- published: 20 May 2016
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Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (born Nimmakuru, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh; 28 May 1923 – 18 January 1996), popularly known by his initials NTR, was an Indian film actor, director, producer, and a politician. He is also called as "Anna Garu"(Elder Brother) by Telugu People.
Rama Rao made his debut as an actor in Mana Desam, a Telugu social film directed by L. V. Prasad in 1949. He first gained popularity in the 1950s when he became well-known for his portrayals of Hindu deities, especially Lord Krishna and Lord Rama, roles which have made him a "messiah of the masses" in Andhra Pradesh.
He later became known for portraying antagonistic characters and cementing leading roles in films. In total he starred in over 320 Telugu films and has become one of the most prominent figures in the history of Telugu cinema. Besides Telugu, he has also acted in a few Tamil and Kannada films. Widely recognised for his mythological characters, of the time, N.T. Rama Rao was one of the leading mythological, method actors of Indian cinema, He was referred to in the media as "Viswa Vikhyatha Nata Sarvabhouma".