Krishnam Raju

20 Jan, 1940 | Mogaltur, Distt. West Godavari (Andhra Pradesh)

Actor

Biography

Uppalapati Venkata Krishnam Raju was an Indian actor and politician, who mainly works in the Telugu film industry. He was known for his works in Telugu cinema and was widely known as "Rebel Star" for his rebellious acting style. He was also the winner of the inaugural Nandi Award for Best Actor. Krishnam Raju had starred in more than 183 feature films in his career.  He made his film debut with the 1966 film Chilaka Gorinka produced and directed by K. Pratyagatma. Krishnam Raju had won five Filmfare Awards South and three state Nandi Awards. Krishnam Raju was also an active politician.  Krishnam Raju acted in several successful films such as Jeevana Tarangalu (1973), Krishnaveni (1974), Bhakta Kannappa (1976), Amara Deepam (1977), Sati Savitri (1978), Katakataala Rudraiah (1978), Mana Voori Pandavulu (1978), Rangoon Rowdy (1979), Sri Vinayaka Vijayamu (1979), Sita Ramulu (1980), Taxi Driver (1981), Trisulam (1982), Dharmaatmudu (1983), Bobbili Brahmanna (1984), Tandra Paprayudu (1986), Marana Sasanam (1987), Viswanatha Nayakudu (1987), Antima Theerpu (1988), Bava Bavamaridi (1993), Palnati Pourusham (1994). In the late 1990s, he became active in politics. He joined Bharatiya Janata Party and was elected to the 12th and 13th Lok Sabha from Kakinada and Narasapuram constituencies. He served as a Minister of State for the Ministry of External Affairs in the third Vajpayee Ministry from 1999 to 2004. In March 2009, he joined Praja Rajyam Party, founded by Chiranjeevi. In the 2009 general elections, he contested the MP seat from the Rajahmundry constituency and lost.  Personal life Uppalapati Venkata Krishnam Raju was born in Mogalthur, West Godavari district on 20 January 1940 to Uppalapati Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Raju. Krishnam Raju first married Seeta Devi who died. He later married Syamala Devi on 20 September 1996, with whom he has three daughters. Film producer U. Suryanarayana Raju is his younger brother and actor  Prabhas   is his nephew. Another nephew  Siddharth Rajkumar  made his acting debut with Keratam (2011). Krishnam Raju worked as a journalist for the Andhra Ratna. He was awarded the Second Best Photographer at the state level. He is fond of cameras and has a collection of cameras. He is the owner of Gopi Krishna Movies.  Death Krishnam Raju Garu passed away at 3:25 AM early hours on Sunday, September 11, 2023, due to health issues. He was 83 years old and he was survived by his wife and three daughters.