Akkineni Nagarjuna

Akkineni Nagarjuna or simply Nagarjuna, is one of the gems of the Telugu Film Industry (a.k.a. Tollywood). Nag, as he fondly called, is the son of the veteran actor, Akkineni Nageswara Rao. His magnificence and on-screen charisma is a spectacular-watch for all the movie buffs in South India. In a career expanding to four and a half decades, this Yuva Samrat (a title given to Nagarjuna by his fans) has come to be regarded as one of the finest actors, film directors and producers of Tollywood. Nagarjuna is known for his ace acting skills and instinctive nature. Right from the power-packed performance in front of the camera to handling almost all the departments behind the scenes, Nagarjuna has proved his artistic excellence in almost everything related to film-making.

Early Childhood

Akkineni Nagarjuna Rao was born on August 29, 1959. He is the son of Telugu actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao and his wife – Annapurna Akkineni. Nag did his schooling from Hyderabad Public School and completed his senior secondary from Ratna Junior College. Thereafter, he attained a degree in mechanical engineering from the College of Engineering, Guindy (Chennai). Nagarjuna’s academic record was further enhanced with a Master’s Degree in Automobile Engineering from the University of Louisiana, Lafayette.

Debut In Tollywood

Nagarjuna stepped into the world of entertainment with the movie ‘Vikram’ (1986), a remake of the Hindi film – ‘Hero’, starring Jackie Shroff. Four films old, Nag tried his hand at tragedy, playing the protagonist for a tragic love story –

‘Majnu’. The movie ‘Collector Gari Abbayi’ saw the father-son duo sharing space on the big screen. Though Nagarjuna continued to act in a number of movies thereafter, success eluded him. It was only in 1988 that Nagarjuna tasted victory, with the movie ‘Akhari Poraatam’, in which he was paired opposite Sridevi. The film was a big hit and ran for 100 days in 12 centers.

A Star Is Born

‘Akhari Poraatam’ was the movie that laid the foundation of success for Nagarjuna. However, it was films like Maniratnam’s ‘Geethanjali’ and Ram

Gopal Varma’s ‘Shiva’ that escalated his status, further, from that of a star to a super star. The actor fully exploited the freshness of the young directors by revamping his image as an actor and adding ‘charisma’ to his roles in the movies. During this period, this Yuva Samrat also tried his hand at Bollywood. He debuted with the Hindi remake of Shiva, made under the same name. Some of the other Hindi flicks in which he acted are Criminal, Zakhm and LOC Kargil.

Krishna Vamsi’s ‘Ninne Pelladutha’ is one of the mo

vies that enhanced Nagarjuna appeal amidst the Tamilians. He was admired and appreciated

by people spanning all the age groups and genders. However, he still lacked that punch in his acting career. That punch came when he grabbed the challenging role of Annamacharya, the legendary singer/poet of medieval times, in the movie ‘Annamayya’, a decade after making his debut. The movie is still known to be one of the biggest hits in Tollywood. It ran for 100 days in 42 centers and also got Nagarjuna his first National Award.

Annapurna Studios and Other Career Interests

One of the most flourishing production houses in today’s time, Annapurna Studios, primarily started by Akkineni Nageswara Rao, was revived b

y Nagarjuna. Apart from being a production company, it also houses a film studio, in which 90% of the Tamil movies are shot. Nagarjuna’s instinctive nature and prompt decision making s

kills not only brought him personal success, but also gave the Indian film industry some ace directors. Ram Gopal Verma and Krishna Vamsi are amongst the directors who were given their first break by Nagarjuna. Nagarjuna owns several restaurants in India and abroad and is believed to have invested large sums of money in

real estate projects in Dubai.

Personal Life

Nagarjuna tied the nuptial knot two times. Pres

ently, he is married to Amala, a popular actress in Tamil and Telugu film industry. He has two sons – Naga and Chaitanya, from his first marriag

e. From his second marriage, he has another son – Akhil Akkineni, who was seen in the film – Sisindri.

Awards

National Film Awards

• 1998: Special Jury Award for Anna
  mayya

Nandi Awards

• 1997: Best Actor for Annamayya
• 1999: Kamsya (Bronze) Award for Best Feature Film for Prema Katha
• 2002: Best Actor for Santosham
• 2002 – Swarna(Gold) Award for Best Feature Film for Manmadhudu
• 2006: Best Actor for Sri Ram adasu

Filmfare Awards

• 1990: Best Actor Award (Telugu) for Shiva

Filmography

• 1986: Captain Nagarjuna, Vikram
• 1987: Kirayi Dada, Agni Putrudu, Collector Gari Abbai, Sankeertana, Majnu, Aranyakanda
• 1988: Janaki Ramudu, Murali Krishnudu, Chinna Babu, Aakhari Poratam
• 1989: Agni, Geetha
  njali, Shiva, Vicky Daada, Vijay
• 1990: Shiva, Iddar
  u Iddare, Neti Siddhaartha , Prema Yuddham
• 1991: Killer,
  Jaitrayatra, Santhi Kranthi, Chaitanya, Nirnayam
• 1992: President Gari Pellam, Drohi, Antham, Khuda Gawah
• 1993: Allari Alludu, Varasu du, Rakshana
• 1994: Criminal, Hello Brother, Govinda Govinda
• 1995: Gharana Bullodu
• 1996: Mr. Bechara, Ramudochhadu, Vajram
• 1997: Ratchagan, Annamayy
  a
• 
  1998: Zakhm, Chandralekha, Auto Driver, Aavida Maa Aavide, Angaarey
• 1999: Ravoyi Chandamama
  , Seetaramaraju
• 2000: Azad, Ninne Premista, Nuvvu Vastavani
• 2001: Snehamant e Idera, Akasa Veedhilo, Bava Nachadu, Eduruleni Manishi
• 2002: Manmadhudu,

  

  Agni Varsha, Santosham
• 
  2003: LOC Kargil, Shivamani 9848022338
• 2004: Mass, Nenunnanu
• 2005: Super
• 2006: Boss – I Love You, Sri Ramadasu
• 2007: Don
• 2008: King , Krishnarjuna
• 2010: Kedi,Ragada
• 2011: Gaganam
  

Raghu Babu - son of veteran Telugu film actor Giri Babu - is a late bloomer. Krishna Vamsi gave him commercial break to him in Murari and Khadgam. VV Vinayak gave an image to Raghu Babu through Aadi. But Raghu Babu's biggest break as an actor came through VV Vianayak's latest film Bunny. All the film lovers who watched Bunny are talking about Raghu Babu's performance and his impeccable comedy timing.

Adhinetha (2009)

Mayagadu (2009)

Chedugudu (2009)

Tsunami 7 X (2009)

Drona (2009)

Masth (2009)

Mental Krishna (2009)

Shashirekha Parinayam (2009)

Andariki Vandanalu (2008)

Kuberulu (2008)

Deepavali (2008)

Souryam (2008)

Friends Colony (2008)

Gajibiji (2008)

Hare Ram (2008)

Brahmanandam Drama Company (2008)

Sawaal (2008)

John Apparao 40 Plus (2008)

Nee Sukhame Ne Koruthunna (2008)

Ontari (2008)

Mee Sreyobhilashi (2007)

Maisamma IPS (2007)

Takkari (2007)

Yamadonga (2007)

Lakshyam (2007)

Munna (2007)

Jagadam (2007) - Sreenu's father

Evadithe Nakenti (2007) - Pentiaha

Ashok (2006) - Brother of Anjali

Asthram (2006)

Bangaram (2006)

Bunny (2005)

Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana (2005)

Gudumba Shankar (2004)

Varsham (2004)

Kabaddi Kabaddi (2003)

Murari (2001) - Bava

SOBHAN BABU

Sobhan Babu (January 14, 1937 - March 20, 2008), professionally and popularly known as Shoban Babu, was a Tollywood film actor.

Born as Uppu Sobhana Chalapathi Rao to a middle-class family, Sobhan went on to become a romantic icon and was the top Tollywood hero for two decades. He made his film debut with Daivabalam directed by Vasanthkumar Reddy, but his first film to hit the screens was Bhakta Sabari.

Shobhan's Manushulu Maarali ran for 25 weeks, a record-breaking achievement in those days. He received the Filmfare Award four times, the Nandi Award five times and the AP Cine Goers Award eight times.

Background

The son of Uppu Suryanarayana Rao, Babu had three sisters Dhanaranga, Jhansi and Nirmala, and a brother, Sambasiva Rao.

Babu completed his initial schooling in Kuntamukkula Mylavaram. He pursued his Intermediate in Vijayawada and finished his degree at Andhra-Christian College in Guntur. Later, he studied law in Chennai, but ultimately discontinued it.

He married Shanta Kumari on 15 May 1958; they had a son, Karuna Seshu and three daughters: Mrudula, Prashanti and Nivedita.

Babu's first film was Bhakta Sabari. Chitrapu Narayana Murthy was his first director. His film Manushulu Maarali ran for 25 weeks which was a record at that time. His first colour film was Kannavari Kalalu.For the first time he went abroad for a film shooting for Ramudu-Parasuramudu. He made a dual role in Potti Pleader for the first time.

He was honored with several Nandi Awards by the state of Andhra Pradesh. He was given the honorific, "Natabooshana", which became his last name in Movie credits.

During the 1970's he was also the lover of Jayalalitha who later went on to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. In reply to a report in a 1978 issue of the Bombay-based Star and Style magazine, implying that she and Shobhan Babu had parted ways, Jayalalitha confirmed that the relationship was strong and they were "going steady".

Unconfirmed reports and friends-later-turned-enemies like Valampuri John have insisted that Jayalalitha had a daughter named Shobhana, who was born of this liaison with Shobhan Babu

Career

Sobhan Babu made his debut in the film Daivabalam. After that he acted in many films playing small roles.

Veerabhimanyu (1965) was his first movie as a "solo hero". This movie turned out to be a big hit. However, he still played small roles in many films in order to earn money for his family. After the huge success of Manushulu Maarali, he acted in films until 1997.

The highlight of Shoban Babu's career was the three consecutive Film Fare awards he won between 1974-1976 (1974 - Khaidi Babayi, 1975 - JeevanaJyothi, and 1976 - Soggadu). This was a record for the Telugu film industry. Babu was only the second actor (after Dilip Kumar) to receive three consecutive Filmfare trophies.

His rise in the acting industry was also a boon to producers with Babu's successive hits including Veerabhimanyu, Manushulumaarali, Kalyanamantapam, and Tahsildhargaari Ammaayi, which garned Babu a large fan base.

Sobhanbabu had paired up with Sarada for several films and they were a hit pair. It was a unique combination. Sobhan Babu known for his glamour and Sarada for her outstanding, performance-oriented roles.

Though several senior artists had lost their earnings either by producing films or in some other way, Sobhanbabu had a planned career. He invested all his earnings in real estate. After his retirement he lead a peaceful life with a complete happy family with sons, daughters, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law and grandchildren. At the end of his career, he chose some character artiste roles and finally retired from films.

Awards

• Film fare Awards (4): 1971, 1974, 1976, 1979
• Nandi Best Actor Award from AP Govt (5): 1969, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1976
• AP Cinegoers Award (8) : 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1985, 1989
• Madras Film Fans Award (9) : 1971, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985
• Vamsi Berkely Award (3) : 1978, 1984, 1985
• AP Film Fans Award (2) : 1971, 1974
• Andhrapatrika Award (2) : 1970, 1985
• Film World (2) : 1971, 1975
• Central Govt Award for the best classical film hero award (1): Bangaru Panjaram 1970
• Filmalaya(1) : 1975
• Cine World(1) : 1975
• Kalasagar(2) : 1975 1986
• Kalasravanthi(1): 1992

Death

Babu died at his home on March 20, 2008 following a heart attack at the age of 71. He is survived by four children — three daughters and one son.

COLLECTION KING MOHAN BABU

Born into an agriculture family at a far-flung village Modugulapalemin Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh (20 Km from famous pilgrim centre Tirupati), Dr. M.Mohan Babu rose to become one of the most accomplished movie artistes. He is also a successful film producer, a champion of people's voice, an educationist and above all a philanthropist. His advancement is clearly marked by strict discipline, dedication and determination.

His early life is nothing short of a true film adventure. Caught in the magical ring of the tinsel world, the lad Dr. Mohan Babu could attract huge gatherings at stage plays. When he revealed to the people of his village that he intended to become a Hero, they mocked at him. Undaunted, the young colt reached the erstwhile Madras (Now Chennai), the then capital of South Indian film industry. Working as physical instructor with a YMCA degree, he continued pursuing his dream of becoming a hero. He walked in rain and experienced many a hungry night due to thin or empty pocket. Circumstances forced him to don the avatar as an assistant director, before the ace director of that time Dr Dasari Narayana Rao could change the youth's name from "Bakthavatsalam" to "Mohan Babu" and give him the first role in the film "Swargam Narakam".

He proved himself the best in all areas of histrionics - as a leading villain, comedian, character artiste and hero. The saga that began twenty-nine years ago had ultimately shaped Dr. Mohan Babu into a Hero of the masses. He is credited with a rare achievement of acting in 504 movies. His 100th movie as a hero is on the anvil.

Establishing Sree Vidyanikethan Educational Trust in 1992, he started an International School near Tirupati (famous pilgrim centre in Andhra Pradesh) in order to provide excellent educational facilities to the poor and downtrodden students. Soon, an engineering college and a degree college had come up. Parents from across the country and overseas have kept unbroken faith in Mohan Babu, while the students admire him as their beloved uncle.

As the Founder-Chairman of Sree Vidyaniketan Educational Institutions' he saw to it that 25% of seats are offered to students of economically poor and backward classes, apart from providing free education and boarding to them. "Freedom from want is the real freedom" he says and helps the poor and downtrodden in the hour of need. When people face the wrath of natural calamities and epidemics, his organization rushes to the area of devastation with medicines, food, utensils and renders liberal financial help to the victims.

He believes in not going where the path leads but instead makes a path himself leaving a trail for others. His achievements prove the saying -- Deep within the wisdom of uncertainty lies the real of life.