Meet this popular face of Indian cinema, who is reportedly the highest paid comedian in India. The actor has worked with almost all the big actors, including Rajinikanth, Allu Arjun, Chiranjeevi, Nayanthara and others. He has worked in more than 1,000 films. Well, we are talking about none other than Brahmanandam. In this article, we will discuss his personal and professional life, including the time when he was asked to return the Padma Shri award.
Who is Brahmanandam?
Popular actor Brahmanandam was born on 1 February 1956 in Andhra Pradesh to parents Nagalingachari and Lakshmi Narasamma. It is pertinent to mention that Brahmanandam’s father was a carpenter who worked hard to support the household. The actor faced many hardships and was brought up with 7 siblings.
Talking about Brahmanandam’s education, after completing his Master of Arts degree, the actor started his first job as a Telugu lecturer in Attili, West Godavari district. During this time, he also enrolled in theater and worked as a mimicry artist. Since then Brahmanandam never looked back.
It is noteworthy that Brahmanandam is also a sculptor and a brilliant sketch artist. In his spare time, the actor likes to read the philosophical writings of Swami Vivekananda and Jiddu Krishnamurti.
Having worked in over 1000 films, he is undoubtedly one of the greatest actors of Indian cinema. Read on to know more about Brahmanandam’s filmography.
Brahmanandam’s filmography
In 1985, Brahmanandam entered the entertainment industry with DD Telugu’s Pakapakallu. His acting was highly appreciated. Subsequently, film producer Jandhyala took notice of him and signed Brahmanandam for the 1987 film Aha Na-Pelanta! It was definitely a breakthrough in the actor’s career.
In the same year, Brahmanandam had two successful films – Pranam and Swayam Krushi. Over the years, Brahmanandam has acted in over 1000 films and has reportedly emerged as the highest paid comedian in India.
The Yamaleela actor’s notable works include Kshan Kshanam, Rowdy Alludu, Chitram Bhalare Vichitram, Jamba Lakidi Pamba, Babai Hotel, Money, Alluda Mazaka, Intalo Ilaalu Vantintalo Priyuralu, Bombay Priyudu, Kalisundam Raa (2000), and Ammo! Okato Tarikhu, Adhuras, Race Gurram, Kalki 2898 AD, and Indian 2, among others.
Due to his immense contribution to the entertainment industry, Brahmanandam was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2009. The popular actor has worked with almost all A-list actors including Mahesh Babu, Prabhas, Nayanthara, Jr NTR, Allu Arjun, Kamal. Haasan, Chiranjeevi, et al. According to a report in DNA, Brahmanandan charges a whopping amount of Rs 2 crore per film. The Kalki 2898 AD actor reportedly has a net worth of Rs 500 crore. Interestingly, Brahmanandam holds the Guinness World Record for the most screen credits by a living actor.
Brahmanandam’s personal life
Brahmanandam took marriage vows with his wife Lakshmi, and the couple was blessed with two sons—King Gautama and Siddhartha. Gautham is also an actor who has appeared in films such as Pallakilo Pellikutthuru (2004) and Manu (2018).
Brahmanandam was asked to return his Padmashree
Yes, Andhra Pradesh High Court had asked Brahmanandam to return his Padmashree. The same question was asked not only to him but also to Mohan Babu. The controversy started when ‘Padmashree’ was added to the names of these actors in the credits of Mohan Babu’s son Manchu Vishnu’s film Denikina Ready (2012). BJP leader N Indrasena Reddy has filed a PIL against Brahmanandam and Mohan Babu. As quoted by India Today, he said, “This award is not equivalent to a title and cannot be used as a suffix or prefix to the name of the winner in letterheads, invitation cards, posters and books etc. ” However, the Supreme Court stayed the Andhra Pradesh High Court order on this matter.
Brahmanandam’s upcoming movie
On the work front, Brahmanandam will be seen in Brahma Anandam, which marks his collaboration with his son Raja Gautham. The father-son duo is playing important roles in this upcoming film. Directed by RVS Nikhil, Brahma Anandam is scheduled to release on December 6, 2024.
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