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N. T. Rama Rao Jr. Actor
Born on May 20, 1983, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr. – N. T. Rama Rao Jr., widely known as Jr. N.T.R. or Tarak, is a prominent figure in Telugu cinema. He hails from a distinguished lineage, being the grandson of the iconic Telugu actor and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. T. Rama Rao Sr. His cinematic journey began early, appearing as a child actor in renowned works like “Brahmarshi Viswamitra” (1991) and “Ramayanam” (1997), which earned him the National Film Award for Best Children’s Film.
Transitioning into leading roles, he debuted with “Ninnu Choodalani” in 2001, swiftly rising to fame with films like “Student No. 1” (2001) and “Aadi” (2002). Over the years, he solidified his position as a top-tier actor with hits like “Simhadri” (2003), “Yamadonga” (2007), “Adhurs” (2010), and “Nannaku Prematho” (2016), among others. His portrayal in “RRR” (2022) marked a significant milestone in his career, becoming his highest-grossing release.
Not limited to acting, N. T. Rama Rao Jr. ventured into hosting, notably leading the first season of the Telugu reality TV show “Bigg Boss” in 2017. Additionally, he took on the role of hosting the fifth season of “Evaru Meelo Koteeswarulu” in 2021. Recognized for his dynamic performances and action-packed roles, N. T. Rama Rao Jr. continues to shine as a leading star in the Telugu film industry, carrying forward the legacy of his illustrious family.
Early and Personal Life
N. T. Rama Rao Jr. actively campaigned for the Telugu Desam Party during the 2009 Indian general election in Andhra Pradesh from April to May 2009. On March 26, 2009, while traveling to Hyderabad after campaigning, the SUV he was traveling in collided head-on with another vehicle in Suryapet. Rama Rao and his companions were ejected from the SUV and sustained injuries. He received treatment at the Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences in Secunderabad and recovered well. 2014, he once again contributed ₹20 Lakhs to the CM’s Relief Fund to aid those affected by Cyclone Hudhud in Andhra Pradesh.
Born on May 20, 1983, N. T. Rama Rao Jr. is the son of film actor and politician Nandamuri Harikrishna and Shalini Bhaskar Rao. His father, of Telugu descent, hails from Nimmakuru in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. His mother, a Kannadiga, is from Kundapur, Karnataka. He is the grandson of Telugu actor and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. T. Rama Rao. Originally named Tarak, he was renamed N. T. Rama Rao at the suggestion of his grandfather.
N. T. Rama Rao Jr. attended Vidyaranya High School in Hyderabad for his schooling and completed his intermediate education at St. Mary’s College, Hyderabad. He also spent some time studying in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh.
A proficient Kuchipudi dancer, N. T. Rama Rao Jr. is the half-brother of actor and producer Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, the nephew of actor and politician Nandamuri Balakrishna and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, and the cousin of actor Taraka Ratna and politician Nara Lokesh. He married Lakshmi Pranathi, the daughter of realtor and businessman Narne Srinivasa Rao. Their marriage, mediated by N. Chandrababu Naidu, took place on May 5, 2011, at Hitex Exhibition Center, Madhapur, Hyderabad. The couple has two sons.
Career
N. T. Rama Rao Jr. embarked on his acting journey with a significant debut in the film “Brahmarshi Vishwamitra” in 1991, under the direction of his grandfather, N. T. Rama Rao. Portraying the character of Bharata at the tender age of seven marked his entry into the industry. Following a break, he garnered attention for his portrayal of Rama in “Ramayanam” (1997), directed by Gunasekhar, which clinched the National Film Award for Best Children’s Film. His performance in the titular role earned him critical acclaim.
Subsequently, in “Aadi” (2002), directed by V. V. Vinayak, N. T. Rama Rao Jr. depicted a man seeking vengeance against a landlord for his parents’ demise. The film emerged as one of the highest-grossing ventures of 2002. He further showcased his versatility in films like “Allari Ramudu” (2002) by B. Gopal and A. M. Rathnam’s political thriller “Naaga” (2003). “Simhadri” (2003), his second collaboration with Rajamouli, attained the status of the highest-grossing Telugu film of its time. This phase marked his transition from youthful roles to exploring faction dramas.
His collaboration with Rajamouli continued with “Yamadonga,” a socio-fantasy film where he underwent a drastic physical transformation. His portrayal of Raja, a thief challenging Yama, earned him accolades including the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu. “Kantri,” directed by Meher Ramesh, followed this success. In 2009, N. T. Rama Rao Jr. took a hiatus from acting to support the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) during the general elections.
In 2018, he starred in the action drama “Aravinda Sametha,” directed by Trivikram Srinivas, which achieved significant commercial success. Trivikram Srinivas praised N. T. Rama Rao Jr. contribution to the film’s success, highlighting his acting prowess and dedication. His portrayal of Komaram Bheem in S. S. Rajamouli’s “RRR” garnered widespread acclaim and commercial success.
N. T. Rama Rao Jr. upcoming projects include “Devara,” marking his reunion with Koratala Siva, and a film under Mythri Movie Makers, both slated for release under his production banner, N. T. R. Arts. Additionally, he is set to make his Hindi cinema debut with “War 2,” produced by Yash Raj Films. Rama Rao has also made a mark in television hosting, notably with the reality show “Bigg Boss 1,” which became a ratings sensation. His appearances on other Telugu reality shows have further solidified his presence in the entertainment industry.
Mini Bio
| Name | Info |
|---|---|
| Name | Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao |
| Birth of Date | 20 May 1983 |
| Birth Place | Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh , India |
| Citizenship | India |
| Nationality | India |
| Other | Tarak |
| Profession | Actor, Producer |
| Career | 1991, 1997 (child artist) , 2001–present |
| Award Wins | N/A |
| Award Nominations | N/A |
| Spouse | Lakshmi Pranathi |
| Marriage Date | m. 2011 |
| Parents |
|
| Siblings |
|
| Children | 2 |
| Children Names |
|
Flims / Movies
| Year | Title | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Brahmarshi Viswamitra | |
| 1997 | Ramayanam | |
| 2001 | Ninnu Choodalani | |
| 2001 | Student No: 1 | |
| 2001 | Subbu | |
| 2002 | Aadi | |
| 2002 | Allari Ramudu | |
| 2003 | Naaga | |
| 2003 | Simhadri | |
| 2004 | Andhrawala | |
| 2004 | Samba | |
| 2005 | Naa Alludu | |
| 2005 | Narasimhudu | |
| 2006 | Ashok | |
| 2006 | Rakhi | |
| 2007 | Yamadonga | |
| 2008 | Kantri | |
| 2008 | Chintakayala Ravi | |
| 2010 | Adhurs | |
| 2010 | Brindavanam | |
| 2011 | Sakthi | |
| 2011 | Oosaravelli | |
| 2012 | Dammu | |
| 2013 | Baadshah | |
| 2013 | Ramayya Vasthavayya | |
| 2014 | Rabhasa | |
| 2015 | Temper | |
| 2016 | Nannaku Prematho | |
| 2016 | Janatha Garage | |
| 2017 | Jai Lava Kusa | |
| 2018 | Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava | |
| 2022 | RRR | |
| 2024 | Devara – I | |
| 2025 | War 2 |
Television / Shows
| Year | Program | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Bhaktha Markandeya | |
| 2008 | Dhee 2 | |
| 2016 | Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu: Season 3 | |
| 2017 | Bigg Boss Telugu: Season 1 | |
| 2018 | Dhee 10 | |
| 2021 | Evaru Meelo Koteeswarulu |
Reference
- N. T. Rama Rao Jr. - Biography Points