Photo of N.T. Rama Rao
Acting

N.T. Rama Rao

Profession
Acting
Born
May 28, 1923 · Nimmakuru, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India
Died
January 18, 1996

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.

Known for

Mayabazar poster
Mayabazar
Film · 1957 · ★ 8.0
Gundamma Katha poster
Gundamma Katha
Film · 1962 · ★ 7.8
Karnan poster
Karnan
Film · 1964 · ★ 7.3
Superman poster
Superman
Film · 1980
Pathala Bhairavi poster
Pathala Bhairavi
Film · 1951
Missamma poster
Missamma
Film · 1955
Daana Veera Soora Karna poster
Daana Veera Soora Karna
Film · 1977
Lava Kusa poster
Lava Kusa
Film · 1963
Justice Chowdhary poster
Justice Chowdhary
Film · 1982
Narthanasala poster
Narthanasala
Film · 1963
Panduranga Mahatyam poster
Panduranga Mahatyam
Film · 1957
Pandava Vanavasamu poster
Pandava Vanavasamu
Film · 1965

Filmography