The Telugu film industry, also known as Tollywood, is one of the largest film industries in India. It is based in Hyderabad and produces films in the Telugu language. Telugu cinema has a huge fan following not just in the Telugu speaking states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, but across the world. Some of the most popular and influential actors, directors and musicians in India have emerged from the Telugu film industry.
Famous Telugu Actors
Here are some of the most popular and acclaimed actors in Tollywood history:
- N.T. Rama Rao: Fondly known as NTR, he is considered one of the greatest and most influential actors in Telugu cinema. He was known for his mythological roles. Some of his best films are Mayabazar, Dana Veera Soora Karna, Lava Kusa.
- Akkineni Nageswara Rao: He was one of the first Telugu actors to gain recognition across India. He acted in over 255 films in a career spanning over seven decades. Some of his memorable films are Prem Nagar, Premabhishekam, Bangaru Papa.
- Krishna: A romantic hero in the 1960s-70s, he holds the Guinness World Record for acting in the most number of films (724). Some of his popular films are Goodachari 116, James Bond 777, Agent Gopi.
- Chiranjeevi: Known as the megastar of Telugu cinema, he has acted in over 150 films. He is known for his mass appeal and dance moves. Some of his best works are Indra, Tagore, Shankar Dada M.B.B.S.
- Pawan Kalyan: Younger brother of Chiranjeevi, he has cultivated a loyal fan following over 20 years in Tollywood. His popular films include Thammudu, Badri, Gabbar Singh.
- Mahesh Babu: Son of veteran actor Krishna, he is one of the reigning young stars of Telugu cinema today. Some of his noteworthy films are Athadu, Pokiri, Businessman.
- Jr NTR: Grandson of NTR, he is known for his versatile acting and dancing skills. His acclaimed films include Simhadri, Yamadonga, Nannaku Prematho.
- Prabhas: After many years of hardwork, he shot to nationwide fame with the Baahubali series. His other popular films are Varsham, Chhatrapati, Mirchi.
- Allu Arjun: With his dashing persona and dancing talent, he has built a strong fanbase in Telugu cinema. His best works include Arya, Parugu, Race Gurram.
Famous Telugu Actresses
Some of the most acclaimed and popular actresses from the Telugu film industry include:
- Savitri: She was one of the first female superstars not just in Telugu, but Indian cinema. She acted in over 300 films in multiple languages. Some of her Telugu hits are Devadasu, Chivaraku Migiledi, Vipranarayana.
- Anjali Devi: She was regarded as one of the finest Method actors of India. She acted in over 250 films and was known for her natural acting. Some of her best works are Suvarna Sundari, Raksharekha, Samsaram.
- Bhanumathi Ramakrishna: A multitalented actress who was also a director, music composer and singer. Some of her noted films are Pelli Chesi Choodu, Chintamani, Kanna Talli.
- Jayaprada: She enjoyed tremendous success in the 1970s-80s in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi cinema. Her popular Telugu films are Yamagola, Siri Siri Muvva, Devatha.
- Suhasini: She is known for portraying strong character roles on screen. Her acclaimed films include Swati Mutyam, Sutradharulu, Indra.
- Soundarya: She was a popular lead actress in the 1990s known for her glamorous roles. Some of her hits include Ammoru, Raja, Anaganaga Oka Roju.
- Samantha: She is currently one of the most sought-after actresses in Telugu cinema, delivering many successful films like Ye Maaya Chesave, Theri, Majili.
- Kajal Aggarwal: With her girl-next-door appeal, she has starred opposite all the big heroes and given many hits like Magadheera, Darling, Mersal.
- Tamannaah: She is known as the Milky Beauty of Tollywood and acts in Tamil films as well. Her popular Telugu movies are Happy Days, Racha, Baahubali.
Famed Telugu Directors
Some of the most acclaimed film directors from Telugu cinema include:
- K. Vishwanath: A legendary director, he is known for classical and music-based cinema like Sankarabharanam, Sagara Sangamam, Swati Mutyam.
- Bapu: He directed many socially relevant films which also won critical acclaim, like Sakshi, Mutyala Muggu, Seethakoka Chiluka.
- Dasari Narayana Rao: He holds the Guinness Record for directing the most number of films (151). Some of his noteworthy works are Meghasandesam, Khaidi No. 786, Gorintaku.
- Jandhyala: He spearheaded a new wave cinema in the 80s and 90s with lighthearted family entertainers like Chantabbai, Aha Naa Pellanta, Srivariki Premalekha.
- S.S. Rajamouli:today so immediately is maker in Indian cinema today, known for visual wonder Baahubali arrangement and the Magadheera. He is known for his multistarrers like Sye, Chatrapathi.
- Trivikram Srinivas: One of the most successful contemporary Telugu directors, his popular films include Athadu, Jalsa, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo.
- Boyapati Srinu: He makes mass action entertainers which have huge box office success like Bhadra, Simha, Sarrainodu.
- Surender Reddy: Known for his slick action thrillers like Kick, Race Gurram, Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy.
Renowned Music Directors
Telugu cinema has been blessed with many talented music composers over the decades:
- Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao: The greatest of all Telugu music composers and a legendary playback singer. Known for classics like Devadasu, Maya Bazar, Gundamma Katha.
- Pendyala Nageswara Rao: Composed soulful melodies in over 250 films like Batasari, Bhale Ramudu, Premabhishekam.
- Saluri Rajeswara Rao: Revolutionized Telugu film music with his fresh tunes in Pathala Bhairavi, Mayabazar, Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari.
- K. V. Mahadevan: This doyen composer scored music for 40 Telugu films including hits like Sarada, Mooga Manasulu, Bangaru Panjaram.
- Ramesh Naidu: Delivered many chartbusters in the 1970s like Jeevana Tarangalu, Krishnaveni, Devi.
- Ilaiyaraaja: This maestro has composed songs for Telugu films like Sagara Sangamam, Rudraveena, Seethakoka Chiluka.
- M. M. Keeravani: One of the most successful contemporary composers, with hits like Annamayya, Baahubali, Jai Chiranjeeva.
- Devi Sri Prasad: The current favorite composer among youngsters known for peppy albums like Varsham, Chatrapathi, Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu.
Legendary Lyricists
Telugu cinema has been blessed with many stellar lyricists and poets like:
- Samudrala Raghavacharya: Wrote soulful lyrics for over 3,000 songs like in classics like Bangaru Papa, Devadasu, Gundamma Katha.
- Acharya Aatreya: Penned meaningful lyrics for over 3000 songs in films like Mayabazar, Andhala Ramudu, Sri Krishnavataram.
- Arudra: His timeless lyrics can be heard in films like Maya Bazaar, Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari, Pelli Chesi Choodu.
- Devulapalli Krishnasastri: Wrote stirring patriotic numbers and thoughtful lyrics for films like Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam, Sri Rama Pattabhishekam.
- Veturi Sundararama Murthy: The legendary lyricist wrote over 5000 songs in films like Sankarabharanam, Sagara Sangamam, Sirivennela.
- Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry: His poetic lyrics uplifted many films like Gaayam, Khadgam, Gamyam in the last 3 decades.
Legendary Singers
Telugu cinema is blessed with a long list of gifted playback singers. Some all-time greats include:
- Ghantasala: The greatest Telugu singer with a divine voice. Sang over 100,000 songs in Telugu and other languages.
- P. Susheela: Guinness record holder for singing most number of songs. Sang unforgettable melodies in Telugu.
- S. Janaki: Sang over 48,000 songs including Telugu hits across 5 decades.
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam: Holder of Guinness record for singing most songs, with many in Telugu.
- P. Leela: Her soulful singing enhanced many Telugu films between the 1940s-70s.
- Vani Jairam: Recorded many hit songs in the 1970s-80s in Telugu.
- S. P. Sailaja: Popular singer in the 80s and 90s known for her soft melodies.
- Chitra: Prominent singer who has sung popular numbers in the 90s till present.
- Usha Mangeshkar: Recorded many superhit songs in Telugu in a brief span.
Conclusion
The Telugu film industry has given Indian cinema many unforgettable artists, technicians and musicians over the decades. While contemporary Telugu cinema is thriving with new talent, the old legends continue to inspire current and future generations. The contribution of all these famous personalities is what makes Tollywood filmmaking rich, vibrant and glorious.
