In the glittering world of South Indian cinema, few names shine as brightly as the late Krishnam Raju, fondly known as the ‘Rebel Star.’ Over a remarkable career spanning more than five decades, he captivated audiences with over 180 films, portraying rebellious, powerful characters that left an indelible mark. His versatility shone through social dramas, romances, mythological epics, and historical sagas, making him a household name across generations.
Born on January 20, 1940, in Mogalthur village of Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district, Krishnam Raju stepped into the spotlight in 1966 with ‘Chilaka Gorinka,’ a debut that earned him the prestigious Nandi Award. From playing both heroes and villains early on, he quickly evolved into the epitome of a defiant hero in Telugu cinema, earning his iconic moniker. Hits like ‘Amara Deepam,’ ‘Sita Ramulu,’ ‘Kattakatala Rudraiah,’ ‘Bhakta Kannappa,’ and ‘Tandra Paparayudu’ defined his stardom. The latter fetched him the Filmfare Best Actor Award in 1986, alongside two Nandi Awards and a lifetime achievement honor in 2006.
Beyond the silver screen, Krishnam Raju was a visionary producer under his banner Gopi Krishna Movies, delivering blockbusters that resonated deeply, especially devotional tales like ‘Bhakta Kannappa.’ His influence extended to family, as the uncle of superstar Prabhas, with his final appearance in the actor’s ‘Radhe Shyam.’
Venturing into politics, he contested from Narsapuram Lok Sabha seat on a Congress ticket in 1992 but faced defeat. Switching to BJP in 1999, he won decisively and served as a Union Minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government from 1999 to 2004. Krishnam Raju’s legacy as a multifaceted icon endures, blending cinematic rebellion with political prowess.