Nandamuri Balakrishna celebrates 50th birthday

South Indian film actors are always worshipped like gods by their fans. And, when it comes to celebrating the star"s birthday, the fans (or should it be devotees?) shower good wishes as well as unexpected gifts on them. Today Nandamuri Balakrishna is celebrating his 50th birthday

Apart from his movie fans, he has some strong political links too. This actor cum politician is the son of none other than the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and Telugu star Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao.

Balakrishna was born on June 10, 1960 in Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, and debuted in films as a child actor with his father"s movie Tatammakala. His roles as angry young men with leadership qualities, have received much appreciation since then.

The actor has seven brothers and is married to Vasundhara Devi. He is the father of a son Mokshagna Teja and his two daughters are named Brahmani and Tejaswini.

The state government of Andhra Pradesh had honored him with the 'Nandi Award" for the movie Narasimha Naidu in 2001. The movie also earned him the best actor award from the 'Cine Goers Association", the same year. Balakrishna, earned several other accolades for his acting skills and the Washington Telugu Cultural Society honoured him with the title of 'Vishwa Vikhyatha Nata Teja" as well.

He is also a strong star campaigner for his party TDP. His numerous fans all over the state are cutting cakes on his birthday and distributing sweets to the patients at the government hospitals.

We too wish the actor cum politician a very happy Birthday!