Actor

N.T. Rama Rao

103 years · Nimmakuru, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India · 134 films

Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (May 28, 1923 – January 18, 1996), commonly known as N. T. Rama Rao or NTR, was an Indian actor, filmmaker, and politician who worked primarily in Telugu cinema. After debuting as a police inspector in Mana Desam (1949), he gained prominence with leading roles in Shavukaru (1950), the fantasy swashbuckler Pathala Bhairavi (1951), and the period romance Malliswari (1951). Across the 1950s and 1960s, he established himself as a central figure in Telugu cinema, starring in comedies such as Missamma (1955) and Gundamma Katha (1962), alongside depictions of Hindu deities and mythological characters in Mayabazar (1957), Bhookailas (1958), Lava Kusa (1963), and Narthanasala (1963). In 1961, Rama Rao made his directorial debut with Seetha Rama Kalyanam, later directing, producing, and starring in mythological and historical epics under his Ramakrishna Cine Studios banner, including Daana Veera Soora Karna (1977), Srimadhvirata Parvamu (1979), and Brahmarshi Vishwamitra (1991). Concurrently, he headlined commercial social and action films throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including Adavi Ramudu (1977), Yamagola (1977), Vetagadu (1979), Sardar Papa Rayudu (1980), Justice Chowdhary (1982), and Bobbili Puli (1982). His final screen appearances were in Major Chandrakanth (1993) and the biographical drama Srinatha Kavi Saarvabhoumudu (1993). Beyond film, he served three terms as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. He was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1968.