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Kantha Rao

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Kantha Rao
Born
Tadepalli Lakshmi Kantha Rao

(1923-11-16)16 November 1923
Kodada, Hyderabad State, British India
Died22 March 2009(2009-03-22) (aged 85)
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India
Other names
  • Nata Prapoorna
  • Kattula Kanta Rao
OccupationActor
Years active1950s–1990s
Spouses
  • Suseela
  • Hymavathi
    ​
    (m. 1950)​

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. After a success string in folklore and swashbuckling films, he became popularly referred to as Kattula Kantha Rao. 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 in mythological films. He played Lakshmana in the blockbuster film Lava Kusa, for which he received Vishehsa Puraskaram in 1963.[3][4][5]

Early life

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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.[citation needed]

Career

[edit]

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.[citation needed]

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.[citation needed]

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

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National honours
Nandi Awards

Filmography

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Telugu films

[edit]
List of Kantha Rao Telugu film credits
Year Title Role Ref.
1951 Nirdoshi
1955 Jayasimha Vijayasimha
1956 Ilavelpu
1957 Sati Anasuya
1959 Jaya Vijaya
Sabash Ramudu
Sati Sukanya Ashwini Devatalu
1960 Bhatti Vikramarka Bhatti
Chivaraku Migiledi Prakasam
Sahasra Siracheda Apoorva Chintamani Prathapa Simha [9]
Deepavali Narada Muni
Sanchari
Kanakadurga Pooja Mahima[10] Madhava
Santhi Nivasam Raju
Sri Krishna Rayabaram
1961 Sabash Raja
Sati Sulochana Narada Muni
Sri Seetha Rama Kalyanam Narada Muni
Usha Parinayam Anirudha
Varalakshmi Vratham
1962 Madana Kama Raju Katha
Bhishma Salwa
Chitti Tammudu Srihari
Khaidi Kannayya
Nuvva Nena
Padandi Munduku
Raktha Sambandham Anand
Swarna Gowri
1963 Sri Krishnarjuna Yudham Narada Muni
Valmiki
Aapta Mitrulu
Deva Sundari
Edureeta Village Doctor
Somavara Vrata Mahatyam[11] Chandrangada
Guruvunu Minchina Sishyudu Vijayudu
Lava Kusa Lakshmana
Nartanasala Lord Krishna
Vishnumaya
Thobuttuvulu Shankar
1964 Babruvahana Lord Krishna
Desa Drohulu
Marmayogi
Thotalo Pilla Kotalo Rani[12] Vijaya
Sri Satyanarayana Mahatyam
1965 Aada Bratuku
Devata Cameo
Dorikithe Dongalu
Pratigna Palana[13] Rajasekharudu
Aakasaramanna[14]
Jwaladweepa Rahasyam
Pandava Vanavasam Lord Krishna
Sri Simhachala Kshetra Mahima Pururava Chakravarthi
Veerabhimanyu Arjuna
1966 Bhimanjaneya Yuddham Nala Kuber
Mohini Bhasmasura[15] Vishnu
Paduka Pattabhishekam[16] Rama
Palnati Yuddham Nalagamaraju
Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam Narada Muni
Sri Krishna Tulabharam Narada Muni
Srimathi[17] Ravi
1967 Chikkadu Dorakadu Dorakadu
Kanchu Kota Narendra
Iddaru Monagallu[18]
Devuni Gelichina Manavudu[19] Vijayadattudu
Pinni
Aggi Dora[20] Jayanth
Rahasyam
1968 Rajayogam
Veeranjaneya
Bangaru Gaajulu
Niluvu Dopidi Guest
Evaru Monagadu[21] Inspector Sekhar
1969 Devudichina Bharta[22] Sridatta
Saptaswaralu Saranga
Ukku Pidugu[23] Vasantha Rayalu
Tarasasankam
Ekaveera Veerbhupati
Gandara Gandadu[24] Manoharudu
1970 Oke Kutumbham
Suguna Sundari Katha[25] Prasuna
Merupu Veerudu[26]
1971 Sri Krishna Vijayamu
Kathiki Kankanam[27]
Ananda Nilayam
Sri Krishna Satya Narada Muni
Chelleli Kapuram
Andam Kosam Pandem[28] Madhavudu
1972 Sri Krishnanjaneya Yuddham Narada Muni
Bala Bharatam Pandu Raju
1973 Devudu Chesina Manushulu Suresh
Mayadari Malligadu[29] Jailor
Neramu Siksha Rajasekharam
1974 Alluri Seetharama Raju Padalu
Sri Ramanjaneya Yuddham Narada Muni
Devadasu
O Seeta Katha Madhava Rao
Nippulanti Manishi Police Inspector who takes care of a young Vijay
Nirnayam
1975 Muthyala Muggu Raja Rao Bahadur
Pooja
Maya Machhindra
Eduruleni Manishi Sarkar
1976 Padi Pantalu[30] Ex-Army man and Gopi's mentor
Mahatmudu
Raaja[31] Gajapathi Varma
Shri Rajeshwari Vilas Coffee Club[32]
America Ammayi
Magaadu
Mahakavi Kshetrayya
Seeta Kalyanam
1977 Kurukshetram Drupada
Yamagola Indrudu
Edureeta
1978 Vayasu Pilichindi
Agent Gopi[33] Intelligence Chief
Manavoori Pandavulu Dharmayya
Patnavasam[34] Ramaiah
Sahasavanthudu[35] Jumra
Gorantha Deepam
Lawyer Viswanath
1979 Yugandhar
Andadu Aagadu[36] Inspector General of Police
Korikale Gurralaithe[37] Jagannatha Rao
Maa Voori Devatha[38] Dr. Sanjeeva Rao
Sommokadidhi Sokokadidhi
1980 Chandipriya
Mahalakshmi[39] Kalidasu
Vamsa Vruksham
Kaali
Superman
Chukkallo Chandrudu
Sarada Ramudu Raja Rao
Ram Robert Rahim Catholic priest
Prema Tarangalu Ranga Rao
1981 Satyabhama
Radha Kalyanam
Kondaveeti Simham
Oorukichina Maata Pratapa Rao
Sati Savitri
1982 Kaliyuga Ramudu Peter the Trumpet Player
Shamsher Shankar[40] Hanumantha Rao
Ekalavya
Krishnavataram
Pratigna[41] Bhushayya
Golconda Abbulu
1983 Moodu Mullu Dharmaiah
Amarajeevi
Chattaniki Veyyi Kallu[42] Raghunath, Commissioner of Police
Moogavani Paga[43] Ramaiah
Puli Debba[44] Srimannarayana
Mayagadu[45] Dr. Rama Rao
Poratam Ranganayakulu
Lanke Bindelu[46] Kanthaiah
1984 Sardar[47] Gangadharam
1985 America Alludu Raghava Rao
Vijetha Venkayya (guest)
Mantra Dandam[48] Vishnu Dutta
Musugu Donga[49] Veerayya
Nyayam Meere Cheppali
Pachani Kapuram Ananda Rao
1986 Simhasanam
Sri Shirdi Saibaba Mahathyam Shyama
Vikram
Desoddharakudu
Santhi Nivasam Dr. Rao
Chanakya Sapadham[50] Sasi's father
1987 Viswanatha Nayakudu
Rotation Chakravarthy
1988 Jhansi Rani
Ramudu Bheemudu
1991 Alludu Diddina Kapuram
1994 Mugguru Monagallu
Bangaru Kutumbam
Alludu Poru Ammayi Joru[51] Headmaster
1998 Naga Shakthi[52]
1999 Postman
2003 Kabirdas
Nijam Narayana Rao
Satyam
Simhachalam Somayajulu
Seetayya
2005 Dhana 51
2007 Shankar Dada Zindabad
2008 Pandurangadu

Other language films

[edit]
List of Kantha Rao other language film credits
Year Title Role Language
1962 Nagarjuna Kannada
1963 Manthiri Kumaran Tamil
1972 Sree Guruvayoorappan Malayalam
1974 Devi Kanyakumari Malayalam
1975 Alakh Niranjan Hindi

Producer

[edit]

Personal life

[edit]

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. [53]

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

[edit]

Rao died at Yashoda Hospital, Hyderabad on 22 March 2009 due to cancer complications.

See also

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Exposure in films decried". The Hindu. 25 February 2007. Archived from the original on 25 January 2013.
  2. ^ Murali Krishna. "T L KANTHA RAO ~ Early Tollywood". Archived from the original on 19 June 2018. Retrieved 13 March 2009.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ Ramachandran, T.M. (1973). Film world. Vol. 9.
  5. ^ The Times of India directory and year book including who's who. Times of India Press. 1984.
  6. ^ Tanmayi, Bhawana. "Kantha Rao biopic to go on floors soon". Telangana Today. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
  7. ^ "Kanta Rao passes away". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 7 November 2012.
  8. ^ "Planet-Bollywood - Photo Album". ntippi.tripod.com. Archived from the original on 5 March 2012.
  9. ^ "Sahasra Siracheda Apoorva Chintamani (1960)". The Hindu. 25 February 2016. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
  10. ^ "Kanakadurga Pooja Mahima (1960)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
  11. ^ "Somavara Vratha Mahathyam (1963)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
  12. ^ "Thotalo Pilla Kotalo Rani 1964 Full Movie Online - Watch HD Movies on Airtel Xstream Play". Airtel Xstream (Airtel TV). Retrieved 7 January 2024.
  13. ^ "Pratigna Palana (1965) | V CINEMA - Movie, Review, Cast, Songs & Release Date". www.vcinema.com. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
  14. ^ "Aakasaramanna (1965)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
  15. ^ "Mohini Bhasmasura 1966 Telugu Movie Cast Crew,Actors,Director, Mohini Bhasmasura Producer,Banner,Music Director,Singers & Lyricists". MovieGQ. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  16. ^ "Paduka Pattabhishekamu 1966 Telugu Movie Cast Crew,Actors,Director, Paduka Pattabhishekamu Producer,Banner,Music Director,Singers & Lyricists". MovieGQ. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  17. ^ "Srimathi (1966)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  18. ^ "Iddaru Monagallu (1967)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
  19. ^ "Devuni Gelichina Manavudu (1967)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
  20. ^ "Aggi Dora (1967)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
  21. ^ "Evaru Monagadu (1968)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  22. ^ "Devudichina Bharta on Moviebuff.com". Moviebuff.com. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
  23. ^ "Ukku Pidugu (1969) CINEMA". www.moviebuff.com. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  24. ^ "Gandara Gandadu 1969 Telugu Movie Info".
  25. ^ "Suguna Sundari Katha". TVGuide.com. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  26. ^ "Merupu Veerudu (1970)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
  27. ^ "Kathiki Kankanam (1971)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
  28. ^ "Andam Kosam Pandem (1971)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
  29. ^ "Mayadari Malligadu (1973)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
  30. ^ "Padi Pantalu (1976)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  31. ^ "Raaja (1976)". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 1 May 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  32. ^ "Shri Rajeshwari Vilas Coffee Club | Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  33. ^ "Agent Gopi (1978)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  34. ^ "Patnavasam (1978)". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 13 December 2023. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
  35. ^ "Sahasavantudu (1978)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  36. ^ "Andhadu Aagadu (1979)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
  37. ^ "Korikale Gurralaithe (1979)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  38. ^ "Maa Voori Devatha (1979)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  39. ^ "Mahalakshmi (1980)". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 21 May 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  40. ^ "Shamsher Shankar (1982)". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on 29 August 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  41. ^ "Prathignya (1982)". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 17 April 2023. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  42. ^ "Chattaniki Veyi Kallu". TVGuide.com. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
  43. ^ "Moogavani Paga (1983)". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 18 April 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
  44. ^ "Puli Debba". MovieBuff. Archived from the original on 22 April 2023. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  45. ^ SkyVideos Telugu (26 March 2018). Mayagadu Telugu Full Length Movie HD | Mohan babu | Kavitha | Chakravarthy @skyvideostelugu. Retrieved 23 October 2024 – via YouTube.
  46. ^ "Lanke Bindelu (1983)". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 27 June 2023. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
  47. ^ "Sardar (1984)". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 13 April 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
  48. ^ "Mantradandam (1985) | V CINEMA - Movie, Review, Cast, Songs & Release Date". www.vcinema.com. Archived from the original on 7 July 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  49. ^ "Musugu Donga Cast and Crew".
  50. ^ "Chanakya Sapadam (1986)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
  51. ^ ALLUDI PORU AMMAI JORU | TELUGU FULL MOVIE | SUMAN | VENITHA | CHANDRA MOHAN | TELUGU CINEMA ZONE, 14 October 2019, archived from the original on 18 May 2023, retrieved 18 May 2023
  52. ^ "Naga Shakthi (1998)". Indiancine.ma.
  53. ^ "Actor Kanta Rao passed away at 85 Years". Deccan Radio. Archived from the original on 9 July 2011.
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