Nandamuri Balakrishna (Telugu:
నందమూరి బాలకృష్ణ, born 10 June 1960) is a prominent Telugu film actor. He is the son of the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, actor Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao. He made his acting debut at the age of 14 as a child artist in his father's movie
Tatamma kala. He then starred in many critical and commercial films and established himself as one of the leading contemporary actors of Telugu Cinema. He appeared in the highest number of dual roles (Thirteen) and one triple role in the latest flick
Adhinayakudu (2012).
He is popularly known as "Balayya" and "NBK" by his fans and admirers. In addition to films, balakrishna is associated with several
philanthropic and social organisations activities. He campaigned for the
Telugu Desam Party in the 2009 Assembly elections, And he is the chairman of the trust board of
The Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute.
Family
Balakrishna was born in Madras (now known as Chennai) Tamil Nadu, to prolific Indian film actor, politician N. T. Rama Rao and Smt. Basava Tarakam. He has six brothers Rama Krishna, Jaya Krishna, Harikrishna, Mohana Krishna, Sai Krishna, Jaya Shankar Krishna, and four sisters Uma Maheswari, Bhuvaneswari, Lokeswari, Daggubati Purandareswari. Balakrishna is married to Vasundhara Devi. They have a son Mokshagna
Tarakarama Teja, and daughters Brahmini [pursuing MBA in Stanford] and
Tejaswini (working CTS,VBIT park Hyderabad as Programmer Analyst). His
elder daughter Brahmini was married to Nara lokesh, son of Nara Chandrababu Naidu who is the president of Telugu Desam Party and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
Film career
Breakthrough (1974 to 1986)
In 1974, he acted in
Tatamma Kala which was directed by NTR
as a child artist. Over a period of time he acted in several films,
many of them were directed by NTR.Out of which Dana Veera Soora Karna,
Srimadvirataparvam, Akbar Saleem Anarkali and Sri Tirupati Venkateswara
Kalyanam became memorable films in his film career.His roles as
Abhimanyu in DVSK,SMV and saleem in ASA, saint Narada In STVK are highly
praised.In 1984 he debuted in a hero role with
Sahasame Jeevitham. He then starred in a drama film
Mangammagari Manavadu (1984) along side Bhanumathi, Suhasini directed by Kodi Ramakrishna. The film was a Block Buster at the box-office. In the same year, he acted in
Kathanayakudu and in Biographical film
Shrimad Virat Veerabrahmendra Swami Charitra. Both the films were hits at the Box-office. Again
his role as Siddhappa in Shrimad Virat Veerabrahmendra Swami Charitra
is critically praised.This movie was directed by his father NTR.In the
year 1985,he acted with Akkineni Nageswara Rao in the film Bharya
Bhartala Bandam alongside rajani,which is a moderate success. In the
year 1986, all his six films were success at the Box-office.
Commercial stardom (1987 to 1999)
In 1987, he acted in a dual role in the film
Apurva Sahodarudu directed by K. Raghavendra Rao, was a box-office success.This year he had six super hit films in a row. In the same year, he starred in
Presidentugari Abbai directed by Tatineni Rama Rao and
Muvva Gopaludu by Kodi Ramakrishna were biggest hits of the year. Bhargava Ramudu, which is made from a novel,alongside vijayashanti is success at the box office. His other films like
Inspector Pratap,
Bharatamlo Bala Chandrudu,
Tiragabadda Telugubidda,
Rakthabhisekham were also critically and commercially successful at the boxoffice. In 1989, he paired with Vijaya Shanti in
Muddula Mavayya directed Kodi Ramakrishna. The film was a blockbuster at the box-office.
Bhale Donga alongside Vijayasanthi and sharada was also success at the boxoffice. In 1990, he acted in
Nari Nari Naduma Murari directed by A. Kodandarami Reddy along side Shobana and Nirosha. The film was a box-office success. In the same year he appeared in B. Gopal's
Lorry Driver opposite Vijaya Shanti; the film was a Superhit at the box-office. Talli Tandrulu alongside vijayasanthi was again a success at the boxoffice.
In 1991, he acted in another blockbuster Science fiction film
Aditya 369 directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. The film is about a time machine that goes into the past and the future. This is the only science fiction film in Telugu cinema,during that period of time.He then had two releases in 1992
Dharma Kshetram was a disappointment and
Rowdy Inspector directed by B. Gopal, was a "Super Hit" at the box-office. In the year 1993, balakrishna had two releases on the same day which are
Nippu Ravva along side Shobana and Vijaya Shanti directed by A. Kodandarami Reddy and
Bangaru Bullodu along side Raveena Tandon and Ramya Krishna directed by Ravi Raja Pinisetty, out of which "Bangaru Bullodu" was a hit. His next appearance was a folk role in
Bhairava Dweepam (1994) directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. The film was critical and commercial success, and fetched him a Filmfare Award for Best Actor.In
Brahmarshi Viswamitra,directed by his father,he played as Satya
Harischandra and Dushyanta. Between 1994–1999, he acted in super hit
movies like
Bobbili Simham,
Vamsanikokkadu,
Peddannayya,
Yuvaratna Rana and moderate successes like
Muddula Mogudu,
Maatho Pettukoku and
Pavitra Prema. In the year 1999, he acted in B. Gopal's action film
Samarasimha Reddy opposite Simran and Anjala Zhaveri. The film went on to become one of the biggest hits of Telugu cinema of its time.
Recent work (2000 to present)
In 2000, Balakrishna acted in
Goppinti Alludu directed by E V V Satyanarayana with Simran. The film was a hit at the box office. In 2001, he starred in B. Gopal's directed faction film
Narasimha Naidu opposite Simran.
The film broke several box office records and it completed 100 days in
as many as 109 centres in the state and neighbouring states and silver
jubilee in a record 17 centre. He won his first Nandi Award for Best Actor for his performance. In the same year, he appeared in
Bhalevadivi Basu with Shilpa Shetty, Anjala Zhaveri which opened to average reviews. His 2002 and 2003 films include
Seema Simham,
Chennakeshava Reddy
neither of which were well received, but the later one did an average
business at the box office. In 2004, he performed in a remake of the
2003 Tamil hit
Saamy titled
Lakshmi Narasimha with Asin Thottumkal. The film and Balakrishna's performance won critical acclaim and was a box office hit.
The years from 2005 to 2008 saw a lull in Balayya's career. Action-drama flicks such as
Vijayendra Varma,
Veerabhadra,
Allari Pidugu,
Okka Magadu and
Maharadhi bombed at the box office. Balakrishna paired with Sneha and Tabu in the mythological movie
Panduranga (2008) directed by K. Raghavendra Rao. He played the dual roles of Krishna and Panduranga. Rediff
described his performance as "Balakrishna does justice to both the
roles of God and Ranga. He shines in the climax of the movie. It's quite
a task to step into NTR's shoes but his son has done pretty well,
though one does miss NTR in the role of Krishna!". The film was an average success and his performance won him the Santosham Best Actor Award. In the year 2009, he starred in family drama
Mithrudu alongside Priyamani
in a slightly different role — that of a dependable friend and
confidante to the female lead. The film opened to average reviews.
In 2010, he acted in Boyapati Srinu's film
Simha alongside Nayantara and Sneha Ullal. NBK played dual roles as father and son. The film opened to positive reviews, and went on to became one of the highest grossing film of the year. A review in Rediff
said about his performance "Balakrishna has put in a restrained
performance. Though his character is supposed to roar at times, he seems
subdued most of the time. But he's given plenty to be pleased about as
it is his show all the way." In 2011 he acted in a mythological film Sri Rama Rajyam based on the epic Ramayana.
Controversy
Balakrishna was involved in a shooting controversy. The incident took
place on June 3, 2004 around 20:50 hrs at his residence in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.
It is alleged that the actor has fired shots at the producer B.Suresh
and his associate, Satyanarayana Chowdhary. Later both the wounded were
admitted into Apollo hospital. The circumstances under which the case was handled led to much
controversy as purported by the Human Right Forum (HRF). The HRF has
questioned the authenticity of people who handled the case, and the
circumstances under which the actor was shielded from police by giving
refuge in the CARE Hospital with out any justifiable cause.
The two victims have given statements before the magistrate alleging
that actor has fired shots at them during their treatment in the
hospital but soon they were retracted and made volte-face of their
earlier statements.
The actor was arrested later on June 6 at around 3:30 AM and produced
before fifth Metropolitan Magistrate. A show cause notice was also
served on Bala Krishna's wife Smt. Vasundhara Devi (married: 1982) as
the weapon used was licensed under her name and she could not give
sufficient protection to her licensed weapon. But later the actor was
granted bail.
Awards and honors
- Nandi Awards
- Nandi Award for Best Actor – Narasimha Naidu (2001).
- Nandi Award for Best Actor – Simha (2010).
- Filmfare Awards
- Filmfare Best Actor Award (Telugu) – Bhairava Dweepam (1994).
- Santosham Film Awards
- Santosham Best Actor Award – Pandurangadu (2008).
- Santosham Best Actor Award – Simha (2010).
- CineMAA Awards
- CineMAA Award for Best Actor - Male – Simha (2010).
- Other Awards
- He won the A.P. CINE Goers association best actor award for his performance in Narasimha Naidu (2001), Chennakesava Reddy (2002), and Pandurangadu (2008).
- Balakrishna was presented with Akkineni Abhinaya Puraskaram for the year 2007.
Filmography
He has acted in social, devotional, folk, Sciencefiction, mythological roles.
| 1 |
Tatamma Kala |
1974 |
Telugu |
Ramakrishna Cine Studios |
D Yoganand |
| 2 |
Ram Raheem |
1974 |
Telugu |
RajaLakshmi Combines |
BA Subba Rao |
| 3 |
Annadammula Anubhandam |
1975 |
Telugu |
GajaLakshmi Chitra |
SD Lal |
| 4 |
Vemulawada Bheemakavi |
1975 |
Telugu |
Ramakrishna Cine Studios |
D Yoganand |
| 5 |
Daana Veera Soora Karna |
1977 |
Telugu |
Ramakrishna Cine Studios |
N.T.Rama Rao |
| 6 |
Akbar Salim Anarkali |
1979 |
Telugu |
Tarakarama Film Unit |
N.T.Rama Rao |
| 7 |
Sri Madvirata Parvam |
1979 |
Telugu |
Ramakrishna Cine Studios |
N.T.Rama Rao |
| 8 |
Sri Tirupati Venkateswara Kalyanam |
1979 |
Telugu |
Ramakrishna Cine Studios |
N.T.Rama Rao |
| 9 |
Rowdy Ramudu – Konte Krishnudu |
1980 |
Telugu |
Ramakrishna Cine Studios |
K. Raghavendra Rao |
| 10 |
Anuraga Devatha |
1982 |
Telugu |
Ramakrishna Cine Studios |
Tatineni Rama Rao |
| 11 |
Simham Navvindi |
1983 |
Telugu |
Ramakrishna Cine Studios |
D. Yoganand |
| 12 |
Sahasame Jeevitham |
1984 |
Telugu |
GajaLakshmi Combines |
Bharati Vasu |
| 13 |
Disco King |
1984 |
Telugu |
Sri Vishnu Films |
Tatineni Prasad |
| 14 |
Janani Janmabhoomi |
1984 |
Telugu |
Sri Bramharambika Films |
K. Vishwanath |
| 15 |
Mangammagari Manavadu |
1984 |
Telugu |
Bhargav Art Productions |
Kodi Ramakrishna |
| 16 |
Palnati Puli |
1984 |
Telugu |
Sri Sai Chakra Productions |
Tatineni Prasad |
| 17 |
Shrimad Virat Veerabrahmendra Swami Charitra |
1984 |
Telugu |
RamaKrishna Cine Studios |
N.T.Rama Rao |
| 18 |
Kathanayakudu |
1984 |
Telugu |
Suresh Productions |
K Murali Mohana Rao |
| 19 |
Atmabhalam |
1985 |
Telugu |
Sravallu Productions |
Tatineni Prasad |
| 20 |
Babai – Abbai |
1985 |
Telugu |
Ushodaya Movies |
Jandhyala |
| 21 |
Bharyabhartala Bhandam |
1985 |
Telugu |
Jagapathi Art Pictures |
VB Rajendra Prasad |
| 22 |
Bhale Tammudu |
1985 |
Telugu |
Sri Satya Chitra |
Paruchuri Brothers |
| 23 |
Kattula Kondaiah |
1985 |
Telugu |
Prasanna Arts |
SB Chakravarthy |
| 24 |
Pattabhishekam |
1985 |
Telugu |
Ramakrishna Cine Studios |
K. Raghavendra Rao |
| 25 |
Nippulanti Manishi |
1986 |
Telugu |
Sri RajaLakshmi Art Pictures |
SB Chakravarthy |
| 26 |
Muddula Krishnnayya |
1986 |
Telugu |
Bhargav Art Productions |
Kodi Rama Krishna |
| 27 |
Seetarama Kalyalam |
1986 |
Telugu |
Yuva Chitra |
Jandhyala |
| 28 |
Anasuyammagari Alludu |
1986 |
Telugu |
Ramakrishna Cine Studios |
A. Kodandarami Reddy |
| 29 |
Desoddarakudu |
1986 |
Telugu |
VijayaBhaskar Film Productions |
SS Ravi Chandra |
| 30 |
Kaliyuga Krishnudu |
1986 |
Telugu |
Viswashanthi Enterprises |
K Muralimohana Rao |
| 31 |
Apurva Sahodarudu |
1986 |
Telugu |
RK Associates |
K. Raghavendra Rao |
| 32 |
Bhargava Ramudu |
1987 |
Telugu |
Devi Kamal Movies |
A Kodandarami Reddy |
| 33 |
Allari Krishnaiah |
1987 |
Telugu |
Vanitha Arts |
Nandamuri Ramesh |
| 34 |
Sahasa Samrat |
1987 |
Telugu |
Devi Kamal Movies |
K. Raghavendra Rao |
| 35 |
Presidentugari Abbai |
1987 |
Telugu |
Prasad Art Pictures |
Y Nageswara Rao |
| 36 |
Muvva Gopaludu |
1987 |
Telugu |
Bhargav Art Pictures |
Kodi Rama Krishna |
| 37 |
Bhanumatgari Mogudu |
1987 |
Telugu |
DVS Enterprises |
Y Nageswara Rao |
| 39 |
Inspector Pratap |
1988 |
Telugu |
Krishna Chitra |
Muthyala Subbaiah |
| 40 |
Donga Ramudu |
1988 |
Telugu |
Gopi Art Pictures |
K Raghavendra Rao |
| 41 |
Tiragabadda Telugubidda |
1988 |
Telugu |
Tejaswi Productions |
A Kodandarami Reddy |
| 42 |
Bharatamlo Bala Chandrudu |
1988 |
Telugu |
JayaBheri Art Productions |
Kodi Rama Krishna |
| 43 |
Ramudu Bheemudu |
1988 |
Telugu |
Satyam Cine Enterprizes |
K Muralimohana Rao |
| 44 |
Raktabhishekam |
1988 |
Telugu |
Rajeev Productions |
A Kodandarami Reddy |
| 45 |
Bhale Donga |
1989 |
Telugu |
Taraka Rama Productions |
A Kodandarami Reddy |
| 46 |
Muddula Mavayya |
1989 |
Telugu |
Bhargav Art Productions |
Kodi Rama Krishna |
| 47 |
Ashoka Chakravarthy |
1989 |
Telugu |
Sri Venkateswara Art Productions |
SS Ravi Chandra |
| 48 |
Bala Gopaludu |
1989 |
Telugu |
PB Art Productions |
Kodi Rama Krishna |
| 49 |
Prananiki Pranam |
1990 |
Telugu |
Harish Enterprizes |
Chalasani Rama Rao |
| 50 |
Nari Nari Naduma Murari |
1990 |
Telugu |
Yuva Chitra |
A. kodandarami Reddy |
| 51 |
Muddula Menalludu |
1990 |
Telugu |
Bhargav Art Productions |
Kodi Ramakrishna |
| 52 |
Lorry Driver |
1990 |
Telugu |
Jaya Productions |
B. Gopal |
| 53 |
Talli Tandrulu |
1991 |
Telugu |
Prasad Art Pictures |
Tatineni Rama Rao |
| 54 |
Bhahmarshi Vishwamitra |
1991 |
Telugu |
Basava Tarakam Medical Trust |
N.T. Rama Rao |
| 55 |
Aditya 369 |
1991 |
Telugu |
Sri Devi Movies |
Singeetam Srinivasa Rao |
| 56 |
Dharma Kshetram |
1992 |
Telugu |
Sri Rajeev Productions |
A Kodandarami Reddy |
| 57 |
Rowdy Inspector |
1992 |
Telugu |
Vijaya Lakshmi Art Movies |
B. Gopal |
| 58 |
Aswametham |
1992 |
Telugu |
Vijayanthi Movies |
K Raghavendra Rao |
| 59 |
Nippu Ravva |
1993 |
Telugu |
Yuvarathna Arts |
A. Kodandarami Reddy |
| 60 |
Bangaru Bullodu |
1993 |
Telugu |
Jagapathi Art Pictures |
Raviraja Pinisetty |
| 61 |
Bhairava Dweepam |
1994 |
Telugu |
Chandamama Vijaya Combines |
Singeetam Srinivasa Rao |
| 62 |
Gandeevam |
1994 |
Telugu |
Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Combines |
Priya Darshan |
| 63 |
Bobbili Simham |
1994 |
Telugu |
Vijaya Lakshmi Art Movies |
A Kodandarami Reddy |
| 64 |
Top Hero |
1994 |
Telugu |
Sri Chitra Creations |
S. V. Krishna Reddy |
| 65 |
Maatho Pettukoku |
1995 |
Telugu |
Bhargav Art Productions |
A Kodandarami Reddy |
| 66 |
Vamsanikokkadu |
1996 |
Telugu |
Sri Devi Movies |
Sarat v |
| 67 |
Sri Krishnarjuna Vijayam |
1996 |
Telugu |
Chandamama Vijaya Combines |
Singeetam Srinivasa Rao |
| 68 |
Peddannayya |
1997 |
Telugu |
RamaKrishna Horticultural Cine Studios |
Sarat |
| 69 |
Muddula Mogudu |
1997 |
Telugu |
Rama Films |
A Kodandarami Reddy |
| 70 |
Devudu |
1997 |
Telugu |
Sri Chitra Creations |
Raviraja Pinisetty |
| 71 |
Yuvaratna Rana |
1998 |
Telugu |
Rudvega Productions |
A Kodandarami Reddy |
| 72 |
Pavitra Prema |
1998 |
Telugu |
Srinivasa Productions |
Muthyala Subbaiah |
| 73 |
Samarasimha Reddy |
1999 |
Telugu |
Sri Satya Narayanamma Productions |
B. Gopal |
| 74 |
Sultan |
1999 |
Telugu |
PB Arts |
Sarat |
| 75 |
Krishna babu |
1999 |
Telugu |
Srinivasa Productions |
Muthyala Subbaiah |
| 76 |
Vamsoddarakudu |
2000 |
Telugu |
Gayatri Films |
Sarat |
| 77 |
Goppinti Alludu |
2000 |
Telugu |
Rama Krishna Horticultural Cine Studios |
E V V Satyanarayana |
| 78 |
Narasimha Naidu |
2001 |
Telugu |
Sri Venkat Ramana Productions |
B. Gopal |
| 79 |
Bhalevadivi Basu |
2001 |
Telugu |
Sri Devi Movies |
PA Arun Prasad |
| 80 |
Seema Simham |
2002 |
Telugu |
Balaji Creations |
Ram Prasad |
| 81 |
Chennakeshava Reddy |
2002 |
Telugu |
Sri Sai Ganesh Productions |
V. V. Vinayak |
| 82 |
Palnati Bramhanaidu |
2003 |
Telugu |
Sri Venkat Ramana Productions |
B. Gopal |
| 83 |
Lakshmi Narasimha |
2004 |
Telugu |
Sri Sai Ganesh Productions |
Jayanth C. Paranjee |
| 84 |
Vijayendra Varma |
2004 |
Telugu |
Aditya Productions |
Swarna Subba Rao |
| 85 |
Allari Pidugu |
2005 |
Telugu |
PB Arts |
Jayanth C. Paranjee |
| 86 |
Veerabhadra |
2006 |
Telugu |
Ambica Cinema Productions |
A.S.Ravi Kumar Chowdary |
| 87 |
Maharadhi |
2007 |
Telugu |
Sri Lalitha Kalanjali Productions |
P. Vasu |
| 88 |
Okka Magaadu |
2008 |
Telugu |
Bommarillu |
YVS Chowdary |
| 89 |
Pandurangadu |
2008 |
Telugu |
R.K.Film Associates |
K.Raghavendra Rao |
| 90 |
Mitrudu |
2009 |
Telugu |
Vaishnavi Cinema |
Mahadev |
| 91 |
Simha |
2010 |
Telugu |
United Movies |
Boyapati Srinu |
| 92 |
Parama Veera Chakra |
2011 |
Telugu |
Teja Cinema |
Dasari Narayana Rao |
| 93 |
Sri Rama Rajyam |
2011 |
Telugu |
Sri Saibaba Movies |
Bapu |
| 94 |
Adhinayakudu |
2012 |
Telugu |
Sri Keerthi Creations |
Paruchuri Murali |
| 95 |
Uu Kodathara? Ulikki Padathara? |
2012 |
Telugu |
Manchu Entertainment |
Sekhar Raja |
| 96 |
Varuvan Thalaivan |
Tamil |
| 97 |
Srimannarayana |
2012 |
Telugu |
Yellow Flowers |
Ravi Chavali |
