Nandamuri Balakrishna, born on June 10, 1960, has been a pivotal figure in the Telugu film industry for decades, and he continues to leave an indelible mark on both cinema and politics at 64 years old (as of 2024). His multi-faceted career spans over 100 films, various philanthropic initiatives, and his dedication to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) as a political leader. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at his life, focusing on his age, career, family, net worth, upcoming movies, and much more.
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Early Life and Biography of Nandamuri Balakrishna Balakrishna Age
Nandamuri Balakrishna was born into a prestigious family of actors and political leaders. He is the sixth son of Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), the iconic actor and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, and Basavatarakam Nandamuri. Balakrishna grew up in Chennai and later moved to Hyderabad, where his family settled down during NTR’s political career.
Early Education and Entry into Films
Balakrishna completed his primary and secondary education in Chennai before attending college in Hyderabad. Although he pursued a degree in Commerce, his true calling lay in the world of cinema, thanks to his father’s legacy. His interest in films started at a very young age, and he made his acting debut as a teenager.
At the age of 14, Balakrishna entered the Telugu film industry with his debut film Tatamma Kala (1974), directed by his father, NTR. Despite his young age, he garnered praise for his acting skills, and this early experience laid the foundation for a long and illustrious career in Tollywood.
Film Career: The Rise of Balayya
Nandamuri Balakrishna is one of the most iconic actors in Telugu cinema, known for his action-packed performances, charismatic screen presence, and versatility. Over the course of his career, he has become known as a “mass hero” who delivers films that resonate deeply with his fan base. His long-standing career, which spans over four decades, has solidified his place as one of the pillars of Telugu cinema.
Significant Milestones in Balakrishna’s Acting Career
- Simha (2010): Balakrishna plays a dual role in this action-packed film. Directed by Boyapati Srinu, Simha was a massive hit and marked a turning point in Balakrishna’s career, reigniting his mass appeal.
- Legend (2014): Another blockbuster by Boyapati Srinu, Legend became one of the highest-grossing films in Telugu cinema at the time. The movie’s success was attributed to Balakrishna’s powerful portrayal of a righteous leader.
- Gautamiputra Satakarni (2017): In this historical drama, Balakrishna took on the challenging role of the great Satavahana emperor. Directed by Krish, the film was both a commercial success and critically acclaimed for its historical accuracy and Balakrishna’s performance.
- Akhanda (2021): Balakrishna once again teamed up with Boyapati Srinu for Akhanda, a film that was highly successful at the box office. Known for its mass appeal and energetic action scenes, the movie further solidified his star power even in his 60s.
List of Other Popular Movies
- Muvva Gopaludu (1987)
- Muddula Mavayya (1989)
- Samarasimha Reddy (1999)
- Narasimha Naidu (2001)
- Chennakesava Reddy (2002)
Balakrishna’s Acting Style
Balakrishna is known for his larger-than-life roles, often portraying powerful characters, from courageous warriors to righteous leaders. His dialogue delivery and on-screen presence have made him a favorite of the masses. Despite being 64 years old, Balakrishna remains energetic and continues to act in high-octane roles, which are popular among his fanbase.
Political Career: Following in NTR’s Footsteps
After years of ruling the silver screen, Balakrishna ventured into politics, following the footsteps of his father, N.T. Rama Rao, who founded the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). Balakrishna officially entered politics in 2014, contesting from the Hindupur constituency in Andhra Pradesh, a stronghold of his family.
Key Highlights of His Political Career
- Hindupur MLA: In 2014, Balakrishna contested in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections and won with a significant majority. Hindupur, which had earlier been represented by his father, remains a bastion of support for the Nandamuri family.
- Re-election in 2019: He retained his position as the MLA from Hindupur in the 2019 Andhra Pradesh elections, continuing his active role in politics and representing the Telugu Desam Party.
Political Ideology
Balakrishna’s political ideology is aligned with that of his father’s legacy – focusing on the welfare of the common people, improving healthcare, education, and rural development. His efforts have also been directed toward uplifting his constituency through various initiatives.
Balakrishna Net Worth
As both an actor and a politician, Balakrishna has accumulated substantial wealth. His net worth is estimated to be around $10-15 million, a significant portion of which comes from his successful career in films, business investments, and real estate.
Breakdown of His Wealth:
- Film Earnings: Balakrishna’s films have consistently performed well at the box office, contributing significantly to his wealth. With over 100 films to his name, he commands a high salary for his roles.
- Political Salary: As an MLA, Balakrishna receives a salary, though his political career is driven more by public service than financial gain.
- Real Estate: Balakrishna owns prime real estate properties in Hyderabad, including his luxurious residence in Jubilee Hills, which is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the city.
- Business Ventures: Balakrishna has also ventured into various business projects, including film production, which contributes to his net worth.
Balakrishna’s Family Life
Balakrishna’s family life has always been in the public eye due to his prominence in both films and politics. He is married to Vasundhara Devi, and their marriage has been one of the strongest and most enduring relationships in the Telugu film industry.
Balakrishna’s Children
- Brahmani Nandamuri:
- Education: Brahmani is an accomplished academic, having studied at Stanford University.
- Marriage: She is married to Nara Lokesh, the son of Nara Chandrababu Naidu, former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. This marriage further strengthened the ties between the Nandamuri and Nara families, two of the most influential political families in the state.
- Career: Brahmani is actively involved in managing family business ventures, including Heritage Foods, founded by her father-in-law.
- Tejaswini Nandamuri:
- Tejaswini maintains a relatively low profile compared to her sister but is equally cherished by her father and family. She is married to Sri Bharat, the grandson of politician MVVS Murthy.
- Mokshagna Teja:
- Son’s Potential Film Debut: Balakrishna’s only son, Mokshagna, has long been rumored to make his debut in Telugu cinema. Fans eagerly await his entry into the film industry, continuing the family’s legacy.
Balakrishna’s Philanthropic Work
The Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital
One of Balakrishna’s most significant contributions to society is through his work in healthcare. He is the chairman of the Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute, a premier medical institution that provides high-quality cancer treatment at affordable rates.
Major Initiatives:
- Affordable Healthcare: The hospital, named after his mother, Basavatarakam, has provided treatment to thousands of cancer patients, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Research and Medical Innovation: The institute is also known for its focus on cancer research and cutting-edge treatments, helping to advance healthcare in India.
Balakrishna New Movie: Bhagavanth Kesari (2023)
In 2023, Balakrishna is once again captivating audiences with his latest movie, Bhagavanth Kesari, directed by Anil Ravipudi. This highly anticipated film showcases Balakrishna in a fresh and dynamic role, adding to the excitement of his fanbase.
Plot and Themes:
In Bhagavanth Kesari, Balakrishna takes on a role that blends action with a message of social justice. Known for his larger-than-life portrayals, Balakrishna’s fans are eagerly awaiting his performance in this movie, which promises to be a blockbuster.
Future Projects:
Apart from Bhagavanth Kesari, there are speculations about Balakrishna collaborating with some of the most prominent directors in Telugu cinema for upcoming projects, which will keep him busy well into his 60s.
Legacy of Nandamuri Balakrishna
Nandamuri Balakrishna has crafted an extraordinary legacy in both cinema and politics. With a career spanning decades, he continues to be a significant figure in the Telugu-speaking states. His contribution to the entertainment industry, combined with his service to the people of Andhra Pradesh, cements his place in history as both an actor and a leader.At 64 years old, Balakrishna shows no signs of slowing down, and his enduring popularity only highlights his timeless appeal.
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