#GoldenFrames: N. T. Rama Rao, the demi-god of Telugu Cinema!

Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, popularly known as N. T. Rama Rao, was born on May 28, 1923, to Nandamuri Lakshmayya Chowdary and Nandamuri Venkata Ramamma in Nimmakuru, Andhra Pradesh. The actor was adopted by his paternal uncle and aunt who were childless. He was an Indian actor, producer, director, and film editor before joining politics.He was known for his good looks, screen presence, charismatic personality and commanding voice with breathtaking dialogue delivery. The actor served as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh for seven years over three terms (1983-1995). N. T. Rama Rao starred in over 300 movies. He is one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema. NTR is regarded as a legend in Telugu cinema, alongside Akkineni Nageswara Rao. He 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). NTR has won quite a few awards for his performances—Rashtrapati Awards for the 'Raju Peda' (1954) and 'Lava Kusa' (1963), Nandi Award for 'Kodalu Diddina Kapuram' (1970) and Filmfare Award for 'Badi Panthulu' (1972). The actor was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1968, recognising his contribution to Indian cinema.

In This Pic : N. T. Rama Rao, goldenframes

Pic Courtesy : BCCL

NTR attended school in his village and later in Vijayawada. After his matriculation in 1940, he studied at SRR & CVR College in Vijayawada and at the Andhra-Christian College in Guntur. He joined the Madras Service Commission as a sub-registrar at Prathipadu of Guntur District in 1947. However, he quit within three weeks to devote himself to acting.

In This Pic : N. T. Rama Rao, goldenframes

NTR developed a baritone singing voice as a young man. He made his debut with the movie 'Mana Desam' (1949), and since then, NTR has never looked back.

(Photo: Still from the movie 'Mana Desam')

In This Pic : N. T. Rama Rao, goldenframes

'Pathala Bhairavi' (1951) was his first breakthrough movie. He gave many successful movies like 'Malliswari' (1951), 'Pelli Chesi Choodu' (1952), Aggi Ramudu' (1954), 'Missamma' (1955), 'Kutumba Gowravam' (1957), 'Bhookailas' (1958), 'Daiva Balam' (1959) and 'Devanthakudu' (1960).

(Photo: Still from the movie 'Kutumba Gowravam')

In This Pic : N. T. Rama Rao, goldenframes

The actor achieved demi-god status by playing the role of Lord Venkateshwara in 'Sri Venkateswara Mahatyam' (1960). For many, a pilgrimage to Tirupati was incomplete without getting 'NTR Darshanam' at his house.

(Photo: Still from the movie 'Sri Venkateswara Mahatyam')

In This Pic : N. T. Rama Rao, goldenframes