental, and he became a household name.
- “Nartanasala” (1963) and “Raja Harishchandra” (1952) were also pivotal in showcasing his skill in portraying mythological characters.
NTR became known as the “King of Telugu Cinema” for his unmatched contribution to the film industry, with fans worshipping him as a cultural icon. His mythological roles earned him the affectionate title of “Viswa Vikhyatha NTR” (World-famous NTR).
Director and Producer:
- NTR did not just limit himself to acting. He expanded his reach into directorial and producing roles.
- As a director, he made films such as “Raju Peda” (1966) and “Bobbili Puli” (1979), both of which were commercially successful.
- “Bobbili Puli” is particularly notable as it was NTR’s first directorial venture and was a significant commercial hit.
Political Career:
NTR’s political journey is just as significant as his cinematic career. He was a charismatic leader who became a transformative figure in the politics of Andhra Pradesh.
Formation of Telugu Desam Party (TDP):
- In 1982, NTR founded the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which aimed to bring back the pride of the Telugu-speaking people and challenge the dominance of the Congress Party in the state.
- NTR’s entry into politics marked a turning point in Andhra Pradesh’s history. His personal charisma, leadership style, and mass appeal helped him win the hearts of the common people, particularly in rural areas.
Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh:
- NTR became the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh in 1983, just a year after launching his political party. His victory was a monumental shift in the state’s political landscape, as he defeated the Congress Party, which had been in power for decades.
- During his tenure as the Chief Minister, NTR introduced several reforms:
- Welfare Schemes: He introduced a range of welfare schemes, including the Rs. 2 per kilogram of rice scheme (popularly known as “Anna Canteens”) for the poor, and programs aimed at improving education, healthcare, and rural development.
- Land Reforms: NTR also pushed for land reforms, which aimed at reducing the influence of landlords and empowering the agrarian community.
- Promotion of Telugu Language and Culture: He emphasized the promotion of the Telugu language and the protection of the state’s cultural heritage.
- NTR’s term as Chief Minister was marked by both praise for his populist policies and controversies surrounding his sudden dismissal in 1984 by his political rival, Rajasekhara Reddy.
Personal Life:
- NTR was married to Basavatarakam (his first wife) and later to Lakshmi Parvathi (second wife). His first marriage produced several children, including sons and daughters, many of whom became involved in politics and cinema.
Death:
- Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao passed away on January 18, 1996, due to a massive heart attack. His death was deeply mourned by millions of people who considered him a hero both on-screen and in real life.
Awards in Cinema:
- Nandi Awards:
- The Nandi Award is one of the most prestigious awards in the Telugu film industry, presented by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. N.T. Rama Rao received several Nandi Awards, particularly for his acting and contribution to Telugu cinema.
- Best Actor Award (Nandi): NTR received this award multiple times for his iconic performances in mythological and social films.
- National Film Award:
- Best Feature Film (for “Raja Harishchandra”) (1953): N.T. Rama Rao’s contribution to Indian cinema was acknowledged on the national level, with his films being recognized for their excellence. His contribution to mythological cinema was particularly recognized.
- Filmfare Awards:
- Best Actor – Telugu: NTR won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Telugu) several times, in recognition of his unmatched acting prowess, especially in his portrayal of mythological and historical figures like Lord Rama, Krishna, and others.
- Padma Shri (1968):
- In 1968, N.T. Rama Rao was honored with the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards, for his contribution to the arts, particularly in the field of cinema. This was a significant recognition of his cinematic achievements at the national level.
- Padma Bhushan (1982):
- In 1982, NTR was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India, for his exceptional contributions to Indian cinema. This was a testament to his widespread influence on both the Telugu film industry and Indian cinema as a whole.
- Raghupathi Venkaiah Award (1990):
- N.T. Rama Rao received the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award in 1990. This prestigious award is given in recognition of an individual’s lifetime achievements in the Telugu film industry.
- Nandi Award for Best Director:
- N.T. Rama Rao was also recognized as a director and producer for his significant contributions to the industry. His work as a filmmaker, including his directorial ventures, earned him recognition in the form of the Nandi Award for Best Director.
- Life Membership of the International Film and Television Club of the Asian Academy of Film & Television:
- In recognition of his lasting impact on the cinematic world, NTR was also honored with Life Membership by the International Film and Television Club of the Asian Academy of Film & Television.
Awards in Politics:
- Best Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh:
- While N.T. Rama Rao is primarily known for his role in the film industry, his leadership as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh earned him significant admiration. Under his leadership, he implemented several welfare schemes, and his popularity among the masses made him one of the most beloved political figures in the state’s history.
- Honors and Recognition by Various Organizations:
- NTR was often praised for his visionary leadership in politics and was awarded honors by various state and national organizations for his service and contributions to the public.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS : Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2YRD_rqcZg&pp=ygUjbmFuZGFtdXJpIHRhcmFrYSByYW1hIHJhbyBpbnRlcnZpZXc%3D
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