Akkineni Nageswara Rao was born on September 20, 1923, into a lower-middle-class family in Ramapuram, a village in the Krishna District of the then Madras Presidency, British India (now part of Andhra Pradesh, India). His parents, Akkineni Venkataratnam and Akkineni Punnamma, belonged to the farming community, reflecting his modest rural upbringing.

• Parents:
  Akkineni Venkataratnam 
  Akkineni Punnamma
• Siblings:
  Akkineni Anjali Devi
  Akkineni Ramaiah
  Akkineni Sitaramaiah
  Akkineni Krishnaveni
• Spouse:
  Annapurna Kollipara
• Children:
  Akkineni Nagarjuna
  Akkineni Venkat
  Naga Susheela
  Sathyavathi Akkineni
  Saroja Akkineni
• Relatives:
  Sushanth Anumolu (Grandson)
  Naga Chaitanya (Grandson)
  Akhil Akkineni (Grandson)

Akkineni Nageswara Rao's formal education was limited to primary schooling due to his family's poor economic condition. Despite these financial challenges, he developed a deep passion for acting and theater from a young age, which led him to pursue a career in the film industry.

• He was a man of unwavering dedication, a true pioneer of the Telugu film industry.
• His name is synonymous with cinematic brilliance, and he possessed a unique blend of personality traits that propelled him to legendary status.
• His over five decades-long career was a testament to his perseverance and unwavering passion for his craft.
• From his early days, he displayed a natural leadership quality, guiding his fellow actors and crew with quiet confidence.
• His creativity shone through in his diverse roles, effortlessly transitioning between genres, from romantic heroes to powerful antagonists.
• He was a craft master, always striving for perfection, a testament to his strong work ethic.
• His versatility was unmatched, captivating audiences with his nuanced performances.
• He was a true icon, leaving an indelible mark on the world of Telugu cinema.
• His legacy continues to inspire generations of actors, a testament to the enduring power of his personality and his unwavering dedication to his art.

Akkineni Nageswara Rao married Annapurna Akkineni on February 18, 1949. Annapurna passed away in 2011 after a prolonged illness.

They had five children: Venkat Akkineni, born in 1957; Nagarjuna Akkineni, born on August 29, 1959; Saroja Akkineni, Sathyavathi Akkineni, and Naga Susheela Akkineni,

• Akkineni Nageswara Rao was deeply active in social service, emphasizing the importance of being a good human being rather than blindly worshipping God.
• He set up the Akkineni Janmabhoomi Trust under the Janmabhoomi program to promote development in his hometown, Ramapuram.
• He was instrumental in constructing the Akkineni Varadhi, a bridge named after him, which improved connectivity and boosted the village's economy.
• In Ramapuram, he contributed towards the building of a water filtration plant.
• In 2005, he established the Akkineni International Foundation to honor contributions to the Film Industry.
• His family founded the Annapurna International School of Film and Media in 2011 as a non-profit organization.
• He donated to educational institutions from the start of his career and created scholarships at GITAM University (Vizag).
• Rao was the Chief Donor and President of Akkineni Nageswara Rao College, named after him.
• He served as a life member of the board and adviser to the Department of Dramatics and Theatre Arts of Andhra University, where he instituted gold medals for students excelling in Acting and Direction.
• In 2012, he founded the Akkineni Annapurna Educational Trust in memory of his wife, Annapurna.

• He was a true legend of Indian cinema, and his journey to Bollywood was as captivating as his performances. He was a celebrated Telugu actor who ventured into Hindi cinema in the 1950s.
• One of his most memorable Bollywood experiences was during the filming of "Anarkali" (1960). He was cast opposite the iconic Madhubala, and their onscreen chemistry was electrifying. During a scene where they were supposed to be dancing, Madhubala, known for her delicate health, fainted. He immediately rushed to her side, making sure she was comfortable and safe. This incident, witnessed by the entire crew, solidified their mutual respect and admiration. Another story that shows his professionalism and dedication was during the filming of "Majboor" (1964). He was shooting a scene in a crowded market, and the heat was unbearable. Despite feeling unwell, he refused to take a break, determined to finish the scene.
• His commitment to his craft was evident, and he delivered a powerful performance, earning praise from the director and his costars. These are just a few glimpses into the fascinating life and career of this legendary actor.
• His Bollywood journey was marked by his talent, professionalism, and the respect he commanded from his peers.
• He left a lasting impact on Indian cinema, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of actors.