N. T. Rama Rao Jr | |
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![]() Rao in 2021 | |
Born | Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao 20 May 1983 Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India |
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Works | Full list |
Spouse | Lakshmi Pranathi (m. 2011) |
Children | 2 |
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Family | See Nandamuri family |
Awards | Full list |
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr (born 20 May 1983), popularly known by the initialism Jr NTR, is an Indian actor who primarily works in Telugu cinema. [1] He is one of the highest-paid actors in Telugu cinema and has been featured in Forbes India 's Celebrity 100 list since 2012. [2] [3] Referred to in the media as the "Man of Masses", he has appeared in over 30 films. [4] He is a recipient of several accolades including, three Filmfare Awards, two Nandi Awards, two Siima Awards, four CineMAA Awards and one IIFA Award.
Grandson of Telugu matinee idol, N. T. Rama Rao, who was also the former Chief Minister of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, [5] Rao appeared as a child actor in works such as Brahmarshi Viswamitra (1991), and Ramayanam (1997), the latter winning the National Film Award for Best Children's Film for that year. He made his debut as a lead actor with Ninnu Choodalani (2001). He achieved his breakthrough with the coming-of-age film Student No: 1 (2001) and the action drama Aadi (2002). He went on to star in other commercially successful films such as Simhadri (2003), Yamadonga (2007), Adhurs (2010), Brindavanam (2010) and Baadshah (2013). Following a brief setback, he made a career comeback with the 2015 action drama Temper. Further commercial successes came with Nannaku Prematho (2016), Janatha Garage (2016), Jai Lava Kusa (2017), Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava (2018), and RRR (2022), some of which rank among the highest-grossing Telugu films and highest-grossing Indian films.
In 2017, he hosted the first season of the Telugu language reality TV show Bigg Boss on Star Maa. He also hosted the fifth season of Evaru Meelo Koteeswarulu in 2021 on Gemini TV.
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr was born on 20 May 1983 to film actor and politician, Nandamuri Harikrishna and Shalini Bhaskar Rao. His father is of Telugu descent and was born and raised at Nimmakuru, in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. [6] His mother is a Kannadiga, who hails from Kundapur, Karnataka. [7] He is the grandson of Telugu actor and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. T. Rama Rao. [8] Initially named Tarak Ram, he was renamed N. T. Rama Rao at the suggestion of his grandfather. [9]
Rao did his schooling at Vidyaranya High School, Hyderabad, and completed his intermediate education at St. Mary's College, Hyderabad. [10] He also studied in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh for some time. [6]
Rao is a trained Kuchipudi dancer. [11] He is the half-brother of actor and producer, Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, [12] the nephew of actor and politician Nandamuri Balakrishna and current Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, and the cousin of actor Taraka Ratna and politician Nara Lokesh. [13]
Rao made his debut in the film Brahmarshi Viswamitra (1991) as a child artiste at the age of seven. Written and directed by his grandfather N. T. Rama Rao, he played the role of Bharata. After a long gap, he then played the title role of Rama in the Gunasekhar-directed mythological film Ramayanam (1997), which won the National Film Award for Best Children's Film. [14] His performance in the film received critical appreciation.
K. Raghavendra Rao recommended Rao to S. S. Rajamouli for his directorial debut, Student No: 1 (2001), during mid-2000 after being impressed with his performance in the auditions and his previous film, Ramayanam (1997). However, the film went under production for too long. He was later signed by producer Ramoji Rao, and decided to work on the romantic drama Ninnu Choodalani which marked his debut as a lead actor. By that time, he was only 17. [8] Student No. 1, which released later, went onto be successful while Subbu (2001) was a commercial failure. [15]
In Aadi (2002) directed by debutant V. V. Vinayak, he played a man is trying to take revenge on a landlord for the death of his parents. The film was one of the highest-grossers of 2002. [16] He went to appear in other films such as B. Gopal's Allari Ramudu (2002) and A. M. Rathnam's political thriller Naaga (2003). Simhadri (2003), his second collaboration with Rajamouli, on a budget of ₹8.5 crore, the film ended up becoming the highest-grossing Telugu film in history at the time. [17] He sported a new look, in order to get rid of the youth one, and grew a light beard. giving him the title of Young Tiger. He later quit youth films and started experimenting with faction dramas. [18]
He next appeared in Puri Jagannadh's action drama Andhrawala (2004) created much hype but was a box office failure. [15] He then starred in action film, Samba (2004) in his second collaboration with Vinayak. Later on he played a dual role in family drama film Naa Alludu (2005) and starred in Gopal's Narasimhudu (2005) and Surender Reddy's Ashok . All the three films failed at the box office. [19] His performance in Krishna Vamsi's Rakhi (2006) is considered to be one of his finest. [20]
Rao collaborated with director Rajamouli for the third time for a socio-fantasy film Yamadonga . For this film, he had to sport a new look by shedding more than 20 kg, as he used to be 94 kg. RamaRao played Raja, a thief who later criticizes and insults Yama and then suddenly goes into hell due to some bad acts. The film received positive reviews and made him receive Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu. Actor Mohan Babu praised Rao's performance in the film. Rao later signed up for the action film Kantri which was directed by debutant Meher Ramesh, a protege of Puri Jagannadh. In 2009, Rao took a year hiatus to campaign for Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in the 2009 general elections. [21] [22]
Rao signed up for the action-comedy Adhurs , in which he played dual roles for the third time after Andhrawala, and Naa Alludu.Adhurs grossed more than ₹300 million. [23] He then returned to romantic films after several years in the romantic comedy Brindavanam (2011), directed by Vamshi Paidipally. [24]
Rao collaborated with director Ramesh for the fantasy action film Sakthi , and with director Surender Reddy for the romantic action film Oosaravelli . [25] The Boyapati Srinu-directed Dammu (2012) become an average grosser. [26] [27]
In Baadshah , he sported a new look by straightening his curly hair and growing a beard, in order to suit the don image. The film became a sleeper hit. Baadshah's final figures was over ₹480 million in 50 days. This film was later dubbed into Hindi and Malayalam. [28] Rao's next release of 2013, was the revenge drama Ramayya Vasthavayya , directed by Harish Shankar. This was the worst period in Rao's career and Baadshah was the only film that gave him success. Baadshah was premiered at the Osaka Asian Film Festival 2014 held in Japan. [29]
In 2015, he starred in Temper directed by director Puri Jagannadh. The film gave a much-needed success for Rao, after a series of debacles and his performance as a corrupted cop Daya who turns a good doer was appreciated by audience and critics alike. [30] [31]
Following the success of Temper, Rao worked in Nannaku Prematho (2016) directed by Sukumar under the production of Sri Venkateswara Cine Chitra and Reliance Entertainment. He has second Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu for his performance. [32] [33] NTR sported a new look with gelled up hair and long beard for the film. [34] received positive reviews from critics and audience.[ citation needed ] The movie eventually turned out to be the highest grosser in Rao's career surpassing Baadshah with a worldwide gross of ₹82.7 crore (US$9.9 million). Later in the same year, Rao starred in the September release Janatha Garage , directed by Koratala Siva, where he was cast alongside Mohanlal. [35] The film registered the highest opening for a Tollywood film in 2016, and became the highest grossing Telugu film of the year.
In 2017, Rao essayed a triple role in Jai Lava Kusa under the direction of K. S. Ravindra on N.T.R. Arts banner with his half-brother Nandamuri Kalyan Ram as the producer. [36] Jai Lava Kusa collected almost ₹130.90 crore worldwide and was successful at the box office [37] with critics praising his performance.
In 2018, he starred in Trivikram Srinivas-directed action drama Aravinda Sametha, which went become one of the highest-grossing Tollywood films of the year. [38] Trivikram Srivinas credited Rao for success of Aravinda Sametha, saying “a highly-capable actor like NTR is very rare to find in any generation. When it comes to acting, he is like a torchbearer. Staying in the moment is a very great quality. He is such a rare Actor. NTR has the capability to match his Grandfather. He is disciplined, honest, straight-forward, doesn't get involved in unnecessary issues and goes to any extent to achieve what is necessary. We needn't have to stop such a personality, just need to offer claps during his journey”. [39]
S. S. Rajamouli's magnum opus RRR, where Rao playing 20th century freedom fighter Komaram Bheem, opened to massive success. [40] [41] Rajamouli said, “I would really say there is no other actor on the Indian screen who can do what Tarak did in Komaram Bheemudo song. Showing pain, showing betrayal, showing subjugation to the motherland, but not even batting an eyelid at the oppressor. Not just showing all these emotions, but showing all these emotions in one shot, in one frame. That is like an epic.” [42]
Rao is reuniting with Koratala Siva, after Janatha Garage , for his 30th film, Devara: Part 1 , which went on floors in March 2023 after enormous delays. [43] It is scheduled for a theatrical release on 27 September 2024. He is also reuniting with Mythri Movie Makers, after Janatha Garage, for a film to be helmed by Prashanth Neel. [44] Both these films are being produced under N. T. R. Arts, with Nandamuri Kalyan Ram as a co-producer. [44] In April 2023, he was signed by Yash Raj Films to make his debut in Hindi cinema with the sequel to War , War 2, co-starring Hrithik Roshan and directed by Ayan Mukerji. He will enter the YRF Spy Universe with the film. [45]
Rao hosted the reality show, Bigg Boss 1 that was broadcast on the Star Maa. Rao's television debut was a huge success and had a record breaking ratings for Star Maa, making it the number one channel among all the shows. [46] The show began airing from 16 July 2017. [47] He has also been as a guest in Telugu reality game show Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu [48] [49] and Telugu reality dance shows Dhee 2 and Dhee 10. [50] In February 2021, he was confirmed to be the host of Evaru Meelo Koteeswarulu. [51] Later, on 10 July 2021, he joined the production of the show. [52]
Rao married Lakshmi Pranathi, the daughter of realtor and businessman Narne Srinivasa Rao. Srinivasa Rao's wife is the niece of N. Chandrababu Naidu, who mediated the marriage. [53] Their wedding took place on 5 May 2011 in Hyderabad at Hitex Exhibition Center, Madhapur. [54] The couple have two sons. [55]
Rao is popularly referred to as Young Tiger in Telugu cinema and media. [56]
Rao was one of the campaigners for the Telugu Desam Party, for the 2009 Indian general election from April to May 2009 in Andhra Pradesh. [21] [22] [57] [58] [59] [60] On 26 March 2009, after electioneering, en route to Hyderabad, the SUV in which he was a passenger, was struck head-on with another vehicle, at Suryapet. He and his companions were thrown out of the SUV and suffered injuries. He was treated at Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, in Secunderabad, where he recuperated well. [61]
In 2009, Jr NTR announced his plan to donate ₹20 Lakhs to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to aid flood victims. [62] During the audio function of Baadshah in 2013, a fan died due to a stampede and NTR extended his support by donating ₹5 Lakhs to the family of the deceased. Additionally, he pledged to take care of the family following the sudden loss. [63]
In 2014, NTR once again announced a donation of ₹20 Lakhs to the CM's Relief Fund to support those affected by Cyclone Hudhud in Andhra Pradesh. [64]
Year | Song | Album | Composer | Notes | Ref(s) |
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2007 | "Olammi Thikka Regindha" | Yamadonga | M. M. Keeravani | ||
2008 | "1,2,3 Nenoka Kantri" | Kantri | Mani Sharma | ||
2010 | "Chary" | Adhurs | Devi Sri Prasad | ||
2014 | "Raakasi Raakasi" | Rabhasa | Thaman S | [65] | |
2016 | "Follow Follow" | Nannaku Prematho | Devi Sri Prasad | Mirchi Music Awards – Star as a Singing Sensation (Telugu) Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer – Telugu | [66] [67] |
"Geleya Geleya" | Chakravyuha | Thaman S | Kannada song Mirchi Music Awards – Star as a Singing Sensation (Kannada) | [68] |
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, often referred to by his initials NTR, was an Indian actor, film director, film producer, screenwriter, film editor and politician who served as a former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh for seven years over three terms. He is regarded as one of the most influential actors of Indian cinema. He starred in over 300 films, predominantly in Telugu cinema, and was referred to as "Viswa Vikhyatha Nata Sarvabhouma". Rao received three National Film Awards for co-producing Thodu Dongalu (1954) and Seetharama Kalyanam (1960) under National Art Theater, Madras, and for directing Varakatnam (1970). In 1968, The Government of India honoured him with Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award, for his contributions to Indian cinema. In 2013, NTR was voted as "Greatest Indian Actor of All Time" in a CNN-IBN national poll conducted on the occasion of the Centenary of Indian Cinema.
The Telugu Desam Party is an Indian regional political party with influence in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It was founded by Telugu movie star N. T. Rama Rao (NTR) on 29 March 1982 and has focused on supporting Telugu people. The party has won a five-time majority in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly and has emerged as the most successful political outfit in the state's history. It is currently the ruling party in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly.
Nandamuri Balakrishna is an Indian actor, film producer and politician known for his works in Telugu cinema. Balakrishna is an elected member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly from Hindupuram constituency since 2014. The sixth son of actor and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. T. Rama Rao, Balakrishna made his debut as a child artist at the age of 14 with the film Tatamma Kala (1974). Balakrishna is a recipient of three state Nandi Awards and one South Indian International Movie Award. In 2012, Balakrishna was the chief guest at the 43rd IFFI. Currently, he serves as the Chairman of Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute in Hyderabad.
Yamadonga is a 2007 Indian Telugu-language fantasy action comedy film directed by S. S. Rajamouli, who co-wrote the film with V. Vijayendra Prasad. It was produced by Chiranjeevi (Cherry) and Gangaraju Gunnam under Visvamitra Creations. It stars N. T. Rama Rao Jr., Mohan Babu, Priyamani, and Mamta Mohandas.
The Nandi Awards are the awards that recognise excellence in Telugu cinema, Telugu theatre, Telugu television, and Lifetime achievements in Indian cinema. Presented annually by the Government of Andhra Pradesh the awards are named after the big granite bull at Lepakshi - a cultural and historical symbol of the Telugu people.
Nandamuri Kalyan Ram is an Indian actor and film producer who works in Telugu cinema. He is the son of actor-politician Nandamuri Harikrishna. Ram is best known for his roles in action films such as Athanokkade, Hare Ram and 118. Ram is the chairperson of the production company N. T. R. Arts, named after his paternal grandfather NTR.
Nandamuri Harikrishna was an Indian politician, actor, and film producer. He served as the Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house the Indian Parliament representing the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh from 2008 to 2013 and a member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly from 1996-1999. His film works were predominantly in Telugu cinema. Harikrishna was the fourth son of actor and former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. T. Rama Rao. His sons N. T. Rama Rao Jr. and Nandamuri Kalyan Ram are actors and daughter Nandamuri Venkata Suhasini is a politician.
Brindavanam is a 2010 Indian Telugu-language action comedy drama film written and directed by Vamsi Paidipally. The film stars N. T. Rama Rao Jr., Samantha, and Kajal Aggarwal while Prakash Raj and Srihari play pivotal roles. The film is produced by Dil Raju's Sri Venkateswara Creations. S. Thaman composed the music.
Nandamuri Taraka Ratna was an Indian actor who worked in Telugu cinema. After his debut in Okato Number Kurraadu (2003), he acted in several films as the lead actor and a few as the antagonist. He was a member of the Nandamuri family which is influential in Telugu cinema and politics. Taraka Ratna was also an aspiring politician from the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, rooting for the Telugu Desam Party. He died on 18 February 2023 at the age of 39 at Narayana Institute of Cardiac Sciences, following severe health complications.
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao served as Chief Minister of United Andhra Pradesh for three terms, between 1983 and 1995. He was the first person to hold the office while not a member of the Indian National Congress, while representing the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which he himself founded in 1982. Rama Rao's time in office saw his ousting in an August 1984 coup after 1½ years in office, while he was abroad in the US undergoing coronary heart surgery. He was removed by Thakur Ram Lal, the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, and replaced with Nadendla Bhaskara Rao, the finance minister. Having come back from surgery, Rama Rao regained his position through demonstrating his majority support from members of the Indian Legislative Assembly. He returned to office in September 1984.
Baadshah is a 2013 Indian Telugu-language action comedy film directed by Sreenu Vaitla. The film was produced by Bandla Ganesh under his Parameswara Art Productions banner. The film stars N. T. Rama Rao Jr. in the lead role, alongside Kajal Aggarwal, Navdeep, Brahmanandam, and Kelly Dorji. The soundtrack was composed by S. Thaman, which also marks his second collaboration with Sreenu Vaitla. The cinematography and editing were handled by K. V. Guhan and M.R. Varma.
Koratala Siva is an Indian film director and screenwriter who works in Telugu cinema. Koratala has directed action drama films such as Mirchi (2013), Srimanthudu (2015), Janatha Garage (2016), Bharat Ane Nenu (2018) and Acharya (2022). He has received two Nandi Awards and an IIFA Utsavam Award for his directional works.
Nandamuri Balakrishna is an Indian actor, film producer and politician in the Telugu Desam Party founded by his father and who works predominantly in Telugu cinema. He is the sixth son of Telugu matinee idol and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh legendary actor, N. T. Rama Rao. He entered the film industry as a child artist at the age of 14 with the film Tatamma Kala. In the mid-1980s, he graduated to acting in the lead role and soon became one of the sought after actors in Telugu cinema. In his career spanning 40 years, he has acted in over hundred films in a variety of roles. Balakrishna has received two state Nandi Awards for best acting.
NTR: Kathanayakudu is a 2019 Indian Telugu-language biographical drama film based on the real life and acting career of N. T. Rama Rao (NTR). It was directed by Krish Jagarlamudi and produced by Nandamuri Balakrishna, Sai Korrapati, Vishnu Vardhan Induri under NBK Films, Vaaraahi Chalana Chitram, Vibri Media banners. It is the first installation of a two-part film. The film stars an ensemble cast with Nandamuri Balakrishna, as his father N. T. Rama Rao, Vidya Balan in lead roles. Music is composed by M. M. Keeravani. The film has a sequel, NTR: Mahanayakudu, that showcases the political journey of Rama Rao.
NTR: Mahanayakudu is a 2019 Indian Telugu-language biographical film, based on the real life and political career of N. T. Rama Rao, produced by Nandamuri Balakrishna, Sai Korrapati, Vishnu Vardhan Induri under NBK Films, Vaaraahi Chalana Chitram, Vibri Media banners and directed by Krish Jagarlamudi. It is the second movie in a two-part series, with the first being NTR: Kathanayakudu. The film stars Nandamuri Balakrishna, Vidya Balan, Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, Rana Daggubati in the lead roles and its music is composed by M. M. Keeravani. The film received positive reviews and yet bombed badly at the box office.
RRR is a 2022 Indian Telugu-language epic period action drama film directed by S. S. Rajamouli, who co-wrote the film with V. Vijayendra Prasad. It was produced by D. V. V. Danayya under DVV Entertainment. The film stars N. T. Rama Rao Jr., Ram Charan, Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt, Shriya Saran, Samuthirakani, Ray Stevenson, Alison Doody, and Olivia Morris. It is a historical fiction film about two Indian revolutionaries, Alluri Sitarama Raju (Charan) and Komaram Bheem, their friendship, and their fight against the British Raj.
N. T. Rama Rao Jr, also known as Jr NTR or Tarak, is an Indian actor who primarily works in Telugu cinema. He is one of the highest-paid actors in Indian cinema.
Mandaladeesudu is a 1987 Indian Telugu-language satirical film directed by M. Prabhakar Reddy and starring Kota Srinivasa Rao in the main role. The film was based on the then chief minister of Andhra Pradesh N. T. Rama Rao, causing the film's production to be controversial and both negatively and positively impacting Rao's career.
Nandamuri Mohana Krishna is an Indian cinematographer known for his works in Telugu cinema. He made his breakthrough as a film cinematographer with his father N. T. Rama Rao's Chanda Sasanudu (1983), which was also remade in Tamil as Sarithira Nayagan (1984) for which Mohana was also the cinematographer. Subsequently, he has continued to collaborate with his father on other projects.
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