📌 Key Points
- NTR’s ‘Nata Viswaroopam’: Rama & Ravana in same film!
- Record Breaker! NTR starred as Lord Krishna an epic 17 times.
- Beyond Acting: NTR directed, wrote, edited his own mythologies!
- NTR’s Ramayanam Legacy: Junior NTR as Rama continues history!
A true sensation in Telugu cinema history! The legendary N. T. Rama Rao, deeply revered across the Telugu states, holds an unprecedented record in Tollywood. He remarkably captivated audiences by portraying both the divine Lord Rama and the formidable demon king Ravana five times each. This unparalleled feat, a testament to his versatility, remains a shining milestone in Indian cinematic history.
NTR: Unrivaled Mythic Dual Roles
A sensation in the history of Telugu cinema! The legendary N. T. Rama Rao, revered as the pride of Telugus, holds a rare and unprecedented record in Tollywood: captivating audiences by portraying both Lord Rama and the demon king Ravana five times each. This remarkable feat, unparalleled by any other actor, is a true milestone.
Against the backdrop of recent discussions surrounding director Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming Ramayanam (whose teaser, released on Hanuman Jayanti, April 2nd, featured Ranbir Kapoor’s first look as Rama, alongside Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Yash as Ravana, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshmana), the extraordinary legacy of NTR, who brought these iconic mythological characters to life so many times, resonates powerfully. NTR was not just an actor; he was a director, producer, writer, and editor, a hero who embodied more mythological roles than anyone else in the country. His “Nata Viswaroopam” (ultimate acting prowess) was particularly evident in Sri Krishna Satya, where he masterfully played Rama, Ravana, and Krishna, creating history. Adding to his unique achievements, NTR also holds the incredible record of portraying Krishna a staggering 17 times – a feat unmatched by any other actor.
Across his magnificent career, NTR flawlessly brought to life the character of Sri Rama, the epitome of righteousness, in five films:
Lavakusa (1963)
Ramadasu (1964)
Sri Krishna Satya (1971)
Sri Ramanjaneya Yuddham (1975)
Sri Rama Pattabhishekam (1978)
Equally distinctive was his performance as Ravana, a role he breathed life into in five different films:
Bhookailas (1958)
Seeta Rama Kalyanam (1961)
Sri Krishna Satya (1971)
Sri Rama Pattabhishekam (1978)
Brahmashri Vishwamitra (1991)
A Multifaceted Legend’s Enduring Impact
What is truly remarkable is that NTR took on both the roles of Rama and Ravana within the same films, Sri Krishna Satya (1971) and Sri Rama Pattabhishekam (1978), marking a historic achievement that no actor before or after him has replicated. Furthermore, for Sri Rama Pattabhishekam and Brahmashri Vishwamitra, he also shouldered the responsibilities of direction, writing, and editing.
The acting legacy continued through his grandson, Junior NTR. As a child artist, Junior NTR played Bharata in Brahmashri Vishwamitra (1991). He later garnered acclaim for portraying Sri Rama in the 1997 film Ramayanam (also known as Bala Ramayanam). This unique production, featuring over 3000 child artists and no adult actors, received a National Award for Best Children’s Film and two Nandi Awards, further cementing the family’s connection to these legendary roles.
NTR’s magnificent acting career remains an eternal inspiration. His unparalleled ability to enthrall audiences as both the benevolent Rama and the formidable Ravana is an unforgettable chapter in cinema history. Stay tuned for more interesting facts!
Looking Ahead
NTR, our ‘Viswa Vikhyatha Nata Sarvabhouma’, remains an eternal inspiration. His unparalleled mastery in portraying both the divine Rama and the formidable Ravana is an unforgettable chapter in Telugu cinema. This duality, this sheer artistry, will forever challenge future generations of actors to reach such heights. His legacy is eternal.
