Birth Date:02 September 1956
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Nandamuri Harikrishna Biography: Life, Cinematic Legacy, Politics, and Unknown Facts!
A larger-than-life personality in Telugu cinema and Andhra Pradesh politics, Nandamuri Harikrishna occupied a distinct place in the hearts of millions. Known for his fierce screen presence, booming voice, and grounded nature, he was a successful actor, a dedicated politician, and the crucial bridge connecting generations of the legendary Nandamuri film dynasty.
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Attribute Details
Full Name: Nandamuri Harikrishna
Date of Birth: September 2, 1956
Place of Birth: Nimmakuru, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India
Passed Away: August 29, 2018 (aged 61)
Parents: Dr. N. T. Rama Rao (NTR) & Basavatarakam
Children: Jankiram (Late), Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, Jr. NTR, Suhasini
Key Accomplishments: Nandi Award for Best Character Actor (Lahiri Lahiri Lahirilo), Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), AP Transport Minister
Signature Role: Seethayya (2003)
Early Life & Cinematic Lineage
Born on September 2, 1956, in Nimmakuru, Harikrishna was the fourth son of Telugu cinema's titan and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N. T. Rama Rao (NTR).
Harikrishna entered the film world at a young age as a child artist, making his debut in the mythological classic Sri Krishnavataram (1967) as Little Arjuna. He went on to share screen space with his father in landmark films like Talla? Pellama? (1970), Tatamma Kala (1974), and Daana Veera Soura Madhava (1977), where he played the iconic role of Arjuna.
The Career Trajectory: Actor, Chaitanya Ratham Chauffeur, and Mass Star
[1967–1977: Child Artist & Youth Roles in NTR Classics]
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[1982–1983: Driver of NTR's Historic Chaitanya Ratham Campaign]
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[1996–1999: Entry into Active Politics & AP Cabinet Minister]
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[1999: Screen Comeback as Hero in Sita Ramaraju]
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[2002–2003: Peak Mass Stardom with Lahiri Lahiri Lahirilo & Seethayya]
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[2008–2014: Rajya Sabha MP & Senior TDP Leader]
1. The Historic "Chaitanya Ratham" Driver (1982–1983)
Before achieving his second inning as a leading hero, Harikrishna played an unprecedented role in Indian political history. When NTR launched the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in 1982, Harikrishna personally drove the iconic Chaitanya Ratham—a modified Chevrolet van—covering over 75,000 kilometers across Andhra Pradesh. His tireless driving ensured NTR could address millions, directly contributing to the TDP's historic election victory in 1983.
2. The Heroic Comeback (1999–2005)
After a long hiatus from full-time acting during which he served as the Transport Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Harikrishna made a sensational return to the silver screen in Nagarjuna's multi-starrer Sita Ramaraju (1999).
His portrayal of an aggressive, righteous brother re-established him as a powerhouse performer. This was followed by YVS Chowdary's hit family drama Lahiri Lahiri Lahirilo (2002), which earned Harikrishna the Nandi Award for Best Character Actor.
In 2003, he starred in the mass action blockbusters Seethayya and Tiger Harischandra Prasad. His line "Seethayya Evari Maata Vinadu" from Seethayya became a permanent pop-culture catchphrase across Telugu households.
Landmark Filmography
Year Film Title Role / Character Key Significance / Impact
1967 Sri Krishnavataram Young Arjuna Acting debut as a child artist alongside NTR.
1970 Talla? Pellama? Supporting Role Critically acclaimed social drama.
1974 Tatamma Kala Venkatesh Directed by NTR; highlighted rural values.
1977 Daana Veera Soura Madhava Arjuna Iconic mythological role co-starring NTR and Balakrishna.
1999 Sita Ramaraju Ramaraju Powerful screen comeback alongside Akkineni Nagarjuna.
2002 Lahiri Lahiri Lahirilo Haripal Won Nandi Award for Best Character Actor.
2003 Seethayya Seethayya Solo cult classic blockbuster; cemented his mass stardom.
2003 Tiger Harischandra Prasad Harischandra Prasad High-intensity action political drama.
2004 Swabyabhisekam Hari Family drama exploring human values.
2005 Sravanamasam Trinetri Multi-starrer family entertainer.
5 Interesting Facts About Nandamuri Harikrishna
1. Drove 75,000+ km for Political History: Harikrishna was the exclusive driver of NTR's Chaitanya Ratham during the 1982 campaign trail, sleeping inside the vehicle and maintaining it himself for months.
2. Father of Modern Telugu Superstars: He is the father of two major current stars of Telugu cinema—Nandamuri Kalyan Ram and global star Jr. NTR (Tarak)—both of whom frequently honor his legacy in their films.
3. Refused Body Doubles for Action Scenes: Known for his physical toughness, Harikrishna insisted on performing heavy stunt sequences and high-decibel dialogue delivery without relying heavily on dupes during his peak as an action lead in the early 2000s.
4. Resigned MP Seat Over State Division: As a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha representing TDP, Harikrishna resigned from his parliamentary position in 2013 to protest the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.
5. Passion for Automobiles: Harikrishna had a lifelong fascination with driving and automobiles. Tragically, his life came to an abrupt end on August 29, 2018, in a fatal car crash while driving to attend a fan's wedding in Telangana.
Nandamuri Harikrishna's films' availability: You can watch Nandamuri Harikrishna's films on B4U Movies Channels of India, UK, USA, Canada, and UAE. You can check country-specific schedule pages here.
- B4U Movies India
- B4U Kadak India
- B4U Movies UK
- B4U Movies USA
- B4U Movies Canada
- B4U Plus UAE
