Sri Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (Anna NTR)

nandamuri taraka rama rao

Hearing this name is a thrill for every Telugu heart. Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao is a film hero for the previous generation, a public hero for the yesterday generation, a yugpurusho for today’s generation, and the power to unite generations. The three letters NTR are the mantras that have inspired three generations. Historical wonders for generations to come.

As a film actor, NTR’s portrayal of legendary male characters has left the audience spellbound. Telugu people who saw NTR in mythological roles like Rama, Krishna, Venkateswara, Shiva, Ravana, Duryodhana and Bhima said that NTR was born to play those roles. Some people consider NTR as a walking god. No matter how many famous movie actors there are in India… NTR has earned a special trend for himself and seemed to be a ‘world famous actor sovereign’. From his first film ‘Manadesham’ (1949) to his last film ‘Major Chandrakanth’ (1993) (the last film released was ‘Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhaumudu’) Natarathna NTR excelled as an actor, director, producer, screenplay and story writer… Padma Shri, Kalaprapurna, Dr. Picked up. 

Before entering films, NTR ran a mess in Mumbai for months. For some years he did tobacco business. And for some years he ran a printing press and lost. While he was studying Inter, he used to go around on his bicycle and milked the hotels. The family members did not agree to join the military service. When he got a government job as a sub-registrar, NTR could not compromise with the conditions there and left the job himself and went into films. That decision started a great history.     

And NTR’s entry into politics was a success. The slogan of self-respect echoed in his mouth was a brahmastra. “I am a Telugu person, my party is Telugu Desam Party”, the party founded by NTR gave the golden age glory to the Telugu people. It brought radical changes in the country’s politics. It brought political awareness among the people. Gave authority to barangays. Empowered women. People’s welfare schemes have been launched in the country. 

People called NTR as ‘Anna’ who went to the people and put his hands on the shoulders of the poor and the poor without any discrimination. If the movie life shows NTR as Rama or Krishna in the form of a photo in every household… the political life has built a temple for him in every Telugu heart.  

Early Childhood Education

  • NTRwas born on Monday 28th May 1923 at 4.40 pm on Telugu soil in Nimmakuru, a hamlet near Gudivada to the pious couple Srimati Venkatravamma and Sri Lakshmayya Chowdhury . The couple had two children, the first child was Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao and the second child was Nandamuri Trivikrama Rao.
  • 1940 – NTR completed his matriculation at Vijayawada Municipal High School… Joined SRR and CVR College in Vijayawada for intermediate course.
  • ‘Kavi Samrat’ Viswanatha Satyanarayana used to be the head of the Telugu department in the college. NTRplayed the lead role in his play ‘Rachamalluni Douthyam’ . That was his first performance.. his first role. He  won the first prize in that drama competition .
  • On May 2, 1942 at 3:23 PM… NTR was married to Basavaramatharakam, the daughter of his uncle Katragadda Chenchayya in Komaravolu village.
  • BA in Andhra Christian College, Guntur in 1944. Joined the course.
  • In 1947, NTRestablished a theater company called ‘National Art Theatre’ with his college friends due to his love for plays.
  • 1947 May 21 – NTR was given a make-up test at Sobhanachal Studio (later Venus Studio) in Madras. Make-up man Mangayya did the make-up, while Jaihind Satyam (Mana Satyam) took the stills.
  • 1947 – NTR B.A. Graduated. At the same time, Joint Madras State Service Commission has advertised for the posts of Sub-Registrar. NTR was one of the 14 selected by the commission out of 7,000 applicants. Joined the job as Sub-Registrar in Guntur

 

NTR's film career

  • 1949 November 24 – Director producer LV Prasad’s movie ‘Manadesham’ was released. NTR’s debut as an actor began with the role of a police sub-inspector in this film. NTR has made a total of 298 films including 13 historical films, 55 folk films, 186 social films and 44 mythological films in his 44-year career. These include 16 Tamil movies and 3 Hindi movies
  • 1950 April 27 – The film ‘Palleturi Pilla’ which gave NTR a hero identity was released. This is the first film with another top hero ANnar
  • 1951 March 15 – The release of the movie ‘Patalabhairavi’ which established NTR as a leading actor and won him countless fans. This is the first Telugu film to celebrate Bicentennial Day
  • On December 20, 1951, ‘Mallishwari’, a wonderful visual poem of the day, was released and became a commercial success and received accolades and awards. Screened at film festivals in many countries.
  • 1952 – If there is a drought in Rayalaseema… performed in various places with fellow actors for a month and paraded in the streets Rs. 1 lakh 50 thousand (If calculated according to inflation, according to the value of 2022 it will be about Rs. 1 crore 33 lakh 10 thousand… If you add the purchasing power Rs. 4 crore 24 lakh 50 thousand) collected and handed over to relief programs by Ramakrishna Mission.
  • 1953 July 17 – ‘Pichi Pullaiah’ produced by NTR’s own production company NAT (National Art Theatre) released
  • 1953 August 28 – The first Telugu Pan India film’Chandirani’ was released in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi on the same day. The film is directed by Bhanumathi Ramakrishna
  • 1954 April 15 – The film ‘Todu Dongalu’ which brought NTR his first National Award (Presidential Appreciation) was released. NTR is the producer of this film
  • 1954 October 6 – Release of the movie ‘Iddaru Pelalu’ in which NTR appeared for the first time in the role of Srikrishna (Antharantakam)
  • 1956 December 20 – Release of the social film ‘Charandasi’ in which NTR appeared as Rama for the first time. NTR acted as Rama in the movie ‘Sampoorna Ramayanam’ which was released in 1958. This is NTR’s first full length film as Rama
  • 1957 March 27 – The wonderful film ‘Mayabazar’ in which NTR seduced Abalagopal as Lord Krishna was released. This is the film that transformed NTR from the level of protagonist to silver screen star. It was a record that 5 lakh copies were sold in those days when NTR printed calendars dressed as Krishna. Since then, NTR has acted as Krishna in 18 films in his acting career. He has appeared as Krishna 33 times including interludes in social films.
  • 1957 August 15 – Swagriha entry at Kodambakkam, Madras
  • 1960 January 9 – The film ‘Sri Venkateswara Mahatmyam’ was released in which NTR played the role of Srinivasa for the first time. After this film which was a huge success, the audience considered NTR as the real Srinivasa. At that time devotees had to put special hundis at theaters to offer gifts. Devotees who went to Tirupati then went to NTR’s house in Madras to seek his darshan.
  • 1961 January 6 – NTR’s first directorial film ‘Sitarama Kalyanam’ was released. Impressed by NTR’s performance, Kanchi president Chandrasekhara Swamy invited him for a joint meal.
  • 1962 May 10 – Release of ‘Dakshayagnam’ in which NTR dressed up as Lord Shiva for the first time.
  • 1962 May 27 – Nandamuri house tragedy. NTR’s elder son Ramakrishna dies prematurely of smallpox in Nimmakuru
  • 1962 – During the Sino-Indian war, NTRcollected Rs.10 lakhs for the National Defense Fund and handed it over to the then Chief Minister Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy.
  • 1963 March 29 – The first Telugu color film’Lavakusa’ was released as a gift of Ugadi. Nandamuri Taraka as Rama’s Avatar Purushu, is a film that stands in the heart of every Telugu as a silver screen star. Moreover , this is the first Telugu film to announce its earnings in the press
  • 1963 October 11 – The film ‘Nartanashala’ was released as a proof of NTR’s versatile acting. For the role of Brihanna in this film , NTR learned classical dance for three months from Vempati Chinasatyam at the age of forty.
  • 1964 May 21 – Release of ‘Ramudu Bheemudu’ starring NTR in a double role
  • 1964 Awarded the title of ‘Nataratna’ to NTR by Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on the campus of Hyderabad Nizam College.
  • 1964 June 24, 1964 NTR collected a donation of one lakh rupees through the ‘NTR charity organization’ to help the victims of Krishna Lanka fire in Vijayawada and presented it to the then Chief Minister Kasu Brahmananda Reddy.
  • 1964 National Awards by President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan for Nartanashala, Lavakusa, Karna
  • 1965 Donated Rs.3 lakhs to “Police Constables’ Defense Fund” by giving several performances.
  • 16 December 1965 – During the India-Pakistan War, huge donations were collected for the National Defense Fund and presented to the then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at the Lal Bahadur Stadium in Hyderabad.
  • 1968 April 16 – Nandamuri added another stone to his crown of glory. Awarded ‘Padma Shri’ by Government of India
  • 1969 – Collection of Rs.5 lakhs for victims of severe cyclone in Kosta
  • 1969 – NTR was awarded the ‘Best Director’ award by the state government for the film ‘Varakatnam’ produced and directed by NTR with the main objective of eradicating social evils.
  • 1972 November 30 – Release of ‘Badipantulu’ which earned NTR the Filmfare Award for ‘Best Telugu Actor’
  • 1973 February 2 – NTR handed over Rs.7 lakhs collected through drama performances to the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for the Famine Relief Fund established in 1972 in India.
  • You are a unique actor who can play 1975 Navarasa wonderfully… It was Sreesail Jagadguru who blessed NTR with the title of ‘World Famous Actor’ .
  • 1977 January 14 – Ajaramara’s self-directed film ‘Danaveerasurakarna’ was released with NTR playing a triple role.
  • 1977 April 28 – Release of the film ‘Adaviramudu’ which broke the records of collections in Telugu cinema and created a new history.
  • 1977 November 19 – The Diviseema flood filled the Telugu soil with an unprecedented tragedy. It was nature’s fury that deeply moved NTR and made him want to do something for the poor. NTR along with fellow artistes donated Rs. 15 lakh funds to the victims through Ramakrishna Mission.
  • In 1978 , NTR received the title of ‘Kalaprapurna’, an honorary doctorate from Andhra University, which is awarded to those who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of education, literature and culture .

NTR's Political Entry - Emergence of Telugu Desam Party

  • 1980 October 30 – The release of the film ‘Sardar Paparayudu’ which inspired NTR’s idea of ​​how to repay the debt of the Telugu people who adored him so much.
  • NTR announced at a press conference in Ooty that he will dedicate 15 days a month for the service of Telugu people.
  • 1982 March 21 (at 6.15 pm) – NTR announces his entry into politics at a press conference held at Ramakrishna Studio.
  • 1982 March 29 (at 2.30 pm) – NTR announced ‘Telugudesam’ party at New MLA Quarters in Hyderabad.
  • April 10, 11, 1982 – First public meeting of Telugu Desam Party at Nizam College Ground, Hyderabad
  • 27th and 28th May 1982 – Mahanadu-style gatherings at Thyagaraya Mandapam, Tirupati which drew attention to Yavadbharata
  • 1982 June 14 – NTR’s first campaign to sensitize people as founder of Telugu Desam Party begins
  • NTR repaired an old Chevrolet van and made it into a moving stage and named it ‘Chaitanya Ratham’.
  • Nandamuri Harikrishna is the driver of NTR Chaitanya’s chariot. If NTR wears khaki like a laborer and travels constantly and steals people’s hearts with his lectures… son Harikrishna drives that vehicle and is bitter to his father’s ambitions.
  • No night no day. Forgetting all the wealth, fame and glory he got as an actor, Ramanna stood on the road for the common man. That road became his home. Became a mother. The shade of the tree became the bedroom. “Telugu is calling! Come! Don’t move!!” NTR’s call touched every Telugu heart
  • 1982 October 3 – NTR’s second campaign begins. This 25,000 km campaign Nabhuto-Nabvishyati lasted for 55 days till November 26, 1982.
  • “Cheyyetti jai kottu teluguda” people cheered and chanted as Chaitanya’s chariot moved. Waves of the ocean
  • 1982 December 16 NTR’s third campaign trip. In this campaign, NTR created history by abstaining from food for 72 hours.
  • On the night of December 21, 1982, the BBC boasted about NTR saying, “No one in the world has addressed so many people in such a short time and in so many places.” It is the day when the world heard about the Telugu race
  • 1983 January 5 – Telugu Desam Party’s historic victory in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections
  • 1983 January 9 – For the first time in the history of democracy, public leader NTR took oath as the 10th Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh among the people who elected him.

Beginning of the reign of Telugu Nata Ram Rajya

  • 1983 April 14 – NTR becomes Rajayogi dressed in saffron in the presence of Tirupati Venkateswara on Ugadi
  • 1983 April 14 – Establishment of Padmavati Women’s University at Tirupati
  • 1983 April 27 – Foundation stone laying of the ambitious Telugu Ganga Project
  • 1983 May 27,28,29 – First Mahanadu in Vijayawada. All the national and regional leaders of the country are present
  • 1983 July 6 – The first Rs 2 kg rice scheme was launched inthe country .
  • 1984 March 23 – Inauguration of Doordarshan Center at Vijayawada with Prime Minister Indira Gandhi
  • 1984 July 18 – Bypass surgery for NTR in America
  • 1984 August 16 – Andhra Pradesh Governor Ram Lal made Nadendla Bhaskara Rao the Chief Minister, excluding NTR.
  • 1984 August – NTR Prajayatra in the name of ‘Preservation of Democracy’. It became the greatest popular revolution in democracy.
  • 1984 September 5 – NTR Dharmapatni Basavatharakamma was admitted to Cancer Institute, Adyar, Madras
  • Nara Chandrababu Naidu took the responsibility and proved that there are 160 MLAs with NTR.
  • 1984 September 15 – NTR once again assumed the post of Chief Minister
  • 1984 September 19 – NTR’s victory in the first no-confidence motion in the history of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly
  • 1984 October 1 (at 6:15 PM) – Basavatarakamma of Sivaikya in Madras.
  • 1984 November – For the first time in the country, a pension of Rs.35 per month wasgiven to landless farmers and farm laborers above 60 years of age in the name of ‘Telugu Agriculture Labor Social Welfare’ scheme .
  • 1984 November 23 – Dissolution of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly
  • 1984 December 27 – By-elections to the Lok Sabha are held following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Although winds of sympathy blew across the country, NTR continued to flourish in Andhra Pradesh. Telugu Desam Party got 30 parliamentary seats. Telugudesam has created a record as the first regional party to achieve this feat by attaining the status of the main opposition in the Indian Parliament .
  • 1985 March 5 – Telugu Desam Party’s resounding victory in the by-elections to the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly
  • 1985 March 9 – NTR took oath as Chief Minister for the third time
  • 1985 April 6 – Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam started Nityannadana Mahatkarya.
  • 1985 Dissolution of Legislative Council
  • As part of the revenue reforms of 1985 , NTR abolished the karanam, munasabu and patel patwari system andpaved the way for the decentralization of power by establishing the mandal system. NTR is a socialist who broke the shackles of political slavery of the weaker sections and gave them the hand of power.
  • 1985 September 9 – Law giving equal right to women in father’s property for the first time in the country .
  • 1985 October – Work on the Buddha statue to be installed in Hussain Sagar, Hyderabad begins
  • 1985 Dec. 610 Go issued to send non-locals to their respective areas
  • 1985 December 2 Pottisreeramulu Telugu University established in Hyderabad
  • April 18, 1986 – NTR constructed permanent houses for 1,70,000 poor families under the ‘Needa’ scheme for the first time in the country at a cost of Rs.165 crores.
  • Campaigned in support of Devi Lal in 1987 Haryana elections. Devilal won the election and became the Chief Minister of Haryana
  • 1988 September 17 – First meeting of National Front at Madras Marina Beach… Leaders elected NTR as Chairman.
  • 1988 October 3 – Massive meeting of front leaders in Mumbai. NTR gave a speech wearing a Haryana turban
  • 1989 June 18 – Film production of ‘Brahmarshi Vishwamitra’ begins. NTR started acting again after seven years
  • 1989 – Telugudesam lost in state legislative and parliamentary elections.
  • 1993 April 23 – NTR’s last film ‘Major Chandrakant’ released.
  • 1994 December 12 – NTR takes oath as chief minister for the fourth time. On the same day, total liquor ban was implemented in Andhra Pradesh.
  • 1996 January 18 – Sunset of Nandamuri Taraka Rama.

NTR will exist as long as there is a Telugu nation. NTR’s entry into the Telugu film industry is a silver screen success. Not stopping there, NTR entered politics and not only brought global recognition to the Telugu land and race, but also introduced ‘politics of service’ to the Telugu people.

May 28, 2023 is the centenary day of Shaka Purushu NTR. Telugudesam has been organizing NTR centenary celebrations since a year before that day.