S. V. Ranga Rao
Samarla Venkata Ranga Rao | |
---|---|
Born | 3 July 1918 Nuzvidu, Krishna dist, Andhra Pradesh, India |
Died | 18 July 1974 (aged 56) Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
Other names | SVR, Viswanata Chakravarthi |
Occupation(s) | Film Actor, Producer, Director |
Spouse |
Leelavathi (m. 1947) |
Awards | Rashtrapati Award International Honor |
Signature | |
Samarla Venkata Ranga Rao (3 July 1918 – 18 July 1974), popularly known as S.V.R., was an Indian film actor, director and producer known for his works in Telugu cinema and Tamil cinema. Regarded as one of the finest method actors in the history of cinema and one of the greatest actors in Telugu Cinema, Rao was popularly known as "Viswa Nata Chakravarthi".[1] Throughout his film career, which spanned a total of thirty years, Rao garnered various National Honors, International Honors, State Nandi Awards, and the Filmfare Special Award - South.[1][2] In 1951, Rao appeared in the fantasy film, Pathala Bhairavi, screened at the first India International Film Festival, held in Mumbai on 24 January 1952.[3] Rao received wide reception for his portrayal of Nepala Manthrikudu the tantric in the super-hit film.[4]
Rao was known for his natural acting style, portraying complex - social, biographical, and mythological characters such as - Ghatotkacha in Maya Bazaar (1957) which is regarded as the "greatest Indian film of all time" by CNN-India Poll, and was screened at the 1957 International Film Festival of India and the Indonesian Film Festival; Mayasura in Bhookailas (1958); Bhoja in Mahakavi Kalidasu (1960) which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu. In 1964, Rao received the Best Actor Award for his portrayal of Kichaka in Nartanasala (1963) at the Third Afro-Asian Film Festival held in Jakarta,[5] becoming the only Indian actor to have ever garnered the honor.[6][7] In the same year, he received Filmfare Special Award - South for his performance in Naanum Oru Penn. He then essayed Duryodhana in the blockbuster Pandava Vanavasamu (1965); Hiranyakashipu in Bhakta Prahlada (1967), which won the Nandi Award for Second Best Feature Film; and Ravana in Sampoorna Ramayanamu (1971) to name a few.[8][9]
Rao has made his foray as a character actor in super-hits such as Mana Desam (1949), Palletoori Pilla (1950), Devadasu (1953), Bangaru Papa (1954), Raju Peda (1954), Thodi Kodallu (1957), Chenchu Lakshmi (1958), Pelli Naati Pramanalu (1958), Nammina Bantu (1959), Gundamma Katha (1962), Sarada (1962), Annai (1962), Karpagam (1963), Naanum Oru Penn (1963), Bobbili Yudham (1964), Bandhavyalu (1968), Lakshmi Nivasam (1968), Prem Nagar (1971), Dasara Bullodu (1971) and Vasantha Maligai (1972). Since he is considered as the golden standard for acting, the Andhra Pradesh Government instituted an award in his memory, presented to the best character acting performance of every year, known as the S.V. Ranga Rao Award for Best Actor.[1]
Early life
Rao was born in Dowlaiswaram near Rajahmundry in East Godavari District to a Telugu Speaking family. Samarla Lakshmi was his mother and Samarla Gotteswara Rao, an excise inspector at Nuzvidu town in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, India, was his father.[8][9] His mother, Lakshmi Narasayamma, a staunch devotee of Lord Venkateswara, named the boy after him. Rao was sent to the erstwhile Madras Presidency where he completed his schooling at Hindu College. At an early age of 12, he showed interest in stage action, he ventured into acting after completing his bachelor's degree in sciences.[8][9]
Cinema
S.V.R. got an invitation from one of his relatives, B.V. Ramanandam, to play the lead actor in his film Varoodhini. He immediately abandoned the job, and left for Salem to join the celluloid world. In fact, it was a great beginning for the young man when the film was released. However, S.V.R. left the Madras presidency and reached Jamshedpur, where he took up the job as a budget assistant with the Tata Company. However, his love for dramas began to bloom multifold. At this juncture, he married Leelavathi Badeti on 27 December 1947. In the days that followed, S.V.R. was given an opportunity to appear in Palletoori Pilla, produced by B. A. Subba Rao.[8] Rao was offered his first lead antagonist role by Vijaya Pictures.[9]
Characters essayed
- Akbar in Anarkali
- Banasura in Usha Parinayam
- Bhishma in Bala Bharatam
- Bhoja in Mahakavi Kalidasu
- Daksha in Dakshayagnam
- Duryodhana in Pandava Vanavasam
- Ghatotkacha in Mayabazar
- Harischandra in Harischandra
- Hiranyakashipu in Bhakta Prahlada
- Kamsa in Yashoda Krishna and Srikrishna Leelalu
- Keechaka in Narthanasala
- Ugrasena in Guna Sundari
- Mayasura in Bhookailas
- Narakasura in Vinayaka Chaviti
- Rajaraja Narendra in Sarangadhara
- Ravana in Sampoorna Ramayanam
- Tandra Paparayudu in Bobbili Yuddham
- Yama in Sati Savitri
- Narakasura in Deepavali
Personal life and Death
Ranga Rao married Leelavati, daughter of Badeti Venkata Ramaiah and Koteswaramma on 27 December 1947. They have three children: two daughters, Vijaya and Prameela and a son, Koteswara Rao.[8] Rao had a cardiac arrest at Hyderabad in February 1974. He was admitted to Osmania General Hospital, and then discharged. Another attack on 18 July 1974 at Madras proved fatal and the actor died before any medical treatment could be administered.[8]
Awards
- International honors
- Best Actor Award for his portrayal of Keechaka in Nartanasala at the Third Afro-Asian Film Festival held in Jakarta - (1963)[5][6][7]
- Rashtrapati Award for Best Acting
- Annai (1962)[1]
- Sarada (1962)[1]
- Naanum Oru Penn (1963)[1]
- Karpagam (1963)[1]
- Nartanasala (1963)[1]
- Bandhavyalu (1968)[10]
- Nandi Award for Best Feature Film (Director)
- Chadarangam (1967) - Silver Nandi[11]
- Bandhavyalu (1968) - Gold Nandi[10]
- Filmfare Special Award - South for Naanum Oru Penn (1963)[1]
- Other honors
- He was given the distinguished names as Viswa Nata Chakravarti, Nata Sarvabhouma, Nata Sekhara, Nata Simha.[1]
Selected filmography
Actor
Year | Film | Language | Character | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1947 | Varudhini | Telugu | Debut Film | |
1949 | Mana Desam | Telugu | ||
1950 | Bhale Papa | Telugu | Blind person | |
1950 | Palletoori Pilla | Telugu | Taatha | |
1950 | Shavukaru | Telugu | Sunnapu Rangadu | |
1950 | Tirugubatu | Telugu | ||
1951 | Akasharaju | Telugu | ||
1951 | Navvite Navaratnalu | Telugu | ||
1951 | Pathala Bhairavi | Telugu
Tamil |
Nepala Mantrikudu | screened at the 1st International Film Festival of India |
1952 | Daasi | Telugu | ||
1952 | Kalyanam Panni Paar | Tamil | ||
1952 | Palletooru | Telugu | Ganapati | |
1952 | Pelli Chesi Choodu | Telugu | Zamindar Veeyanna | |
1953 | Bratuku Theruvu | Telugu | Zamindar | |
1953 | Chandirani | Telugu | Prachandudu | |
1953 | Chandirani | Tamil | Prachandudu | |
1953 | Devdas | Tamil | ||
1953 | Devadasu | Telugu | Zamindar Narayana Rao | |
1953 | Jatakam | Telugu | ||
1953 | Jatakaphalam | Telugu | ||
1953 | Pardesi | Telugu | Rangadu | |
1953 | Pempudu Koduku | Telugu | ||
1953 | Poongothai | Tamil | ||
1953 | Rohini | Tamil | ||
1953 | Sangham | Telugu | ||
1954 | Annadata | Telugu | ||
1954 | Anta Manavalle | Telugu | Jagannatham | |
1954 | Bangaru Papa | Telugu | Kotayya | National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu |
1954 | Chandraharam | Tamil | ||
1954 | Chandraharam | Telugu | Dhoomakethu | |
1954 | Chakrapani | Telugu | ||
1954 | Rajee Naa Pranam | Telugu | ||
1954 | Rajee En Kanmani | Tamil | Rich man | |
1954 | Raju Peda | Telugu | King | |
1954 | Thuli Visham | Tamil | Naga Nadu King VeeraMarththandan | |
1955 | Anarkali | Telugu | Akbar | |
1955 | Guna Sundari Katha | Telugu | King Ugrasena | |
1955 | Jayasimha | Telugu | Rudrasimha | |
1955 | Missamma | Telugu | Gopalam | |
1955 | Missiamma | Tamil | Gopalan | |
1955 | Santanam | Telugu | Rangayya | |
1956 | Charana Daasi | Telugu | Raghavaiah | |
1956 | Chintamani | Telugu | ||
1956 | Kanakatara | Telugu | ||
1956 | Naan Petra Selvam | Tamil | ||
1956 | Mathar Kula Manickam | Tamil | ||
1957 | Allauddin Adhbhuta Deepam | Telugu | Jaffer, the magician | |
1957 | Allavudeenum Arputha Vilakkum | Tamil | ||
1957 | Maya Bazaar | Telugu | Ghatotkajudu | |
1957 | Maya Bazaar | Tamil | Ghadotgajan | |
1957 | Pathini Deivam | Tamil | ||
1957 | Repu Neede | Telugu | ||
1957 | Sarangadhara | Telugu | Raja Raja Narendrudu | |
1957 | Sati Savitri | Telugu | Yamudu | |
1957 | Soubhagyavathi | Tamil | Maha Bhairavan, Bad Magician | |
1957 | Engal Veettu Mahalakshmi | Tamil | Lawyer Ganapathi | |
1957 | Thodi Kodallu | Telugu | Kutumba Rao | National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu |
1957 | Vinayaka Chaviti | Telugu | Narakasurudu | |
1958 | Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu | Telugu | Diwan Bahadur Mukunda Rao | |
1958 | Bhookailas | Telugu | Maayasura | |
1958 | Bommala Pelli | Telugu | ||
1958 | Chenchu Lakshmi | Tamil | Hiranyakashipa | |
1958 | Chenchu Lakshmi | Telugu | Hiranyakashipu | |
1958 | Kadan Vaangi Kalyanam | Tamil | ||
1958 | Annaiyin Aanai | Tamil | ||
1958 | Bommai Kalyanam | Tamil | Veeramuthu | |
1958 | Kudumba Gouravam | Tamil | ||
1958 | Mangalya Balam | Telugu | ||
1958 | Pelli Naati Pramanalu | Telugu | Bheemasena Rao | National Film Award For Best Feature Film in Telugu |
1958 | Sabaash Meena | Tamil | Appadorai | |
1958 | Anbu Engey | Tamil | Masilamani Mudaliar | |
1958 | Thirumanam | Tamil | Damodharam | |
1958 | Sarangadhara | Tamil | King Narendra | |
1959 | Aval Yar | Tamil | ||
1959 | Bhakta Ambarisha | Telugu | ||
1959 | Jayabheri | Telugu | Vijayananda Ramagajapati | |
1959 | Kalaivanan | Tamil | ||
1959 | Krishna Leelalu | Telugu | ||
1959 | Nammina Bantu | Telugu | National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu | |
1959 | Raja Sevai | Tamil | ||
1959 | Manjal Mahimai | Tamil | ||
1959 | Rechukka Pagatichukka | Telugu | ||
1959 | Vazhkai Oppantham | Tamil | ||
1960 | Bhatti Vikramarka | Telugu | Maantrikudu | |
1960 | Deepavali | Telugu | Narakasurudu | |
1960 | Devanthakudu | Telugu | ||
1960 | Harishchandra | Telugu | Harischandra Maharaju | |
1960 | Irumputhirai | Tamil | ||
1960 | Mahakavi Kalidasu | Telugu | Bhoja Raju | National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu |
1960 | Mamaku Tagga Alludu | Telugu | ||
1960 | Naan Kanda Sorgam | Tamil | ||
1960 | Padikkadha Medhai | Tamil | ||
1960 | Pattaliyin Vetri | Tamil | ||
1960 | Parthiban Kanavu | Tamil | King Narasimhavarman | |
1960 | Petra Manam | Tamil | ||
1960 | Vidivelli | Tamil | ||
1961 | Ellam Unnakkaga | Tamil | ||
1961 | Kalasivunte Kaladu Sukham | Telugu | ||
1961 | Kappalottiya Thamizhan | Tamil | ||
1961 | Kumudham | Tamil | Public Prosecutor, Shanthi's father | |
1961 | Krishna Prema | Telugu | ||
1961 | Pangaaligal | Tamil | One of the 3 Partners | |
1961 | Pelli Thambulam | Telugu | ||
1961 | Sati Sulochana | Telugu | ||
1961 | Usha Parinayam | Telugu | Banasura | |
1962 | Atma Bandhuvu | Telugu | Father | |
1962 | Bandha Pasam | Tamil | ||
1962 | Dakshayagnam | Telugu | Daksha | |
1962 | Padithal Mattum Podhuma | Tamil | ||
1962 | Deivathin Deivam | Tamil | ||
1962 | Muthu Mandapam | Tamil | ||
1962 | Nichaya Thaamboolam | Tamil | Ranganathan | |
1962 | Sarada | Tamil | Rashtrapati Award for Best actor National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil | |
1962 | Gaali Medalu | Telugu | ||
1962 | Gundamma Katha | Telugu | Ramabhadraiah | |
1962 | Kaathiruntha Kangal | Tamil | ||
1962 | Manchi Manasulu | Telugu | ||
1962 | Manithan Maravillai | Tamil | ||
1962 | Padandi Munduku | Telugu | ||
1962 | Sri Srikakula Andhra Mahavishnuvu Katha | Telugu | Suchandrasena Maharaju | |
1962 | Tiger Ramudu | Telugu | ||
1962 | Annai | Tamil | Rashtrapati Award for Best actor National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil | |
1962 | Visha Binduvu | Telugu | ||
1962 | Kavitha | Tamil | ||
1963 | Annai Illam | Tamil | ||
1963 | Iruvar Ullam | Tamil | ||
1963 | Kalyaniyin Kanavan | Tamil | Kalyani's Father | |
1963 | Kungumam | Tamil | Punniyakodi / James / Sambasivam | |
1963 | Needhikkuppin Paasam | Tamil | ||
1963 | Karpagam | Tamil | Rashtrapati Award for Best actor National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil | |
1963 | Narthanasala | Telugu | Keechakudu | Best Lead Actor - 3rd Afro Asian Film Festival, Jakarta Rashtrapati Award for Best actor |
1963 | Thobuttuvulu | Telugu | ||
1963 | Naanum Oru Penn | Tamil | Rashtrapati Award for Best actor Filmfare Special Award - South Filmfare Award for Best Film – Tamil National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil | |
1964 | Bobbili Yudham | Telugu | Tandra Paparayudu | |
1964 | Kai Kodutha Deivam | Tamil | ||
1964 | Main Bhi Ladki Hoon | Hindi | ||
1964 | Murali Krishna | Telugu | Father of Murali | |
1964 | Ramudu Bheemudu | Telugu | ||
1964 | Server Sundaram | Tamil | ||
1964 | Pachai Vilakku | Tamil | ||
1964 | Velugu Needalu | Telugu | Rao Bahadur Venkataramaiah | |
1965 | Enga Veetu Pillai | Tamil | Father of Saroja Devi | |
1965 | Kakkum Karangal | Tamil | ||
1965 | Aadabrathuku | Telugu | ||
1965 | Naadi Aada Janme | Telugu | ||
1965 | Pandava Vanavasam | Telugu | Duryodhanudu | |
1965 | Vaazhkai Padagu | Tamil | Rajan Father | |
1965 | Paditha Manaivi | Tamil | ||
1966 | Aata Bommalu | Telugu | ||
1965 | Sati Sakkubai | Telugu | ||
1965 | Todu Needa | Telugu | ||
1966 | Chilaka Gorinka | Telugu | ||
1966 | Kumari Penn | Tamil | Grandfather of Shyamala | |
1966 | Selvam | Tamil | ||
1966 | Thedi Vandha Thirumagal | Tamil | ||
1966 | Thattungal Thirakkappadum | Tamil | Church Father | |
1966 | Mohini Bhasmasura | Kannada | ||
1966 | Ramu | Telugu | ||
1967 | Pesum Dheivam | Tamil | ||
1967 | Bhakta Prahlada | Tamil | ||
1967 | Bhakta Prahlada | Telugu | Hiraynakashipudu | Nandi Award for Best Feature Film |
1967 | Chadarangam | Telugu | Nandi Award for Best Feature Film | |
1967 | Rahasyam | Telugu | ||
1967 | Thaikku Thalaimagan | Tamil | Father of Malathi | |
1967 | Kan Kanda Deivam | Tamil | The Landlord | |
1968 | Bandhavyalu | Telugu | Nandi Award for Best Actor Nandi Award for Best Feature Film | |
1968 | Bandhipotu Dongalu | Telugu | Bandipotu Malludora | |
1968 | Lakshmi Nivasam | Telugu | ||
1968 | Chinnari Papalu | Telugu | ||
1968 | Poovum Pottum | Tamil | Professor Raja Rathinam | |
1969 | Nam Naadu | Tamil | Dharmalingham | |
1969 | Sivandha Mann | Tamil | ||
1969 | Kula Vilakku | Tamil | ||
1969 | Kuzhandhai Ullam | Tamil | ||
1969 | Mooga Nomu | Telugu | ||
1971 | Dasara Bullodu | Telugu | Bhushaiah | |
1971 | Debbaku Tha Dongala Mutha | Telugu | ||
1971 | Praptham | Tamil | ||
1971 | Thenum Paalum | Tamil | ||
1971 | Irulum Oliyum | Tamil | ||
1971 | Aathi Parasakthi | Tamil | Dhakshan | |
1971 | Prem Nagar | Telugu | Zamindar | |
1971 | Sampoorna Ramayanam | Telugu | Ravana | |
1971 | Vidhyarthigale Ithile Ithile | Malayalam | Principal | |
1972 | Bala Bharatam | Telugu | Bheeshma | |
1972 | Iddaru Ammayilu | Telugu | Lawyer Narayan Rao | |
1972 | Kathula Rathaiah | Telugu | ||
1972 | Koduku Kodalu | Telugu | ||
1972 | Pandanti Kapuram | Telugu | Head of the family | |
1972 | Papam Pasivaadu | Telugu | Venugopal | |
1972 | Tata Manavadu | Telugu | Grandfather Rangaiah | Nandi Award for Best Feature Film |
1972 | Vasantha Maligai | Tamil | ||
1972 | vazhaiyadi vazhai | Tamil | ||
1973 | Anbu Sagodharargal | Tamil | Elder Brother | |
1973 | Devudu Chesina Manushulu | Telugu | ||
1973 | Minor Babu | Telugu | ||
1973 | Samsaram Sagaram | Telugu | Nandi Award for Best Feature Film | |
1974 | Andaru Dongale | Telugu | Chanti Babu | |
1974 | Bangaru Kalalu | Telugu | ||
1974 | Chakravakam | Telugu | ||
1974 | Gali Patalu | Telugu | ||
1974 | Inti Kodalu | Telugu | ||
1974 | Premalu Pellilu | Telugu | ||
1974 | Pillai Selvam | Tamil | ||
1974 | Sivakamyin Selvan | Tamil | Last film in tamil | |
1975 | Yashoda Krishna | Telugu | Kamsa | Last film in telugu |
Director
- Bandhavyalu (1968)
- Chadarangam (1967)
Producer
- Bandhavyalu (1968) (producer)
- Chadarangam (1967) (producer)
- Naadi Aada Janme (1965) (producer)
- Sukhadukhalu (1969)
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Sanmana Satkaralu, Viswa Nata Chakravarti, M. Sanjay Kishore, Sangam Akademy, Hyderabad, 2005, pp: 65.
- ^ Narasimham, M. l (21 July 2013). "PELLI CHESI CHOODU (1952)" – via The Hindu.
- ^ "::Directorate Of Film Festivals::". Archived from the original on 28 May 2015.
- ^ "4th National Film Awards" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. Retrieved 2 September 2011.
- ^ a b "Directorate of Film Festival" (PDF).
- ^ a b "SVR's versatility remembered". 19 July 2010 – via The Hindu.
- ^ a b Lindsay, Jennifer (1 January 2012). "Heirs to World Culture: Being Indonesian, 1950-1965". BRILL – via Google Books.
- ^ a b c d e f Mahabhinishkramana, Viswa Nata Chakravarti, M. Sanjay Kishore, Sangam Akademy, Hyderabad, 2005, pp: 69-70.
- ^ a b c d "S.V. Ranga Rao's bronze statue unveiled". 19 July 2010 – via The Hindu.
- ^ a b "Nandi Awards - 1968 - Winners & Nominees".
- ^ "Nandi Awards - 1967 - Winners & Nominees".
- 1918 births
- 1974 deaths
- Telugu male actors
- Male actors in Tamil cinema
- Recipients of the Rashtrapati Award
- Filmfare Awards South winners
- Tamil Nadu State Film Awards winners
- Telugu film directors
- Nandi Award winners
- 20th-century Indian film directors
- 20th-century Indian male actors
- People from Krishna district
- Male actors from Andhra Pradesh
- Indian male film actors
- Male actors in Telugu cinema
- Telugu film producers
- Film directors from Andhra Pradesh
- Film producers from Andhra Pradesh