Nandamuri Harikrishna Family Tree
Nandamuri Harikrishna - A Lifestory
Nandamuri Harikrishna (2 September 1956 – 29 August 2018) was an Indian politician, actor, and film producer. Born in Nimmakuru village, Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, he was the fourth son of legendary actor and former Chief Minister N. T. Rama Rao and Nandamuri Basavatarakam, growing up in a family of eleven siblings. Harikrishna began his career in Telugu cinema as a child artist, debuting in Sri Krishnavataram (1964) and later starring in films such as Thalla? Pellama? (1970), Daana Veera Soora Karna (1977), Seetharama Raju (1999), and Lahiri Lahiri Lahirilo (2002), for which he won the Nandi Award for Best Character Actor. His work in cinema strengthened the Nandamuri family legacy and showcased his versatility as an actor and producer.
In politics, Harikrishna played a significant role in Andhra Pradesh’s governance and development. He participated in the 1995 political coup, served as MLA from Hindupur (1996–1999), and became Cabinet Minister for Road Transport, where he pioneered the employment of women as bus conductors. He also served as a Rajya Sabha MP (2008–2013), resigning in protest against the division of Andhra Pradesh. Known for bridging the worlds of cinema and politics, Harikrishna left a lasting legacy through his public service and his children, including actors N. T. Rama Rao Jr. and Kalyan Ram, and politician Suhasini.
Family and Early Years
Personal Details
- 🎂 Date of Birth
- 02 September 1956
- 📍 Place of Birth
- Nimmakuru, Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh
- 👨👩👧👦 Family
- Father: N. T. Rama Rao
- Mother: Nandamuri Basavatarakam
- Siblings: Daggubati Purandeswari
- Spouse: Lakshmi Kumari, Shalini
- Children: Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, N. T. Rama Rao Jr.
Early Career
- Nandamuri Harikrishna's professional journey began with an early foray into acting, setting the foundation for his subsequent roles in both film and politics.
- 🌱 Early Life
- Nandamuri Harikrishna was the fourth son of legendary actor and former Chief Minister N. T. Rama Rao and Nandamuri Basavatarakam.
- Harikrishna grew up in a large family, having eleven siblings — seven brothers and four sisters.
A Journey of Recognition
Career Journey
- Nandamuri Harikrishna was a prominent figure known for his multifaceted career encompassing acting, politics, and philanthropy, leaving a significant mark on Telugu cinema and Andhra Pradesh's political landscape.
- 🎬 Acting Career
- Harikrishna made his acting debut in 1964 as a child artist in Sri Krishnavataram, portraying Krishna under the direction of Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao. He went on to star in Thalla? Pellama? (1970), Tatamma Kala (1974), Ram Raheem (1974), and Daana Veera Soora Karna (1977).
- After a long break due to his political engagements, he returned as a character actor in films like Sri Ramulayya (1998), and then played full-length roles in Seetharama Raju (1999), Lahiri Lahiri Lahirilo (2002), and Seetayya (2003). For his performance in Lahiri Lahiri Lahirilo (2002), he was awarded the Nandi Award for Best Character Actor, recognizing his significant contribution to Telugu cinema.
- 🏛️ Political Career
- Harikrishna actively participated in politics from a young age. He drove his father N. T. Rama Rao’s “Chaitanya Ratham”, a customized green Chevrolet (registration ABR 7776), covering over 75,000 km during election campaigns, making it an iconic symbol in the state’s politics.
- Known for his outspoken and rebellious nature, he played a key role in the 1995 coup that temporarily dethroned his father as Chief Minister, alongside N. Chandrababu Naidu, Daggubati Venkateswara Rao, and his brother Nandamuri Balakrishna.
- He was elected as a Member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly from the Hindupur constituency in 1996 and served until 1999. During this period, he became Cabinet Minister for Road Transport and pioneered the hiring of hundreds of women bus conductors, breaking gender barriers in the State Road Transport Corporation.
- After political differences with Naidu, Harikrishna founded the Anna Telugu Desam Party (ATDP) in 1999, which failed to win any seats, leading him to rejoin the Telugu Desam Party in 2006. He maintained a bittersweet relationship with his brother-in-law, Naidu, often expressing concern over his son N. T. Rama Rao Jr. being overlooked in party ranks.
- In 2008, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha representing Andhra Pradesh. In 2013, he resigned from the seat in protest against the United Progressive Alliance government’s decision to divide the state, marking a significant stance in his political career.
Achievements and Milestones
- Nandi Award for Best Character Actor – Lahiri Lahiri Lahirilo (2002)
Additional Highlights
Contributions
- Here's a look at Nandamuri Harikrishna, a figure remembered for his diverse contributions across Telugu cinema and public service:
- 🎬 To Telugu Cinema
- Nandamuri Harikrishna made a lasting impact on Telugu cinema as both a child artist and a versatile character actor. He appeared in films such as Sri Krishnavataram, Seetharama Raju, and Lahiri Lahiri Lahirilo, winning the Nandi Award for Best Character Actor in 2002 for the latter. He also produced and acted in iconic films like Daana Veera Soora Karna, strengthening the cinematic legacy of the Nandamuri family.
- 🏛️ To Politics and Society
- Harikrishna played a significant role in Andhra Pradesh politics, participating in the 1995 political coup and serving as Cabinet Minister for Road Transport. During his tenure, he pioneered the hiring of hundreds of women as bus conductors, breaking gender barriers and promoting women’s empowerment. He served as an MLA from 1996 to 1999 and as a Rajya Sabha MP from 2008 to 2013, resigning in protest against the division of Andhra Pradesh, demonstrating his principled stance.
- 🌟 Legacy
- Through his work in cinema and politics, Harikrishna bridged the worlds of Telugu films and Andhra politics, leaving a lasting legacy carried forward by his children and the Nandamuri family, ensuring that his contributions continue to influence both spheres.
Death
- Nandamuri Harikrishna passed away on 29 August 2018.
Disclaimer
The information provided has been gathered from various sources and may have errors or discrepancies.
If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at support@imeuswe.in
