ABOUT
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, commonly known as N. T. Rama Rao or simply NTR, was an iconic figure in Indian cinema and politics. Born on May 28, 1923, in Nimmakuru, a small village in Andhra Pradesh, India, NTR was a multifaceted personality who became a legendary actor, filmmaker, and later a prominent politician. His career in the Telugu film industry spanned several decades, during which he acted in more than 300 films. He was known for portraying mythological and historical characters with conviction and charisma. Beyond cinema, NTR's influence extended to politics, where he founded the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in 1982 and served as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh for three terms. He is remembered as a cultural icon and a people's leader who used his profound impact to drive social change and regional pride.
BEFORE FAME
N. T. Rama Rao's early life was marked by dedication and ambition. He showed an early interest in drama and theatre which paved the way for his entry into the film industry. Before stepping into the limelight, NTR completed his education at the Andhra-Christian College in Guntur and the V.R. College in Nellore. He initially worked as a sub-registrar, a government job, years before he found his true calling in acting. His film debut came in 1949 with the movie "Mana Desam," but it was his portrayal of gods and epic characters in subsequent films that catapulted him to stardom and earned him a place in the hearts of millions of fans.
TRIVIA
NTR's film career was not just about entertainment but also about cultural preservation and education. He was often cast in roles of Hindu deities like Rama and Krishna, which resonated deeply with the audience and helped in reviving interest in traditional tales and epics. His appearance as Lord Krishna in the film "Mayabazar" (1957) is particularly renowned. He was awarded several accolades throughout his career, including the prestigious Padma Shri in 1968 for his contributions to Indian cinema.
NTR’s foray into politics was similarly dramatic. With no prior experience, he established the Telugu Desam Party in a mere nine months and led it to a landslide victory in 1983. His political career was marked by a focus on regional pride, welfare schemes, and progressive reforms.
FAMILY LIFE
N. T. Rama Rao was married twice. His first marriage was to Basavatarakam, with whom he had eight sons and four daughters. Tragically, she passed away in 1985. In 1993, NTR married Lakshmi Parvathi. His family has continued his legacy in both cinema and politics. Several of his children and grandchildren, including Nandamuri Balakrishna and N. T. Rama Rao Jr., have made significant contributions to the Telugu film industry and political landscape.
ASSOCIATED WITH
N. T. Rama Rao's legacy is intertwined with numerous luminaries of Indian cinema and politics. In his film career, he collaborated with iconic directors like B. N. Reddy and K. V. Reddy. His contemporary and sometimes collaborator, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, was another stalwart of Telugu cinema. In politics, his contemporaries included national figures like Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. NTR’s influence reached across various spheres, making him a revered figure in India's cultural and political history.
In conclusion, N. T. Rama Rao's life was a confluence of art and public service, enriching the cultural fabric of India while also championing the cause of the common people through his political endeavors. His enduring legacy is a testament to his multifaceted contributions to cinema and society.
