Nandamuri Balakrishna, fondly called Balayya by his fans, is one of the most iconic actors in the Telugu film industry. Known for his larger-than-life performances, energetic dance moves, and charismatic presence, Balakrishna has carved a special place in Indian cinema. With a career spanning decades, he has entertained millions through his diverse roles and box office hits.
Apart from his acting, Balakrishna is also deeply involved in politics, continuing the legacy of his father, the legendary Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR). His contributions to cinema and society make him a multifaceted personality.
Let us explore the incredible journey of this iconic Indian actor.
Early Life and Upbringing
Nandamuri Balakrishna was born on June 10, 1960, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He is the sixth son of Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, a legendary actor, filmmaker, and politician, and Basavatarakam, a homemaker. Balakrishna grew up in a family immersed in cinema and politics, which greatly influenced his career.
He spent his childhood in Chennai, where he completed his early education. Later, his family moved to Hyderabad, Telangana. Balakrishna pursued a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) degree, showcasing his interest in academics alongside his growing passion for acting.
As a young boy, Balakrishna witnessed the fame and adoration his father received from fans. This exposure inspired him to follow in his father’s footsteps and make a mark in the entertainment industry.
Personal Life – Age, Zodiac Sign
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nandamuri Balakrishna |
| Nickname | Balayya, NBK |
| Alternative Names(s) | Balayya or NBK |
| Date of Birth | 10 June 1960 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 64 years |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Birthplace | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Hometown | Hyderabad, Telangana |
| Current Address | Hyderabad, Telangana |
| Education Qualification | Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) |
| Hobbies and Interests | Dancing, Acting |
| Languages Known | Telugu, English |
| Social Media Profiles link | Facebook, Instagram, Twitter |
| Wikipedia Profile link | Wikipedia |
| IMDb Profile link | IMDb |
| Website link | N/A |
Physical Appearance – Height, Weight, Body Measurements
| Physical Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Body Type | Athletic |
| Body Measurements | 41-34-12 inches |
| Height | 5’8½”, 174 cm |
| Weight | 176 lbs, 80 kg |
| Chest | 41 inche |
| Waist | 34 inche |
| Biceps | 12 inche |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Hairstyle | Short, Neat |
| Distinctive Features | Intense Expressions |
| Tattoos | N/A |
Family and Relationships – Boyfriend/Husband, Affairs
Balakrishna is a devoted family man. He is married to Vasundhara Devi, whom he tied the knot with in 1982. The couple has three children – Nara Brahmani, Mathukumilli Tejaswini, and Nandamuri Mokshagna Teja.
Balakrishna comes from a prominent family in both cinema and politics. His siblings include Nandamuri Harikrishna, Nandamuri Jayakrishna, and others, many of whom have made significant contributions to their respective fields. His brother Nandamuri Harikrishna and nephew Jr. NTR are well-known actors in the Telugu film industry.
Balakrishna’s personal life reflects his commitment to upholding his family legacy while balancing his roles as an actor and politician.
| Relationships Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse – Wife | Vasundhara Devi |
| Father | Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao |
| Mother | Basavatarakam |
| Children | Nara Brahmani, Mathukumilli Tejaswini, Nandamuri Mokshagna Teja |
| Siblings | Nandamuri Harikrishna, Nandamuri Saikrishna, Nandamuri Mohanakrishna, Nandamuri Jayakrishna, Nandamuri Ramakrishna, Garapati Lokeswari, Daggubati Purandeswari, Nara Bhuvaneswari, Kantamaneni Uma Maheswari |
| Affairs – Girlfriend(s) | Vasundhara Devi |
| Significant Relationships | Vasundhara Devi |
Rise to Stardom
Balakrishna made his debut in 1974 with the film Tatamma Kala, directed by his father, NTR. He was just 14 years old when he appeared on the big screen. His early roles demonstrated his potential and passion for acting.
His rise to stardom came with iconic films such as:
- Narasimha Naidu (2001) – A record-breaking family drama that established his star status.
- Simha (2010) – A high-octane action film showcasing his fierce persona.
- Legend (2014) – A political drama that became a fan favorite.
Balakrishna’s energetic performances and unique dialogue delivery earned him a dedicated fanbase. He continues to be one of the most sought-after actors in the Telugu film industry.
Nandamuri Balakrishna – Selfie
Nandamuri Balakrishna – Debut Film – Tatamma Kala
Nandamuri Balakrishna – Successful Film – Narasimha Naidu
Career, Awards, and Achievements
Balakrishna has appeared in over 100 films, most of which were commercial successes. His versatility as an actor has allowed him to portray roles ranging from historical leaders to modern-day heroes.
- Padma Bhushan – For his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.
- Nandi Awards – Multiple wins for Best Actor.
- CineMAA Awards – Recognizing his powerful performances.
- He served as a member of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), continuing his father’s political legacy.
Balakrishna is also known for his efforts in social welfare, particularly through the Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital, which he established in memory of his mother.
| Career Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Profession(s) | Actor, Politician |
| Debut Film | Tatamma Kala (1974) |
| Notable Roles | Narasimha Naidu, Gautamiputra Satakarni, Simha |
| Recent Films – New Movies | Veera Simha Reddy, Akhanda |
| Upcoming Films | Daaku Maharaj |
| Popular Television Series | Unstoppable |
| Awards and Achievements | Padma Bhushan, Nandi Awards, CineMAA Awards |
| Endorsements/Brand Collaborations | N/A |
| Philanthropy/Charity Work | Cancer Hospital, Social Welfare |
| Professional Associations | Telugu Desam Party |
| Training and Education | Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) |
| Production Company | N/A |
| Box Office Success – Hit Movies | Narasimha Naidu, Simha, Legend |
| Critical Acclaim Movies | Gautamiputra Satakarni, Akhanda |
Assets and Finances – Net Worth
| Financial Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Net Worth in Dollars | $10 million |
| Per Movie Charges in Dollars | $500,000-$600,000 |
| Per Endorsement Charges in Dollars | $60,000-$70,000 |
| Sponsorship Deals | N/A |
| Business Ventures | SREYAS MEDIA VENTURES LLPRENTAL DEPOSIt |
| Investments | Real Estate |
| Real Estate Holdings | Properties in Hyderabad |
| Luxury Items/Properties Owned | Gold, Diamonds |
| Cars Collection | BMW 7 |
Favorite Things, Likes and Dislikes
| Favorite Things | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Actor | Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao |
| Favorite Actress | Savitri |
| Favorite Film | Aditya 369 |
| Favorite Music Bands | N/A |
| Favorite Sport | Cricket |
| Favorite Books | N/A |
| Favorite Colour | White |
| Favorite Food | South Indian Cuisine |
| Things s/he like | Dancing, Acting, Politics |
| Things s/he dislike | Dishonesty, Negativity |
Top 5 Best Films – Nandamuri Balakrishna
| Film Name | Year of Release | Character Played |
|---|---|---|
| Narasimha Naidu | 2001 | Narasimha Naidu |
| Simha | 2010 | Dr. Narasimha |
| Legend | 2014 | Jai Dev |
| Gautamiputra Satakarni | 2017 | Satakarni |
| Aditya 369 | 1991 | Krishna Kumar |
Controversies – Nandamuri Balakrishna
- Alleged physical altercation with fans during public events.
- Criticism for controversial remarks made during interviews.
- Heated arguments with reporters at press conferences.
- Debates over political statements and affiliations.
- Legal issues surrounding film production.
Interesting Facts – Nandamuri Balakrishna
- He portrayed the historical ruler Gautamiputra Satakarni in a critically acclaimed film.
- Balakrishna is known for his powerful monologues and unique dialogue delivery.
- He established the Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital, contributing to healthcare.
- Balakrishna has a loyal fanbase who celebrate his birthday with elaborate events.
- He follows rigorous fitness routines to maintain his energetic on-screen presence.
- He continues to balance his roles as a successful actor and dedicated politician.
Nandamuri Balakrishna’s journey in the Telugu film industry and Indian politics is a testament to his resilience, talent, and dedication. From his early days as NTR’s son to becoming a celebrated actor and philanthropist, Balakrishna has made a lasting impact.
His contributions to cinema, society, and politics ensure that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. As we celebrate his achievements, Balakrishna remains an icon of determination and excellence in Indian cinema.
