NANDAMURI BALA KRISHNA

Nandamuri Balakrishna is a prominent figure in Telugu cinema and politics. He was born on June 10, 1960, and is the sixth son of the renowned actor and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. T. Rama Rao. Balakrishna’s film career began early, making his debut as a child artist in the film Tatamma Kala in 1974. Over the years, he has built a significant reputation in the industry, earning three state Nandi Awards and a South Indian International Movie Award for his contributions.

In addition to his acting career, Balakrishna has been active in politics. Since 2014, he has represented the Hindupuram constituency in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly. His involvement in public service extends to his role as Chairman of the Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute in Hyderabad, reflecting his commitment to social causes. Balakrishna was also the chief guest at the 43rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in 2012, highlighting his influence and stature in both the film and political arenas.

Early life and family:

Nandamuri Balakrishna was born on June 10, 1960, in Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, to the celebrated Telugu actor and three-time Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. T. Rama Rao, and his wife Basavatarakam. He spent his childhood in Madras, where the Telugu film industry was centered at the time. However, as the industry later relocated to Hyderabad, Balakrishna moved there during his adolescence.

He completed his education with a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Nizam College, Hyderabad. In 1982, at the age of 22, Balakrishna married Vasundhara Devi. The couple has three children.

Political career:

Nandamuri Balakrishna’s political career began in earnest when he entered the political arena under the banner of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which was founded by his father, N. T. Rama Rao (NTR). Balakrishna has been actively involved in the TDP and has held various positions within the party.

-Initial Involvement: Balakrishna was involved in politics from a young age, participating in campaign activities and party functions. His role was more supportive and symbolic in the early years.

–Legislative Assembly Election (2014): Balakrishna made his official entry into active politics by contesting in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections. He was elected as the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Hindupuram constituency. His victory marked a significant moment as it established his political presence.

-Re-election and Performance: He was re-elected in the 2019 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections, further solidifying his political role. His tenure has been marked by a focus on local development and constituency issues.

-Role in TDP: Balakrishna has been a key figure in the Telugu Desam Party, contributing to its strategies and public outreach. His status as a film star has helped him maintain a strong connection with his constituency.

-Public and Political Influence: Beyond his legislative duties, Balakrishna has leveraged his celebrity status to influence public opinion and draw attention to various issues within his constituency and the state.

Balakrishna’s political career reflects his commitment to continuing his family’s legacy of public service and his efforts to make a tangible impact on his community.

Since the founding of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in 1982, Nandamuri Balakrishna has been actively involved in campaigning for the party, supporting both his father, N. T. Rama Rao, and his brother-in-law, N. Chandrababu Naidu. Despite his extensive involvement, he did not formally enter electoral politics until 2014.

During a visit to his father-in-law’s house, Balakrishna actively campaigned across the East Godavari district for the TDP. His official political debut came in the 2014 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections, where he successfully contested and won the Hindupur Assembly Constituency seat with a significant majority. He maintained his seat in the 2019 elections, reinforcing his political influence in the region.

Controversies:

Nandamuri Balakrishna’s career has not been without controversy. Two notable incidents that stirred public and media attention are:

2004 Shootout Controversy:

– Incident: On June 3, 2004, a shootout occurred at Balakrishna’s residence in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. He was alleged to have fired shots at producer Bellamkonda Suresh and his associate, Satyanarayana Chowdhary. Both individuals were injured and admitted to Apollo Hospital. 

-Controversy:The handling of the case drew significant criticism. The Human Rights Forum (HRF) questioned the authenticity of the investigation and the special treatment Balakrishna received, including being sheltered in Care Hospital by police. The HRF alleged that this sheltering was unjustifiable and suggested that Balakrishna was being shielded from proper legal scrutiny.

-Legal Proceedings:Despite initial statements by the victims implicating Balakrishna, they later retracted their allegations. Balakrishna was arrested on June 6, 2004, and appeared before the Fifth Metropolitan Magistrate. A show cause notice was also issued to his wife, Vasundhara Devi, regarding the firearm registered in her name. Balakrishna was granted bail with conditions, including not leaving Hyderabad without court permission and surrendering his passport.

2024 Public Incident:

-Incident: In 2024, Balakrishna faced public backlash after a reported incident on stage where he violently pushed actress Anjali. The altercation occurred due to a perceived issue with her listening to him amidst a crowded event.

-Public Reaction: The incident generated significant controversy and criticism from the public, reflecting concerns about his conduct and behavior in public settings.

These incidents highlight the complexities and challenges Balakrishna has faced both in his political and public life.

Nandamuri Balakrishna has garnered a range of accolades throughout his prolific career in Telugu cinema. Here is a detailed list of his awards and nominations:

Nandi Awards:

– Best Actor for Narasimha Naidu (2001)

– Best Actor for Simha (2010)

– Best Actor for Legend (2014)

CineMAA Awards:

– Best Actor – Male for Simha (2010)

Santosham Film Awards:

– Santosham Best Actor Award for Pandurangadu

– Santosham Best Actor Award for Simha

– Santosham Best Actor Award for Sri Rama Rajyam

SIIMA Awards:

– Best Actor for Legend

Other Awards:

– Samman Award for the Highest taxpayer under the Commissioner of Income Tax

– Bharata Muni Award for Best Actor of the year 2009 for Pandurangadu

– Bharata Muni Award for Best Actor of the year 2010 for Simha

– Bharata Muni Award for Best Actor of the year 2011 for Sri Rama Rajyam

– A.P. Cine Goers Association Best Actor Award for Narasimha Naidu, Chennakesava Reddy, and Pandurangadu

– Akkineni Abhinaya Puraskaram for the year 2007

– South Indian Cinematographers Awards 2015 Best Actor for Legend

Nominations:

– Filmfare Awards South

  – Best Actor – Telugu for Muvva Gopaludu

  – Best Actor – Telugu for Aditya 369

  – Best Actor – Telugu for Narasimha Naidu

  – Best Actor – Telugu for Simha

  – Best Actor – Telugu for Sri Rama Rajyam

  – Best Actor – Telugu for Gauthamiputra Satakarni

  – Best Actor – Telugu for Bhagavanth Kesari

These awards and nominations highlight Balakrishna’s significant contributions to Telugu cinema and his continued impact as an actor.