Krishnam Raju, Indian actor and politician

Uppalapati Venkata Krishnam Raju: The Rebel Star of Telugu Cinema and Seasoned Politician

Uppalapati Venkata Krishnam Raju, born on January 20, 1940, carved an indelible niche in Indian public life through his profound contributions to both cinema and politics. Primarily celebrated for his significant body of work in Telugu language films, he earned the iconic moniker "Rebel Star" due a distinctive and often unconventional acting style that resonated deeply with audiences.

His career, spanning decades, showcased a remarkable versatility and a powerful screen presence that set him apart in the competitive world of Telugu cinema. Krishnam Raju's impactful portrayals often depicted strong-willed, defiant characters, earning him a reputation for challenging conventional hero archetypes of his era.

A Prolific Film Career: More Than 183 Features

Krishnam Raju's journey in the film industry began with his debut in 1966 in the film Chilaka Gorinka, a production notably directed and produced by Kotayya Pratyagatma. This marked the inception of a prolific career that saw him star in an extraordinary number of films—more than 183 feature films, a testament to his enduring popularity and consistent demand.

Throughout his acting career, Krishnam Raju garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades, solidifying his status as a titan of Telugu cinema. Among his prestigious awards are five Filmfare Awards South and three state Nandi Awards, highlighting his consistent excellence across various performances. Notably, he was the recipient of the inaugural Nandi Award for Best Actor, a significant recognition that underscored his pioneering impact on the industry.

Defining Performances: A Glimpse into Krishnam Raju's Filmography

Krishnam Raju was renowned for his ability to portray a diverse range of characters, from mythological figures to intense dramatic roles and action heroes. His filmography is replete with blockbuster hits that not only achieved commercial success but also left a lasting cultural impact. Some of his most celebrated films include:

Jeevana Tarangalu (1973)

A significant social drama that showcased his ability to handle complex emotional roles.

Krishnaveni (1974)

Further demonstrated his range in family dramas.

Bhakta Kannappa (1976)

A landmark mythological film where his portrayal of the devotee Kannappa earned widespread acclaim and cemented his image in devotional cinema.

Amara Deepam (1977)

A highly successful drama for which he received significant recognition.

Sati Savitri (1978)

Another notable mythological venture.

Katakataala Rudraiah (1978)

An action-oriented film that showcased his "rebel star" persona.

Mana Voori Pandavulu (1978)

A social film with strong themes.

Rangoon Rowdy (1979)

Contributed to his image as a powerful action star.

Sri Vinayaka Vijayamu (1979)

Further mythological success.

Sita Ramulu (1980)

A popular romantic drama.

Taxi Driver (1981)

An action thriller that resonated with audiences.

Trisulam (1982)

Another blockbuster that highlighted his dramatic prowess.

Dharmaatmudu (1983)

Explored themes of justice and morality.

Bobbili Brahmanna (1984)

A major box office success that became synonymous with his powerful, defiant roles.

Tandra Paprayudu (1986)

A historical drama where he portrayed a legendary warrior.

Marana Sasanam (1987)

A compelling social drama.

Viswanatha Nayakudu (1987)

Another historical epic.

Antima Theerpu (1988)

An action-packed film.

Bava Bavamaridi (1993)

A popular family entertainer.

Palnati Pourusham (1994)

A historical action film that showcased his enduring screen presence.

From Silver Screen to Parliament: Krishnam Raju's Political Journey

Beyond his cinematic achievements, Uppalapati Venkata Krishnam Raju transitioned into active politics in the late 1990s, demonstrating a commitment to public service. He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a prominent national political party in India, marking a significant shift in his illustrious career.

His political journey saw him successfully elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament, on two occasions. He represented the Kakinada constituency in the 12th Lok Sabha and the Narasapuram constituency in the 13th Lok Sabha, showcasing his electoral strength and popular appeal in Andhra Pradesh.

During his tenure in the Lok Sabha, Krishnam Raju served as a Union Minister of State in the third Vajpayee Ministry, specifically holding the portfolio for the Ministry of External Affairs from 1999 to 2004. This ministerial role underscored his significant standing within the government and his contribution to India's foreign policy during a critical period.

In March 2009, Krishnam Raju made a notable political move by joining the Praja Rajyam Party, a regional political party founded by his contemporary and fellow Telugu cinema legend, Chiranjeevi. In the 2009 State Assembly elections, he contested for the Member of Parliament seat from the Rajahmundry constituency but was unsuccessful in his bid.

Frequently Asked Questions About Uppalapati Venkata Krishnam Raju

Who is Uppalapati Venkata Krishnam Raju?

Uppalapati Venkata Krishnam Raju was a prominent Indian actor and politician, widely known for his extensive work in Telugu cinema and his active involvement in national politics, serving as a Member of Parliament and a Union Minister.

Why was Krishnam Raju known as "Rebel Star"?

He earned the moniker "Rebel Star" due to his distinctive and intense acting style, often portraying characters with strong, defiant personalities that challenged traditional cinematic norms and captivated audiences with their unconventional approach.

What were some of Krishnam Raju's most famous films?

Some of his highly acclaimed and commercially successful films include Bhakta Kannappa, Amara Deepam, Bobbili Brahmanna, Tandra Paprayudu, and many more from his extensive filmography of over 183 movies.

What was Krishnam Raju's role in Indian politics?

Krishnam Raju was an active politician who served as a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha for two terms (12th and 13th Lok Sabha) representing Kakinada and Narasapuram constituencies. He also held the position of Minister of State for the Ministry of External Affairs in the Union Cabinet from 1999 to 2004.

What awards did Krishnam Raju win for his acting?

He was honored with five Filmfare Awards South and three state Nandi Awards, including the inaugural Nandi Award for Best Actor, recognizing his significant contributions and performances in Telugu cinema.