Dussehra, a widely celebrated festival across India, represents the triumph of good over evil. According to Hindu devotional belief, this day commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana of Lanka, a story central to the epic Ramayana. This tale has been brought to life numerous times on screen, with many actors becoming legendary for their portrayals of both Lord Rama and Ravana. However, there is only one actor who has portrayed both these iconic characters, and in such an unforgettable way that temples were built in his honor.
For today’s younger generation, the name “NTR” may refer to Jr. NTR, but for true Telugu cinema enthusiasts, the initials will always signify the original NT Rama Rao, a colossal figure in Indian cinema. Sr. NTR is the only actor who has played both Lord Rama and Ravana on the big screen. Additionally, he portrayed Lord Krishna in a record 17 films. NTR first appeared as Lord Rama in the 1963 film Lava Kusa, a role he continued to portray in subsequent films. However, before this, he had already played Ravana in the 1958 film Bhookailas. Although Bhookailas did not succeed at the box office, NTR’s defining portrayal of Ravana came in the 1961 classic Seetharama Kalyanam. His expertise in mythological dramas made him a revered figure for Telugu audiences throughout the 1960s and 70s. Eventually, he transitioned to playing heroic, Robin Hood-like characters, which bolstered his popularity and helped pave the way for his entry into politics later in life.
By the mid-1960s, NTR had achieved unparalleled stardom in Telugu cinema. Through his portrayals of divine figures such as Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu, he was revered almost like a deity. His home in Hyderabad became a pilgrimage site for his fans, who would visit to pay their respects before going to actual temples. During the 1970s, several temples were built in his name across Andhra Pradesh, showcasing him in his Rama and Krishna avatars. However, reports suggest that NTR was not entirely pleased with this practice.
In 1982, NTR took a step back from acting and founded the Telugu Desam Party. The following year, his party won the Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, and NTR became the state’s Chief Minister, a position he held for three terms until 1995. NTR passed away in January 1996 at the age of 72, leaving behind an enduring legacy not only in Indian cinema but also in politics.
His influence extended beyond his own career. NTR was the patriarch of the Nandamuri family, a prominent name in Telugu cinema. His sons Chaitanya Krishna and Saikrishna are producers, while his fifth son, Nandamuri Balakrishna, is one of the most celebrated actors of his time. His fourth son, Harikrishna, was also an actor but passed away at a young age. Jr. NTR, a major star in his own right, is the son of Harikrishna, further cementing NTR’s enduring influence in the industry.
