N.T. Rama Rao

Actor · Director · Producer · Writer

Nimmakuru, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India

May 28, 1923

Biography

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.