Nandamuri Balakrishna

Biography

Nandamuri Balakrishna, commonly known as Balakrishna, was born on June 10, 1960, in Chennai, India, to the legendary actor and politician Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) and his wife, Basavatarakam. Balakrishna is one of the most prominent actors in Telugu cinema and has a legacy deeply rooted in the Nandamuri family, which has a significant influence in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. 

He is also known for his association with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which was founded by his father, NTR. Balakrishna is often fondly called "Balayya" by his fans.

Balakrishna is the younger brother of Nandamuri Harikrishna, another actor-turned-politician, and the uncle of popular actor N. T. Rama Rao Jr. (Jr. NTR), one of the leading stars of contemporary Telugu cinema. Balakrishna’s family background has made him a key figure in the Telugu film industry and politics.

Career
Balakrishna made his acting debut at the age of 14 with a cameo role in the film Tatamma Kala (1974). However, his first major role came in 1984 with the film Prema Sankranti, which established him as a leading actor. He soon became one of the top stars of the Telugu film industry, known for his intense performances, dialogue delivery, and action roles. Balakrishna’s portrayal of mythological and historical characters added to his popularity and set him apart from his contemporaries.

Throughout his career, Balakrishna starred in over 100 films, with a diverse range of roles. He showcased his versatility by playing characters in different genres, including drama, action, and comedy. His roles in films like Simha (2010), Legend (2014), Dictator (2016), and NTR: Kathanayakudu (2019) earned him critical acclaim and a massive fan following. His iconic performances in films like Samarasimha Reddy (1999), Bhairava Dweepam (1994), and Rajanna (2011) are etched in the memories of his fans.

Political Career
Apart from his film career, Balakrishna has been active in politics. He joined the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in the early 2000s, following in the footsteps of his father NTR. Balakrishna was elected as an MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) from the Hindupur constituency in 2014 and was re-elected in 2019. 

He has also held various positions within the party, contributing to its growth and development. His involvement in politics has made him a well-known figure in Andhra Pradesh’s political circles.

Personal Life
Balakrishna is married to Vasundhara Devi, with whom he has three children. Despite his successful career in both cinema and politics, he has remained deeply connected to his family values and has led a relatively private personal life.