Kantha Rao
Tadepalli Lakshmi Kantha Rao (16 November 1923 – 22 March 2009) was an Indian actor and producer known for his works predominantly in Telugu cinema.[1] Regarded as one of the finest method actors, Rao appeared in more than 400 feature films, starring in many, in a variety of genres including mythological, social and folklore. He has also acted in a few Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, and Malayalam movies. He has produced about five films under the Hyma Films banner.[2] In the 1960s, he was one of the primary actors in Telugu cinema, along with N. T. Rama Rao and Akkineni Nageswara Rao. Kantha Rao was known for portraying the roles of Narada, Lord Krishna and Arjuna. He played Lakshmana in the blockbuster film Lava Kusa, for which he received Vishehsa Puraskaram in 1963.[3][4][5]
Kantha Rao | |
|---|---|
| Born | Tadepalli Lakshmi Kantha Rao 16 November 1923 |
| Died | 22 March 2009 (aged 85) |
| Other names |
|
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1950s–1990s |
| Spouses |
|
Early life
Rao was born into a Telugu Brahmin family to Kesavarao and Seetaramamma at Kodad of Nalgonda district in present-day Telangana on 16 November 1923.[6] According to the Hindu calendar, it corresponds to Rudhirodgari Samvatsara Kartika Sudha Ashtami day. He lost his father the next year. His primary education was done in Gudibanda and Khammam. He was exposed to puranas and Hindu epic stories from his grandmother.
Career
Surabhi Drama troupe has visited their village. Impressed by their professional performances, he established "Balamitra Natya Mandali" and used to play Gayopakhyanam and Madhuseva plays with his friends. He played the character Brahma in Sri Krishna Leelalu in the group "Surabhi" and subsequently in the plays Madhuseva, Kanakatara and Telugu Talli.
Rao was sent to Tenali to distract from the drama activities. Tenali used to be very active in drama activities with stalwarts like Pulipati Lakshminarayana. He used to stay in same street where Rentachintala Satyanarayana and Banda Kanakalingeswara Rao used to live.
He then shifted to Madras in 1950 and used to stay with T. Krishnamachari, who used to work as assistant director for H. M. Reddy's Rohini Pictures.
H. M. Reddy gave him a chance to play a small role in Nirdoshi in 1951 and as his hero for Pratigna in 1953. He has acted in 450 films and in about 100 films as hero, whereas in others as different character roles. They include some popular roles in films like Jayasimha (1955), Shri Krishna Pandaviyam (1966), Guruvunu Minchina Sishyudu (1963), Lava Kusha (1963), Nartanasala (1963), Pandava Vanavasam (1965) and Muthyala Muggu (1975). His last movie was Pandurangadu, with Balakrishna, directed by K. Raghavendra Rao in 2008.[7]
He produced four films between 1969 and 1974, Saptaswaralu, Gandara Gandadu, Premajeevulu and Gundelu Theesina Monagadu and lost all his previous earnings. The last film he made was Swathi Chinukulu. Subsequently, he moved to Hyderabad.[8]
Awards
- National honours
- Visesha Puraskaram in Ramineni Foundation Awards in 2004.
- Mahanati Savitri Award
- C.H. Narayana Rao Award
- Raghupathi Venkaiah Award by the government of Andhra Pradesh in 2000, for lifetime achievement.
- Nandi Award for Best Book, for Anaganaga Oka Raakumaarudu won for the year 2007.
Filmography
Actor
| Year | Film | Role | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1951 | Nirdoshi | Telugu | |
| 1953 | Pratigna | Pratap | Telugu |
| 1955 | Jayasimha | Vijayasimha | Telugu |
| Kanyadhanam | Telugu | ||
| 1956 | Bhakta Markandeya | Telugu | |
| Ilavelpu | Telugu | ||
| Sri Gowri Mahatyam | Telugu | ||
| 1957 | Sati Anasuya | Telugu | |
| 1958 | Ganga Gowri Samvadamu | Narada Muni | Telugu |
| Sri Ramanjaneya Yuddham | Telugu | ||
| 1959 | Bhakta Ambarisha | ||
| Jaya Vijaya | Telugu | ||
| Sabash Ramudu | Telugu | ||
| Sati Sukanya | Ashwini Devatalu | Telugu | |
| 1960 | Bhakta Ragunatha | Telugu | |
| Bhatti Vikramarka | Bhatti | Telugu | |
| Chivaraku Migiledi | Prakasam | Telugu | |
| Deepavali | Narada Muni | Telugu | |
| Devantakudu | Sri Mahavishnu | Telugu | |
| Kanaka Durga Pooja Mahima | Madhava | Telugu | |
| Mangalyam | Telugu | ||
| Rama Sundari | Telugu | ||
| Sahasra Siracheda Apoorva Chinthamani | Telugu | ||
| Sanchari | Telugu | ||
| Santhi Nivasam | Raju | Telugu | |
| Sri Krishna Rayabaram | Telugu | ||
| 1961 | Bikari Ramudu | Telugu | |
| Pellikani Pillalu | Telugu | ||
| Sabash Raja | Telugu | ||
| Sati Sulochana | Narada Muni | Telugu | |
| Sri Seetha Rama Kalyanam | Narada Muni | Telugu | |
| Tandrulu Kodukulu | Telugu | ||
| Usha Parinayam | Anirudha | Telugu | |
| Bhakta Kuchela | Krishnan | Malayalam | |
| Varalakshmi Vratham | Telugu | ||
| 1962 | Bhishma | Salwa | Telugu |
| Chitti Tammudu | Srihari | Telugu | |
| Khaidi Kannayya | Telugu | ||
| Madanakaamaraaju Katha | Telugu | ||
| Mohini Rukmangada | Telugu | ||
| Nagarjuna | Telugu | ||
| Nuvva Nena | Telugu | ||
| Padandi Munduku | Telugu | ||
| Raktha Sambandham | Anand | Telugu | |
| Swarna Gowri | Telugu | ||
| Madana Kamaraju Katha | Gunakeerthi | Telugu | |
| 1963 | Aapta Mitrulu | Telugu | |
| Manthiri Kumaran | Tamil | ||
| Constable Kuturu | Telugu | ||
| Deva Sundari | Telugu | ||
| Edureeta | Village Doctor | Telugu | |
| Guruvunu Minchina Sishyudu | Vijayudu | Telugu | |
| Lava Kusa | Lakshmana | Telugu | |
| Manchirojulu Vastayi | Telugu | ||
| Nartanasala | Lord Krishna | Telugu | |
| Somavara Vrata Mahatyam | Telugu | ||
| Sri Krishnarjuna Yudham | Narada Muni | Telugu | |
| Tobuttuvulu | Telugu | ||
| Vishnumaya | Telugu | ||
| Valmiki | Telugu | ||
| 1964 | Babruvahana | Lord Krishna | Telugu |
| Bangaru Timmaraju | Telugu | ||
| Desa Drohulu | Telugu | ||
| Mairavana | Telugu | ||
| Marmayogi | Telugu | ||
| Navagraha Pooja Mahima | Telugu | ||
| Sri Satyanarayana Mahatyam | Telugu | ||
| Thotalo Pilla Kotalo Rani | Vijaya | Telugu | |
| 1965 | Aada Bratuku | Telugu | |
| Aakaasha Ramanna | Telugu | ||
| Chaduvukunna Bharya | Telugu | ||
| Devata | Cameo | Telugu | |
| Dorikithe Dongalu | Telugu | ||
| Jwaladweepa Rahasyam | Telugu | ||
| Pakkalo Ballem | Telugu | ||
| Pandava Vanavasam | Lord Krishna | Telugu | |
| Prachanda Bhairavi | Telugu | ||
| Prameelaarjuneeyam | Lord Krishna | Telugu | |
| Pratignya Palana | Telugu | ||
| Sati Sakkubai | Telugu | ||
| Sri Simhachala Kshetra Mahima | Pururava Chakravarthi | Telugu | |
| Veerabhimanyu | Arjuna | Telugu | |
| Vijaya Simha | Vijaya Simha | Telugu | |
| 1966 | Ata Bommalu | Telugu | |
| Bhimanjaneya Yuddham | Nala Kuber | Telugu | |
| Bhoolokamlo Yamolokam | Telugu | ||
| Mohini Bhasmasura | |||
| Paduka Pattabhishekam | Telugu | ||
| Palnati Yuddham | Nalagamaraju | Telugu | |
| Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam | Narada Muni | Telugu | |
| Sri Krishna Tulabharam | Narada Muni | Telugu | |
| Srimati | |||
| 1967 | Aggi Dora | Telugu | |
| Chikkadu Dorakadu | Dorakadu | Telugu | |
| Devuni Gelichina Maanavudu | Telugu | ||
| Iddaru Monagallu | Telugu | ||
| Kanchu Kota | Narendra | Telugu | |
| Maa Vadina | Telugu | ||
| Pinni | Telugu | ||
| Rahasyam | Telugu | ||
| Sati Sumati | Telugu | ||
| Sri Krishna Mahima | |||
| Stri Janma | Telugu | ||
| 1968 | Veera Pooja | Telugu | |
| Aggimeeda Guggilam | Veerendra | Telugu | |
| Bhale Monagaadu | Telugu | ||
| Deva Kanya | Sreedhar/Vidyadhar | Telugu | |
| Devudichchina Bharta | Sridatta | Telugu | |
| Evaru Monagaadu? | Telugu | ||
| Jeevita Bhandam | Telugu | ||
| Kumkuma Bharina | Telugu | ||
| Pedaraasi Peddamma Katha | Vikrama | Telugu | |
| Rajayogam | Telugu | ||
| Ranabheri | Telugu | ||
| Sati Arundhati | Telugu | ||
| Veeranjaneya | Telugu | ||
| Bangaru Gaajulu | Telugu | ||
| Niluvu Dopidi | Guest | Telugu | |
| 1969 | Bommalu Cheppina Katha | Telugu | |
| Pancha Kalyani Dongala Rani | Telugu | ||
| Raja Simha | Telugu | ||
| Saptaswaralu | Saranga | Telugu | |
| Vukku Pidugu | Telugu | ||
| Gandara Gandadu | Manoharudu | Telugu | |
| Tarasasankam | Telugu | ||
| Ekaveera | Veerbhupati | Telugu | |
| 1970 | Merupu Veerudu | Telugu | |
| Maa Manchi Akkayya | Telugu | ||
| Janmabhoomi | Telugu | ||
| Suguna Sundari Katha | Prasoona | Telugu | |
| Bhale Ettu Chivaraku Chittu | Telugu | ||
| Raite Raju | Telugu | ||
| Oke Kutumbham | Telugu | ||
| Khadga Veera | Telugu | ||
| 1971 | Prema Jeevulu | Telugu | |
| Sri Krishna Vijayamu | Telugu | ||
| Kattiki Kankanamu | Telugu | ||
| Ananda Nilayam | Telugu | ||
| Sati Anasooya | Telugu | ||
| Jataka Ratna Midatambhotlu | Telugu | ||
| Andam Kosam Pandem | Madhavudu | Telugu | |
| Adavi Veerulu | Telugu | ||
| Sri Krishna Satya | Narada Muni | Telugu | |
| Chelleli Kapuram | Telugu | ||
| Varalakshmi Vratam | Telugu | ||
| 1972 | Adrushta Devata | Telugu | |
| Sri Krishnanjaneya Yuddham | Narada Muni | Telugu | |
| Sree Guruvayoorappan | Malayalam | ||
| Bala Bharatam | Pandu Raju | Telugu | |
| Illu Illalu | Telugu | ||
| Praja Nayakudu | Telugu | ||
| 1973 | Devudu Chesina Manushulu | Suresh | Telugu |
| Neramu Siksha | Rajasekharam | Telugu | |
| Mayadari Malligadu | Telugu | ||
| 1974 | Gundelu Teesina Monagaadu | Telugu | |
| Alluri Seetharama Raju | Padalu | Telugu | |
| Sri Ramanjaneya Yuddham | Narada Muni | Telugu | |
| Vijaya Ramudu | Telugu | ||
| Devi Kanyakumari | Malayalam | ||
| Devadasu | Telugu | ||
| Bangaru Kalalu | Telugu | ||
| O Seeta Katha | Madhava Rao | Telugu | |
| Nippulanti Manishi | Telugu | ||
| Tulabharam | Gopi Lal | Telugu | |
| Pooja Pushpaalu | Telugu | ||
| Nirnayam | Telugu | ||
| Adambaralu - Anubhandhalu | Telugu | ||
| Hare Krishna | Hindi | ||
| 1975 | Gajula Kishtayya | Telugu | |
| Padi Pantalu | Telugu | ||
| Muthyala Muggu | Raja Rao Bahadur | Telugu | |
| Maayaa Maschindra | Telugu | ||
| Pellade Bomma | Telugu | ||
| Illu Vakili | Telugu | ||
| Gunavantudu | Telugu | ||
| Pooja | Telugu | ||
| Eduruleni Manishi | Telugu | ||
| Soubhagyavati | Telugu | ||
| Challani Talli | Telugu | ||
| Rakta Sambhandhaalu | Telugu | ||
| Ammayila Sapadham | Telugu | ||
| Annadammula Anubhandham | Telugu | ||
| Bharatamulo oka Ammayi | Telugu | ||
| Alakh Niranjan | Hindi | ||
| 1976 | Tu Hi Ram Tu Hi Krishna | Narada Muni | Hindi |
| Mahatmudu | Telugu | ||
| Raaja[9] | Gajapathi Varma | Telugu | |
| Vemulavada Bhimakavi | Telugu | ||
| America Ammayi | Telugu | ||
| E Kalapu Pillalu | Telugu | ||
| Magaadu | Telugu | ||
| Neram Naadi Kaadu Akalidi | Telugu | ||
| Monagadu | Gopaiah | Telugu | |
| Mahakavi Kshetrayya | Telugu | ||
| Padavoyi Bharateeyudaa | Telugu | ||
| Seeta Kalyanam | Telugu | ||
| Sita Swayamvar | Hindi | ||
| Shri Rajeshwari Vilas Coffee Club | Telugu | ||
| 1977 | Kurukshetram | Drupada | Telugu |
| Panchayiti | Telugu | ||
| Jeevanateeralu | Telugu | ||
| Yamagola | Indrudu | Telugu | |
| Andame Anandam | Telugu | ||
| Edureeta | Telugu | ||
| Manavadi Kosam | Telugu | ||
| Manchini Penchali | Telugu | ||
| Manassakshi | Telugu | ||
| JanmaJanmala Bhandham | Telugu | ||
| Geeta Sangeeta | Telugu | ||
| 1978 | Kalanthakulu | Chandrasekharam | Telugu |
| Sommokadidhi Sokokadidhi | Telugu | ||
| Vayasu Pilichindi | Telugu | ||
| Manavoori Pandavulu | Dharmayya | Telugu | |
| Gorantha Deepam | Telugu | ||
| Lawyer Viswanath | Telugu | ||
| 1979 | Yugandhar | Telugu | |
| Maavuri Devatha | Telugu | ||
| Dongalaku Saval | Dharma Rao | Telugu | |
| Mande Gundelu | Sathyam | Telugu | |
| 1980 | Chandipriya | Telugu | |
| Mahalakshmi[10] | Kalidasu | Telugu | |
| Vamsa Vruksham | Telugu | ||
| Kaali | Telugu | ||
| Superman | Telugu | ||
| Chukkallo Chandrudu | Telugu | ||
| Adrushtavanthudu | Mahendra Varma | Telugu | |
| Sarada Ramudu | Raja Rao | Telugu | |
| Ram Robert Rahim | Catholic priest | Telugu | |
| Prema Tarangalu | Ranga Rao | Telugu | |
| 1981 | Satyabhama | Telugu | |
| Radha Kalyanam | Telugu | ||
| Oorukichina Maata | Pratapa Rao | Telugu | |
| Sati Savitri | Telugu | ||
| 1982 | Kaliyuga Ramudu | Peter the Trumpet Player | Telugu |
| Shamsher Shankar[11] | Hanumantha Rao | Telugu | |
| Ekalavya | Telugu | ||
| Siripuram Simham | Telugu | ||
| Swami Vaibhavam | Telugu | ||
| Pratigna[12] | Bhushayya | Telugu | |
| Golconda Abbulu | Telugu | ||
| 1983 | Dharma Poratam | Ranga's father | Telugu |
| Moodu Mullu | |||
| Amarajeevi | |||
| Moogavani Paga[13] | Ramaiah | Telugu | |
| Puli Debba[14] | Srimannarayana | Telugu | |
| Poratam | Ranganayakulu | Telugu | |
| Lanke Bindelu[15] | Kanthaiah | Telugu | |
| 1984 | Sardar[16] | Gangadharam | Telugu |
| 1985 | Vijetha | Venkayya (guest) | Telugu |
| Musugu Donga | Telugu | ||
| Mantra Dandam | Telugu | ||
| America Alludu | Telugu | ||
| Nerasthudu | Telugu | ||
| Pachani Kapuram | Ananda Rao | Telugu | |
| 1986 | Pyaar Ka Sindoor | Hindi | |
| Simhasanam | Telugu | ||
| Sri Shirdi Saibaba Mahathyam | Shyama | Telugu | |
| Vikram | Telugu | ||
| Desoddharakudu | Telugu | ||
| Aakrandana | Public Prosecutor | Telugu | |
| Police Officer | Lawyer Ramabrahmam | Telugu | |
| Santhi Nivasam | Dr. Rao | Telugu | |
| 1988 | Jhansi Rani | Telugu | |
| 1989 | Mutyamantha Muddu | Telugu | |
| 1992 | Soorigaadu | Telugu | |
| 1994 | Mugguru Monagallu | Telugu | |
| Bangaru Kutumbam | Telugu | ||
| Alludu Poru Ammayi Joru[17] | Headmaster | Telugu | |
| 1998 | Kante Kuthurnekanu | Telugu | |
| 1999 | Postman | Telugu | |
| 2003 | Kabirdas | Telugu | |
| Nijam | Narayana Rao | Telugu | |
| Satyam | Telugu | ||
| Simhachalam[18] | Somayajulu | Telugu | |
| Seetayya | Telugu | ||
| 2005 | Dhana 51 | Telugu | |
| 2007 | Shankar Dada Zindabad | Telugu | |
| 2008 | Pandurangadu | Telugu |
Producer
- Saptaswaralu (1969)
- Gandara Gandadu (1969)
- Premajeevulu (1971)
- Gundelu Teesina Monagaadu (1974)
- Swaati Chinukulu (1989)
Personal
Rao was married to Suseela and had a daughter in 1942. The daughter died of smallpox during infancy. They had a son in 1945 named after his father as Keshav. He married Hymavathi in 1950 and subsequently Suseela died of illness. His son also died of typhoid fever in his childhood. He has four sons and a daughter by Hymavathi, named Pratap, Keshav, Suseela, Raja and Satyam, in that order. [19]
His son Raja (Rajeswara Rao) has acted in Sudigundalu, Prema Jeevulu, Gandara Gandadu, Gundelu Teesina Monagadu, Swati Chinukulu, Ukku Pidugu, Rajasimha, Evaru Monagadu, Maro Prapancham and Manushulu Matti Bommalu.
His son Satyam also has acted in Saptaswaralu, Prema Jeevulu and Gandara Gandadu. His grandson Sai Eshwar also worked as child artist in Television industry.
Death
He died at 9:50 PM IST at Yashoda Hospital, Hyderabad on 22 March 2009 due to cancer complications.
See also
References
- "Exposure in films decried". The Hindu. 25 February 2007. Archived from the original on 25 January 2013.
- Murali Krishna. "T L KANTHA RAO ~ Early Tollywood".
- Social Post (25 March 2009). "Kantha Rao becomes a memory | News – Oneindia Entertainment". Entertainment.oneindia.in. Archived from the original on 2 November 2013. Retrieved 3 November 2012.
- Ramachandran, T.M. (1973). Film world. Vol. 9.
- The Times of India directory and year book including who's who. Times of India Press. 1984.
- Tanmayi, Bhawana. "Kantha Rao biopic to go on floors soon". Telangana Today. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
- Kanta Rao passes away in The Hindu. Archived 7 November 2012 at the Wayback Machine
- A deprived legend: T L Kantha Rao; An exclusive interview at Tripod.com Archived 5 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine
- "Raaja (1976)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
- "Mahalakshmi (1980)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- "Shamsher Shankar (1982)". The A.V. Club. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
- "Prathignya (1982)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
- "Moogavani Paga (1983)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- "Puli Debba". MovieBuff. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
- "Lanke Bindelu (1983)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
- "Sardar (1984)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
- ALLUDI PORU AMMAI JORU | TELUGU FULL MOVIE | SUMAN | VENITHA | CHANDRA MOHAN | TELUGU CINEMA ZONE, retrieved 18 May 2023
- "Simhachalam (2003)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
- ".:: Deccan Radio – 24/7 South India's Internet Radio – View topic – Actor Kanta Rao passed away at 85 Years ::".
External links
- Kantha Rao at IMDb