Solely actor to play each Lord Rama and Ravana had temples constructed for him, remains to be worshipped in components of India

Solely actor to play each Lord Rama and Ravana

To the Gen Z, NTR could imply Jr however to ardent followers of Telugu cinema, the initials will at all times check with the unique NT Rama Rao, one of many largest icons of Indian cinema. Sr NTR is the actor who performed each Lord Rama and Ravana on the massive display screen. In truth, he did one higher and even performed Lord Krishna, whom he performed in a report 17 movies. NTR first performed Lord Rama within the 1963 movie Lava Kusa and reprised the position in a number of movies after that. However previous to that, he had already performed Ravana within the 1958 launch Bhookailas. Nonetheless, that movie was not successful and NTR’s definitive portrayal of the demon king got here within the cult basic Seetharama Kalyanam (1961). NTR grew to become a messiah-like determine for Telugu audiences by his mastery over the mythological drama style, which he lorded over by the 1960s and 70s. He later moved to taking part in Robin Hood-like characters, solidifying his mass hero stature, one thing that helped him graduate to politics later in life.

When NTR had temples constructed for him

By the mid-1960s, NTR had attained stardom in Telugu cinema. He was even accorded a ‘divine’ standing by his roles as Lord Rama, Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, and Lord Vishnu. His home in Hyderabad was thought-about a pilgrimage web site with many followers/devotees paying obescience there earlier than going to precise shrines. In 1970s, half a dozen temples got here up in his identify in varied components of Andhra Pradesh, depicting him in his Rama and Krishna avatar. As per stories, NTR wasn’t too happy concerning the observe although.

NTR’s later life and legacy

In 1982, NTR distanced himself from movies and based the Telugu Desam Get together. The social gathering received the Andhra Pradesh Meeting elections the next 12 months and NTR grew to become the Chief Minister of the state, a posy he would maintain for 3 phrases until 1995. The actor-politician died in January 1996 on the age of 72. His legacy in cinema is extra than simply his roles although. He was additionally the patriarch of the Nandamuri household of Telugu cinema. Two of his sons – Chaitanya Krishna and Saikrishna – are movie producers. His fifth son Nandamuri Balakrishna is without doubt one of the most celebrated actors of his era. His fourth son Harikrishna, was an actor, who died younger. Jr NTR is Harikrishna’s son.