Kanneganti Brahmanandam (born 1 February 1956) is an Indian actor and comedian known for his work in Telugu cinema.[1] Recognised as one of India's finest and highest-paid comic actors,[2][3] he holds the Guinness World Record for the most screen credits for a living actor, having appeared in over 1,000 films.[4][5] Brahmanandam has received numerous accolades, including six Nandi Awards and two Filmfare Awards, and was honoured with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, in 2009.[6] He was also awarded an honorary doctorate by Acharya Nagarjuna University.[7]
After completing his Master of Arts degree, Brahmanandam worked as a Telugu lecturer in Attili of West Godavari district. Simultaneously, he also worked in theatre and as a mimicry artist. He made his television debut in 1985 with DD Telugu's Pakapakalu which received appreciation from the audience.[8] After watching his performance in the show, director Jandhyala cast him in the film Aha Naa Pellanta! (1987), which became his breakthrough role.[9]
Early life
Brahmanandam was born on 1 February 1956 in a Telugu family in Chaganti Vari Palem village, Sattenapalli, Andhra Pradesh.[10][11] His parents are Nagalingachari and Lakshmi Narsamma.[12] His father was a carpenter and Brahmanandam was one of eight children. He completed his Master of Arts degree and joined as a Telugu lecturer in Attili of West Godavari district.[13]
Career
While working as a lecturer, Brahmanandam also worked in theatre and as a mimicry artist. Novelist and playwright Adi Vishnu introduced him to NCV Sashidhar of Doordarshan (DD). Soon after, he made his television debut in 1985 with DD Telugu's Pakapakalu.[8][13] His performance in the show received good response from the audience.[14] After watching his performance in the show, director Jandhyala cast him in the film Aha Naa Pellanta! (1987), which became a breakthrough role for him.[15] The same year he appeared in the successful films Pasivadi Pranam and Swayam Krushi. The first film he acted in was Sri Tatavataram, second film was Satyagraham, and the third film was Aha Naa Pellanta!.[13] Sri Tatavataram released later in 1988.
The following years he appeared in several Telugu films, of which, his performance in the films Vivaha Bhojanambu (1988), Choopulu Kalisina Shubhavela (1988), Bandhuvulostunnaru Jagratha (1989), Muddula Mavayya (1989), Jagadeka Veerudu Atiloka Sundari (1990), Bobbili Raja (1990) and Bamma Maata Bangaru Baata (1990) was well praised.[16]
Beginning from 1991, Brahmanandam has appeared in variety of comedic roles and a few intense roles. In 1991, he starred in major films such as Kshana Kshanam (1991) and Rowdy Alludu (1991).[17] The Times of India considered the films Chitram Bhalare Vichitram (1991), Jamba Lakidi Pamba (1992), and Yamaleela (1994) as the films that one can never get bored of. Brahmanandam has appeared in each of these, with him being considered as one of the main reasons for these films to be successful.[18] In 1992, he has played the lead role in Babai Hotel for the first time.[19]
He won his first major awardTemplate:Em dashNandi Award for Best Male Comedian for his performance as Khan Dada in the film Money (1993).[20] Following the success of the film, a sequel to it, Money Money (1994) was also produced, in which Brahmanandam reprised his role. Griddaluru Gopalrao of Zamin Ryot in his review of the film Hello Brother (1994) praised Brahmanandam's role and his performance.[21] His further successful films of the following years include Alluda Majaka (1995), Intlo Illalu Vantintlo Priyuralu (1996), Bombay Priyudu (1996), Anaganaga Oka Roju (1997), Muddula Mogudu (1997), Bavagaru Bagunnara (1998), Aavida Maa Aavide (1998), Thammudu (1999), Kshemamga Velli Labhamga Randi (2000), Jayam Manade Raa (2000), Kalisundam Raa (2000), and Ammo! Okato Tareekhu (2000).
At a felicitation ceremony in January 2008, he listed the following films as his top 11 films Template:Em dash Aha Naa Pellanta! (1987), Vivaha Bhojanambu (1988), Chitram Bhalare Vichitram (1991), Pattukondi Chuddam (1997), Money (1993), Anaganaga Oka Roju (1997), Anna (1994), Amma (1991), Bavagaru Bagunnara (1998), Manmadhudu (2002), Dhee (2007).[13]
Personal life
Brahmanandam married Lakshmi and has two sons, Raja Goutham and Siddharth.[22]
In January 2019, Brahmanandam underwent a successful heart bypass surgery at Asian Heart Institute (AHI) in Mumbai.[23]
Apart from acting, Brahmanandam is also an amateur sculptor and a sketch artist.[24] He also reads the philosophical writings of Swami Vivekananda and Jiddu Krishnamurthi in his free time.[9]
Awards and honours
- Civilian honors
- In January 2009, the government of India bestowed Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award of India, on Brahmanandam for his contributions to art.[25]
Guinness Book
- Guinness World Record for the most screen credits for a living actor.[4][26]
- Best Comedian – Telugu – Manmadhudu (2003)[27]
- Best Supporting Actor – Telugu – Ranga Maarthaanda (2024)[28][29]
- Best Male Comedian – Money (1993)[20]
- Best Supporting Actor – Anna (1994)[20]
- Best Comedian – Anaganaga Oka Roju (1995)[20]
- Best Comedian – Vinodam (1996)[20]
- Best Comedian – Ready (2008)[20]
- Best Comedian – Race Gurram (2014)[30]
- CineMAA Award for Best Comedian – Manmadhudu, Dhee, Konchem Ishtam Konchem Kashtam, Adhurs & Dookudu
- Best Comedian – Telugu – Dookudu (2012)
- Best Comedian – Telugu – Baadshah (2014)
- Best Comedian – Telugu – Race Gurram (2015)
- Other
- Hyderabad Times Film Awards Best Actor in a Comic Role – Dookudu (2011)[31]
- TSR – TV9 National Film Award for Best Comedian – Attarintiki Daredi (2014)
- IIFA Utsavam Supporting Male Actor – Telugu – Ranga Maarthaanda (2024)
Filmography
Brahmanandam acted in more than 1,000 films.[5]
References
- ↑ Birthday Special: 4 Reasons Why Brahmanandam is Telugu Cinema's Undisputed 'Comedy King'. Deccan Herald(2022-02-01). Retrieved 2022-02-01.
- ↑ This Telugu comedian has assets over Rs 320 crore: reports. The Indian Express(2017-06-12). Retrieved 2022-08-08.
- ↑ Check Out: Brahmi's Remuneration Per Movie. Sakshi(2021-02-02). Retrieved 2022-08-08.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Most screen credits for a living actor. Guinness World Records(24 June 2010). Retrieved 2014-01-25.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Brahmanandam breaks 1000 film record Template:Webarchive - The Times of India Dated 29 January 2015 Retrieved 10 February 2015
- ↑ Front Page : List of Padma awardees 2009. The Hindu(26 January 2009). Retrieved 2014-01-25.
- ↑ Smile, here's Brahmanandam. The New Indian Express(18 June 2009). Retrieved 2022-08-08.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 A funny bone of contention. Deccan Herald(2012-10-20). Retrieved 2022-02-01.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Rediff On The NeT: An interview with Telugu comedian Brahmanandam. Rediff(6 August 1999). Retrieved 2022-08-08.
- ↑ Birth village explained by Brahmandam garu. Youtube(2020-02-01). Retrieved 2023-03-29.
- ↑ Birthday Special: Unknown Facts about 'Brahmanandam'. Sakshi Post(2020-02-01). Retrieved 2020-09-13.
- ↑ Birthday Special! Brahmanandam: Tracing the journey of the popular comedian in Tollywood so far. The Times of India(2019-02-01). Retrieved 2022-08-08.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 AP Film critics association felicitates Brahmanandam - Telugu cinema function. Idlebrain.com(8 January 2008). Retrieved 2022-02-01.
- ↑ బ్రహ్మానందంకు సినిమాల్లో ఆఫర్లు రావడానికి కారణమైన షో ఏంటో తెలుసా?, P, Sekhar Reddy. TeluguStop.com(2021-11-13). Retrieved 2022-02-01.
- ↑ Telugu lecturer to Guinness World Record holder. The Times of India(2019-02-01). Retrieved 2020-09-13.
- ↑ వివాహ భోజనం కాదు చౌకబారు ప్లేటు భోజనం. Zamin Ryot(13 May 1988).
- ↑ Sridevi sizzles. The Indian Express(16 October 1992). Retrieved 21 June 2021.
- ↑ 5 Telugu movies that you can never get bored, no matter how many times you watch them. The Times of India(2020-03-24). Retrieved 2022-02-07.
- ↑ Should they or shouldn't they?. The Hindu(2017-01-04). Retrieved 2021-02-24.
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 20.5 నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964 - 2008). Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh. Retrieved 13 September 2020.(in Telugu)
- ↑ సరదా సరదా హాస్యం నరాలు మెలిపెట్టె శృంగారం: హలో బ్రదర్. Zamin Ryot(6 May 1994).
- ↑ Brahmanandam's son Raja Goutham opts for a family entertainer with yet another short filmmaker. The Times of India. Retrieved 2021-02-24.
- ↑ Iconic Telugu comedian Brahmanandam undergoes bypass surgery in Mumbai; stable now. The Times of India. Retrieved 17 January 2019.
- ↑ Happy Birthday Brahmanandam: Not just an ace comedian, he is also a fantastic portrait artist. The Times of India(2021-02-01). Retrieved 2022-08-08.
- ↑ [{{{url}}} Padmasri for Brahmanandam]. IndiaGlitz.
- ↑ Brahmanandam felicitated. The Times of India(18 May 2011). Retrieved 20 September 2011.
- ↑ Manikchand Filmfare Awards: Sizzling at 50. BSNL. Retrieved 2009-10-19.
- ↑ Full list of Winners of the 69th SOBHA Filmfare Awards South (Telugu) 2024(4 August 2024).
- ↑ 69th Sobha Filmfare Awards South 2024: Check out the winners(4 August 2024). Retrieved 4 August 2024.
- ↑ Nandi Film Awards G.O and Results 2014. APSFTVTDC.
- ↑ The Hyderabad Times Film Awards 2011. The Times of India(24 June 2012). Retrieved 26 June 2012.
External links
Template:Subject bar Template:Padma Shri Award Recipients in ArtTemplate:Nandi Award for Best Supporting ActorTemplate:Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – TeluguTemplate:SIIMA Award for Best Comedian – TeluguTemplate:Nandi Award Best Male Comedian