Akkineni Nagarjuna Family Tree

Akkineni Nagarjuna - A Lifestory

Akkineni Nagarjuna Rao is an Indian actor, film producer, entrepreneur, and television presenter known for his works primarily in Telugu cinema, as well as in a few Hindi and Tamil films. Born to legendary actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Annapurna in Madras (now Chennai), he began his acting career as an infant in Velugu Needalu (1961) and later as a child artist in Sudigundalu (1967), making his lead debut with Vikram (1986). Nagarjuna rose to stardom with landmark films like Geetanjali (1989), Siva (1989), Ninne Pelladata (1996), and Annamayya (1997), earning multiple National Film Awards, Nandi Awards, and Filmfare Awards South. Over the years, he has delivered diverse performances across romantic, action, devotional, and biographical films, while producing acclaimed movies under Annapurna Studios and mentoring young filmmakers through Annapurna College of Film and Media. Beyond cinema, he has hosted popular television shows like Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu and Bigg Boss Telugu, co-owns sports teams including Mumbai Masters and Kerala Blasters FC, and actively contributes to philanthropy through initiatives like the Blue Cross of Hyderabad and HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns, solidifying his status as a cultural icon and visionary in Indian entertainment.

Family and Early Years

Personal Details

🎂 Date of Birth
29 August 1959
🏡 Place of Birth
Madras, Madras State (now Chennai)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family
Father: Akkineni Nageswara Rao
Mother: Annapurna
Siblings: Akkineni Sathyavathi, Naga Susheela
Spouse: Lakshmi Daggubati, Amala Akkineni
Children: Naga Chaitanya, Akhil Akkineni
Relatives: Sumanth (Nephew), Sushanth (Nephew)
🎓 Education
Nagarjuna completed his schooling at Hyderabad Public School and pursued his intermediate education at Little Flower Junior College, Hyderabad. He then enrolled in the College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University, Madras, where he studied Mechanical Engineering for a year alongside his classmate, cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth.
Later, he moved to the United States and transferred to Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Early Career

Akkineni Nagarjuna embarked on his professional journey in the film industry, quickly gaining recognition for his acting abilities.
🎬 First Appearance as a Child Artist
Nagarjuna first appeared on screen as a child artist in the Telugu film Sudigundalu (1967), which was produced by his father, the legendary actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao. This marked his earliest step into the world of cinema.
🌟 Debut as a Lead Actor
After completing his studies, Nagarjuna entered films as a leading man with Vikram (1986), a Telugu remake of the Hindi film Hero. The movie performed fairly well and established him as a promising newcomer in the industry.
🚀 Rise to Fame
Following his debut, he gained recognition with films such as Majnu (1987) and Aakhari Poratam (1988), where he showcased his charm and screen presence. These films helped him slowly build a strong fan base.
💖 Breakthrough with Geetanjali
In 1989, Nagarjuna starred in Mani Ratnam’s romantic drama Geetanjali. The film became a landmark in his career, winning the National Film Award for Best Popular Film, and established him as a romantic hero in Telugu cinema.
🔥 Stardom with Siva
The same year, he appeared in Ram Gopal Varma’s Siva (1989), a gritty action film that became a cult classic. The movie not only changed the style of Telugu action cinema but also marked Nagarjuna’s rise as an action star. Its success led to his Bollywood debut in 1990, with the Hindi remake of Shiva.

A Journey of Recognition

Career Journey

Akkineni Nagarjuna a celebrated Indian actor and producer, has significantly shaped Telugu cinema with his versatility and charisma.
⭐ 1961–1988: Early Career and Success
Nagarjuna stepped into acting as an infant in the film Velugu Needalu (1961). He later appeared as a child artist in Sudigundalu (1967), directed by Adurthi Subba Rao, starring his father, Akkineni Nageswara Rao. Years later, he made his debut as a lead actor with Vikram (1986), a remake of the Hindi film Hero. The movie’s success gave him a strong start in Telugu cinema.
He then starred in Majnu (1987), directed by Dasari Narayana Rao, earning positive reviews for portraying a heartbroken man. This was followed by Sankeertana (1987), which was appreciated for its music and content despite being an average grosser. In 1988, Nagarjuna delivered the blockbuster Aakhari Poratam, opposite Sridevi and Suhasini, and also acted in Janaki Ramudu with Vijayashanti, both directed by K. Raghavendra Rao.
🎬 1989–1999: Breakthrough and Stardom
In 1989, Nagarjuna starred in Mani Ratnam’s romantic drama Geetanjali, which won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. The same year, he achieved superstardom with Ram Gopal Varma’s Siva, a trendsetting action film in Telugu cinema. He later made his Bollywood debut with its Hindi remake of Shiva (1990), which was also a huge success.
Through the 1990s, he starred in hits like Nirnayam (1991), Killer (1992), President Gari Pellam (1992), Varasudu (1993), Allari Alludu (1993), Hello Brother (1994), and Gharana Bullodu (1995). His experimentation with diverse roles earned him the nickname “Celluloid Scientist.”
In 1996, Nagarjuna produced and starred in Ninne Pelladata, which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu. The following year, he portrayed the 15th-century saint-composer Annamacharya in Annamayya (1997), a role that earned him a National Award, a Nandi Award for Best Actor, and a Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu. He also acted in the Tamil film Ratchagan (1997). Toward the late 1990s, he appeared in Aavida Maa Aavide (1998), Angaaray (1998), Zakhm (1998), Seetharama Raju (1999), and Ravoyi Chandamama (1999).
🎭 2000–2010: Diverse Roles and Continued Success
Nagarjuna began the 2000s with successful remakes such as Nuvvu Vasthavani (2000), Ninne Premistha (2000), and Snehamante Idera (2001), followed by Malayalam remakes like Bava Nachadu (2001) and Adhipathi (2001). He gained further popularity through romantic comedies such as Santosham (2002), Manmadhudu (2002), and Sivamani (2003).
In 2004, he acted in Nenunnanu and produced the commercial hit Mass. The following year, he starred in and produced Super (2005). His devotional portrayal in Sri Ramadasu (2006) as the saint-composer earned him another Nandi Award for Best Actor. Later, he appeared in Don (2007) and King (2008). In 2010, his films included Kedi and Ragada.
📽️ 2011–Present: Established Stardom and Legacy
In 2011, Nagarjuna starred in the bilingual action thriller Gaganam (Payanam in Tamil) and the period drama Rajanna. He portrayed Sai Baba in Shirdi Sai (2012) and followed it up with the action-fantasy Damarukam (2012). In 2013, he acted in Greeku Veerudu and Bhai.
In 2014, Nagarjuna played a key role in the blockbuster family drama Manam. He later appeared in Soggade Chinni Nayana (2016), which became one of his biggest blockbusters, and in Oopiri (2016), a bilingual film that was critically acclaimed. In 2017, he starred in the devotional Om Namo Venkatesaya and the horror-thriller Raju Gari Gadhi 2.
Subsequently, he appeared in Officer (2018), Devadas (2018), and Manmadhudu 2 (2019). He then delivered a strong performance in the action thriller Wild Dog (2021) and co-starred with his son Naga Chaitanya in Bangarraju (2022). He made a return to Bollywood with Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva (2022), playing a pivotal role.
In 2022, he appeared in The Ghost as an Interpol officer. His comeback film Naa Saami Ranga (2024) was a major success. He is set to appear in Kuberaa (2025), alongside Dhanush, and will also play the villain in Coolie (2025), starring Rajinikanth and directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj.
📺 Television
Nagarjuna made his television debut as a producer in 2009 with the soap opera Yuva. He was also a major shareholder of Maa TV before its sale to the Star Network.
In 2014, he hosted the Telugu version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, titled Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu. The first season aired from June to August 2014 with 40 episodes, and the second season ran from December 2014 to February 2015 with 55 episodes. His contribution earned him the Entertainment Leader Award (Television) at the TV5 Business Leaders Awards in 2015.
He later hosted multiple seasons of the reality show Bigg Boss Telugu — the third (2019), fourth (2020), fifth (2021), sixth (2022), and seventh (2023) seasons, along with the first season of Bigg Boss Non-Stop in 2022.
⚽ Ownerships, Endorsements, and Earnings
Since 2013, Nagarjuna has been a co-owner of the Mumbai Masters team in the Indian Badminton League, alongside Sunil Gavaskar. He also co-owns the Mahi Racing Team India with MS Dhoni. Additionally, he is one of the co-owners of Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League.
He endorses Kalyan Jewellers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Nagarjuna was listed in Forbes India’s Top 100 Celebrities at No. 36 in 2012 and No. 43 in 2013.
🏢 N3 Realty Enterprises
Nagarjuna is the founding partner of N3 Realty Enterprises, which managed the N-Convention Centre, N-Grill, and District N. While N-Grill and District N no longer exist, N-Convention faced legal troubles.
In 2014, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation identified land encroachment issues with the property. After years of disputes, on 24 August 2024, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Monitoring and Protection (HYDRAA) demolished the N-Convention Centre, citing encroachment of an adjacent lake.
🤝💖 Philanthropy
Nagarjuna, along with his wife Amala, co-founded the Blue Cross of Hyderabad, a recognized NGO by the Animal Welfare Board of India, dedicated to animal welfare. He has also supported several welfare programs by the Maa TV Association and continues to serve as a brand ambassador for HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns.
In 2010, he lent his voice and presence to an HIV/AIDS animated tutorial software created by TeachAids, a nonprofit founded at Stanford University, to spread awareness and education.

Achievements and Milestones

Here's a list of awards received by Akkineni Nagarjuna:
Padma Bhushan - 2003
National Film Award – Special Mention for Annamayya - 1997
Nandi Awards - Best Actor (Annamayya, 1997), Best Actor (Ninne Pelladutha, 1996), Best Actor (Shiva, 1989), Best Actor (Geethanjali, 1989), Best Supporting Actor (Janaki Ramudu, 1988), Special Jury Award (Manmadhudu, 2002), Special Jury Award (Rajanna, 2011), Best Home Viewing Feature Film (Ninne Pelladutha, Producer, 1996), Best Feature Film (Sisindri, Producer, 1995)
Filmfare Awards South – Best Actor – Telugu (Annamayya, 1997), Best Actor – Telugu (Ninne Pelladutha, 1996), Best Film – Telugu (Manam, Producer, 2015)
CineMAA Awards – Best Actor (Santosham, 2002), Best Actor (Rajanna) 2011
South Indian International Movie Award (SIIMA) – Best Supporting Actor (Oopiri) 2016
IIFA Utsavam Award – Best Supporting Actor (Oopiri) 2016
TSR – TV9 National Film Award – Best Actor (Rajanna) 2011
Vijay Award (Tamil Cinema) – Best Supporting Actor (Oopiri) 2016

Additional Highlights

Contributions

A cinematic icon, Akkineni Nagarjuna distinguishes himself through his versatile acting range, consistently pushing boundaries and embracing diverse roles throughout his illustrious career.
🎬 Contribution to Indian Cinema
Nagarjuna has acted in over 100 films across Telugu, Hindi, and Tamil, making a mark as a versatile actor.
He brought new-age romanticism to Telugu films with hits like Geetanjali (1989) and Ninne Pelladata (1996).
He revived the tradition of devotional and biographical films through classics like Annamayya (1997), Sri Ramadasu (2006), and Shirdi Sai (2012).
He experimented with diverse genres, from action (Shiva 1989) to comedy (Hello Brother 1994), becoming a trendsetter for younger actors.
His performances have earned two National Film Awards and nine Nandi Awards, highlighting his excellence in acting.
🎥 Contribution as a Producer & Entrepreneur
Through Annapurna Studios, founded by his father, he expanded its vision and turned it into a hub for Telugu cinema production.
He co-founded the Annapurna International School of Film and Media (AISFM), India’s first private, non-profit film school, nurturing future generations of filmmakers.
As a producer, he backed critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, giving opportunities to fresh talent.
He also invested in the television industry, playing a key role in the success of MAA TV, later acquired by Star India.
📺 Contribution to Television
Nagarjuna hosted Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu (Telugu version of Kaun Banega Crorepati), making knowledge-based entertainment popular among family audiences.
His warm and charismatic hosting style connected deeply with viewers, making the show a household name.
🤝 Contribution to Charity & Philanthropy
Nagarjuna has actively supported NGOs working in health and education, contributing to causes that uplift underprivileged communities.
He is associated with the Blue Cross of Hyderabad, founded by his wife, Amala, working extensively for animal welfare and environmental protection.
He has donated generously to disaster relief efforts during floods, cyclones, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
His philanthropic work also extends to women empowerment programs and child education initiatives in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
🌍 Contribution Beyond Cinema
Nagarjuna’s balanced career as an actor, producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist has made him a cultural icon of South India.
He has represented Telugu cinema at various international film festivals, bringing global recognition to the industry.
His humility and off-screen contributions have earned him respect as a role model both in the film industry and society.

Recent Work

Akkineni Nagarjuna is a prominent figure in Telugu cinema known for his acting and production work. He continues to be active in the industry, balancing both on-screen roles and behind-the-scenes contributions.
Recent Projects or Roles:
In recent years, Nagarjuna Akkineni has continued to balance mainstream cinema with experimental projects. He appeared in the Bollywood action-drama Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva (2022), where his performance as artist and protector Anish Shetty was widely appreciated.
In Telugu cinema, he starred in The Ghost (2022), an action-thriller directed by Praveen Sattaru, showcasing his versatility in high-octane roles. He has also been actively involved in his production ventures under Annapurna Studios, supporting new-age filmmakers and varied storytelling.

Discover the Legacy Behind the Akkineni name

Discover the Legacy Behind the Nagarjuna Surname

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