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Krishna (Telugu actor)

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Ghattamaneni Siva Rama Krishna Murthy[2] (31 May 1943 – 15 November 2022), known mononymously as Krishna, was an Indian actor, film director and film producer known for his work predominantly in Telugu cinema.[3] In a career spanning more than five decades, he starred in over 350 films in a variety of roles.[4] He is referred to as "Superstar" and "Nata Sekhara" in the Telugu media.[5] In 2009, for his contributions to Indian cinema the Indian government awarded him the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in the country.[6][7] He was elected as a Member of Parliament for the Congress party in 1989.[8] In 1997, he received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South in addition to Honorary doctorate from Andhra University in 2008. He died on 15 November 2022 due to cardiac arrest.[9][10]

Krishna
Krishna in 2014
Born
Ghattamaneni Siva Rama Krishna Murthy

(1943-05-31)31 May 1943
Burripalem, Madras Province, British India (now Andhra Pradesh, India)
Died15 November 2022(2022-11-15) (aged 79)
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Other namesSuper Star, Nata Sekharudu
Occupations
  • Actor
  • film producer
  • film director
  • politician
WorksFull list
Spouses
Children5, including Ramesh Babu, Manjula, and Mahesh Babu
Relatives

Krishna began his film career with minor roles in films such as Kula Gothralu (1961), Padandi Mundhuku (1962), and Paruvu Prathishta (1963). He debuted as a lead actor with the 1965 film Thene Manasulu and went on to star in films such as Sakshi (1967), which won critical acclaim at the Tashkent film festival in 1968.[11] In 1972, he starred in Pandanti Kapuram, which garnered the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu for that year. He has essayed roles across different genres including mythological, drama, western, fantasy, action, spy and historical films.[12]

Krishna was credited with producing many technological firsts in the Telugu film industry such as the first Cinemascope film – Alluri Seetarama Raju (1974), the first Eastmancolor film – Eenadu (1982), the first 70mm film – Simhasanam (1986), the first DTS film – Telugu Veera Levara (1995) and introducing the cowboy genre to the Telugu screen.[13] He uniquely starred in the spy films Gudachari 116 (1966), James Bond 777 (1971), Agent Gopi (1978), Rahasya Gudachari (1981) and Gudachari 117 (1989). Krishna directed Sankharavam (1987), Mugguru Kodukulu (1988), Koduku Diddina Kapuram (1989), Bala Chandrudu (1990) and Anna Thammudu (1990), casting his son Mahesh Babu in pivotal roles.

Krishna directed 17 feature films and produced many films under his Padmalaya Studios production company along with his brothers Adiseshagiri Rao and Hanumantha Rao. Krishna was one of the highest-paid Telugu actors during his time.[14]

He is also noted for pairing up with the same leading actress on scores of productions. He worked with Vijaya Nirmala on 48 films and with Jaya Prada on 47. He worked with major directors including Adurthi Subba Rao, V. Madhusudhana Rao, K. Viswanath, Bapu, Dasari Narayana Rao and K. Raghavendra Rao.[15]

Early and personal life

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Krishna was born on 31 May 1943 in Burripalem, Guntur district of present-day Andhra Pradesh.[5] His parents are Ghattamaneni Nagaratnamma, Veeraraghavayya Chowdary.[16][17]

Krishna was married twice, first to Indira Devi and subsequently to Vijaya Nirmala. He had five children in his first marriage: two sons, film producer Ramesh Babu and actor Mahesh Babu, and three daughters, Padmavathi, Manjula Ghattamaneni, and Priyadarshini.[18] Krishna met Vijaya Nirmala on the sets of Sakshi (1967).[19]

Film career

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Early work: 1962–1965

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His career began with minor roles in films such as Padandi Munduku (1962), Kula Gotralu (1962) and Paruvu-Prathishta (1963). He then acted in Thene Manasulu (1965) which changed his career.[20] There was pressure to remove Krishna from the film owing to concerns expressed by buyers, though Adurthi was adamant about his decision. Thene Manasulu ultimately hit screens and was a resounding box office success.[21]

Breakthrough: 1966–1975

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Krishna became a household name with the runaway success of the iconic Telugu spy film Gudachaari 116 (1966). He was also known as the Andhra James Bond after he brought many James Bond-style spy movies to the Telugu silver screen.[22]

Though action films were his forte, Krishna also acted in family drama films such as Marapurani Katha (1967), Atthagaaru Kotthakodalu (1968) and Undamma Bottu Pedatha (1968).

He also worked with established actors, such as N. T. Rama Rao and Akkineni Nageswara Rao, in films such as Stree Janma (1967), Niluvu Dopidi (1968), Manchi Kutumbam (1968), Vichitra Kutumbam (1969), Akka Chellelu (1970) during this period.

Krishna and Vijaya Nirmala complimented each other in the 48 films they did together. In addition to Sakshi (1967), Krishna and Vijaya Nirmala collaborated on Manchi Kutumbam (1968), Vichitra Kutumbam (1969), Akka Chellelu (1970), Mosagallaku Mosagadu (1971) and Pandanti Kapuram (1972). Krishna became famous across the nation when his family drama Pandanti Kapuram, which ran for over 175 days in the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh, earned him a slot in the highly competitive family hero league and a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu.

At this time, Krishna established his production house, Padmalaya Movies and produced several big-budget films such as Agni Pariksha (1970), Mosagallaku Mosagadu (1971), Pandanti Kapuram (1972) and Devudu Chesina Manushulu (1973). With his second wife Vijaya Nirmala, Krishna set up another production house called Vijaya Krishna movies, and produced some critically acclaimed films, including Meena (1973) and Devadasu (1974).

Krishna broke many records with his 100th film Alluri Seetarama Raju (1974) under his home banner Padmalaya Studios. The biographical action film won the National Film Award for Best Lyrics for the song 'Telugu Veera Levara' penned by the late poet Sri Sri. The film also won the Nandi Award for Best Feature Film and was screened at the International Film Festival of India and the Tashkent Film Festival. The film ran in theatres for 175 days and emerged as the highest-grossing Telugu film of the year. Such was the success of Alluri Seetarama Raju that none of his next 14 films could match the hype for the classic, and they hardly made a mark at the box office.[23]

Continued success: 1976–1989

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With star heroine Jaya Prada, Krishna worked in about 47 movies. They were paired for the first time on screen with the 1976 film Shri Rajeshwari Vilas Coffee Club. He then worked with her on Eenati Bandham Yenatido (1977), Kurukshetram (1977), Agent Gopi (1978), Kotta Alludu (1979), Rahasya Gudachari (1981), Ooruki Monagadu (1981), Jataadu (1981), and Nivuru Gappina Nippu (1982) among others.

Krishna and Sridevi were among the most successful on-screen couples in Tollywood, having acted in about 31 films together. Some of their most memorable works are Burripalem Bullodu (1979), Gharana Donga (1980), Maama Allulla Sawaal (1980), Ram Robert Rahim (1980), Chuttalunnaru Jagratha (1980), and Maharajasri Mayagadu (1988).

Krishna redeemed himself with Paadi Pantalu (1976) and went on to headline and bankroll the mythological film titled Kurukshetram (1977). The film's announcement took the Telugu film industry by storm and also paved way for a star war with N. T. Rama Rao, who went on to make Daana Veera Soora Karna (1977) along the same lines. Following this, Krishna made a few films that directly attacked NTR, setting off the rivalry between their respective fans. His personality set him apart from his contemporaries and earned him the sobriquet ‘daring and dashing hero’.[24]

1979 turned out to be an eventful year for Krishna, with six of his films becoming money spinners at the box office. 1982 was yet another milestone year for Krishna as he launched Padmalaya Studios and produced his 200th film Eenadu.[25]

Krishna and Vijayashanti starred together in some hit films such as Krishnavataram (1982), Agni Parvatam (1985), Brahmastram (1986), Sardar Krishnama Naidu (1987), Donga Garu Swagatham (1987), Aswaddhama (1988) and Goonda Rajyam (1989).[26]

Krishna was also part of super hit films like Pachani Kapuram (1985), Simhasanam (1986), Khaidi Rudrayya (1986), Muddayi (1987), Goonda Rajyam (1989), Gudachari 117 (1989), Sahasame Naa Oopiri (1989) and Koduku Diddina Kapuram (1989).

Later work: 1990–2016

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In the '90s, Krishna reinvented himself, playing the roles of the avuncular and ruthless gangster, big brother, and cameos in action dramas.

In 1993, he came back strongly with the unexpected super-success of Pacchani Samsaaram. But it was Varasudu, his second release in the year, which made him the cynosure of the film fraternity again. With the films Number 1 (1994) and Amma Donga (1995) he had thumping successes. Krishna produced and directed the 2004 Hindi film Ishq Hai Tumse, a remake of the Telugu film Sampangi.[27] The same year, he played the role of Jesus in Shanti Sandesham.[28]

Andhra University felicitated Krishna with an honorary doctorate in 2008. In recognition of his contribution to Telugu film industry as an actor, director, producer and writer, the government of India awarded him Padma Bhushan in 2009.[29]

Krishna’s last major movie to be released was Sri Sri in 2016 after which he bid adieu to films and had stayed away from the limelight.[30]

Political career

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Krishna joined the Congress Party under the leadership of Rajiv Gandhi. He ran in the 1989 elections from the Parliament constituency in Eluru and won the seat. At the same time, NTR was leading the National Front and was at the pinnacle of his political career. By a margin of 71,000 votes, he defeated Bolla Bulliramaiah, the TDP's incumbent MP. However, Krishna was defeated by Bulliramaiah in the ensuing 1991 election by a margin of 47,000 votes.[31]

Death

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On 14 November 2022, Krishna suffered a heart attack and was rushed to a hospital in Hyderabad. His health deteriorated and he was put on a ventilator. He died in the early hours of 15 November 2022, at the age of 79.[32][33][34][35] On 16 November 2022, Krishna was cremated with full state honours.[36]

Filmography

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Main article: Krishna filmography

Awards

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Civilian Honors
Nandi Awards
NTR National Award
Filmfare Awards South

References

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  1. ^ "Didn't we tell you she's returning!". Entertainment section. The Times of India. 16 December 2008. Retrieved 23 June 2009.
  2. ^ "Super Star Krishna Biography: Age, Personal life, Career, Political entry, Movies, Death". www.thehansindia.com. 31 May 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  3. ^ "Superstar Krishna bids goodbye to films & politics". 123 Telugu. 25 December 2012. Retrieved 25 December 2012.
  4. ^ "Tollywood Superstar Krishna's Rare Record Difficult For Any Telugu Star To Achieve". News18. 18 June 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  5. ^ a b K., Janani (31 May 2020). "Superstar Krishna turns 77: Son Mahesh Babu and Chiranjeevi share heartwarming posts on birthday". India Today. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
  6. ^ "Awards for 5 persons from State". The Hindu. 26 January 2009. Archived from the original on 29 January 2009. Retrieved 4 January 2012.
  7. ^ "Australian stamp in honour of Krishna". The Times of India. 15 January 2017. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
  8. ^ "Celluloid to politics: Superstar took '84 poll plunge, won Eluru". The Times of India. 16 November 2022. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  9. ^ Gabbeta Ranjith Kumar (15 November 2022). "Krishna: An icon whose contribution to Telugu cinema is unparalleled". Indian Express.
  10. ^ "Veteran Telugu actor Krishna passes away". The Hindu. 15 November 2022.
  11. ^ "Archive News". The Hindu. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
  12. ^ "James Bond of Telugu Cinema is no more; film fraternity slips into shock". newsmeter.in. 15 November 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  13. ^ Jain, Vaishali (15 November 2022). "Superstar Krishna's life in photos: Tollywood legend, Mahesh Babu's father gave many firsts to Telugu cinema". Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  14. ^ a b c d e "Happy Birthday Ghattamaneni Krishna: Interesting facts about the super star of Tollywood". The Times of India. 31 May 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  15. ^ Frater, Patrick (15 November 2022). "Krishna, Telugu Film Star of the 1980s, Dies at 79". Variety. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  16. ^ "Happy Birthday Ghattamaneni Krishna: Interesting facts about the super star of Tollywood". The Times of India. 31 May 2019. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  17. ^ "Andhra Pradesh: Burripalem village mourns its 'quiet benefactor' son Krishna". The Times of India. 16 November 2022. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  18. ^ "సుదీర్ఘ సినీ ప్రస్థానం.. ఎన్నెన్నో మలుపులు.. తెలుగు సినీ చరిత్రలో!!". Samayam Telugu (in Telugu). Retrieved 15 March 2021.
  19. ^ "Mahesh Babu's father superstar Ghattamaneni Siva Rama Krishna passes away". The Times of India. 15 November 2022. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  20. ^ "Super Star Krishna retires from movies". The Times of India. 15 January 2017. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  21. ^ "Superstar Krishna: His arrival with Thene Manasulu signalled the dawn of a new era in Telugu cinema". OTTPlay. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  22. ^ H, Murali Krishna C. (15 November 2022). "Krishna: The man who strode Telugu cinema like a colossus for six decades". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  23. ^ "5 Technological firsts introduced by Superstar Krishna to Telugu cinema". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  24. ^ H, Murali Krishna C. (15 November 2022). "Krishna: The man who strode Telugu cinema like a colossus for six decades". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  25. ^ Rao, P. Sambasiva (17 December 1982), Eenadu (Crime), Krishna, Kongara Jaggaiah, Raogopalrao, Padmalaya Studios, retrieved 19 April 2024
  26. ^ "RIP Krishna! From Sridevi To Vijaya Nirmala, List Of Late Superstar's Popular On-Screen Heroines". 15 November 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  27. ^ "Rare honour to Superstar". gulte.com. 8 January 2013. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
  28. ^ Reddy, P. Chandrasekhara, Shanti Sandesham (Musical), Krishna, Padmalaya Studios, retrieved 19 April 2024
  29. ^ "Tollywood Movie Actor Krishna Ghattamaneni Biography, News, Photos, Videos".
  30. ^ "RIP Krishna! From Sridevi To Vijaya Nirmala, List Of Late Superstar's Popular On-Screen Heroines". 15 November 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  31. ^ "Krishna-A-Daring-Hero-In-Politics-Too".
  32. ^ "Super Star Krishna: సూపర్‌ స్టార్ కృష్ణ కన్నుమూత". Hindustan Times Telugu. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  33. ^ "Krishna: దివికేగిన బుర్రిపాలెం బుల్లోడు.. 'సూపర్‌స్టార్‌' కృష్ణ ఇకలేరు". EENADU (in Telugu). Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  34. ^ "Mahesh Babu's father superstar Ghattamaneni Siva Rama Krishna passes away". The Times of India. 15 November 2022. Retrieved 16 November 2022.
  35. ^ "Superstar Krishna passes away: The late legendary actor to be cremated with full state honors tomorrow". The Times of India. Retrieved 16 November 2022.
  36. ^ "Superstar Krishna to be cremated with full state honours on November 16". India Today. Retrieved 16 November 2022.
  37. ^ "Ilayaraja, Ambarish, Krishna get NTR award". Hyderabad: The Hindu, Business Line. 30 August 2007. Retrieved 4 January 2012.
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