Nandamuri Balakrishna, Actor, Politician
Actor, Politician

Nandamuri Balakrishna

Born 10 June 1960 · Andhra Pradesh

Elected member of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly from Hindupur since 2014.

Nandamuri Balakrishna, also known as Balayya or NBK, is an Indian actor, film producer, politician and philanthropist known for his works in Telugu cinema. Balakrishna is an elected member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly from Hindupur constituency since 2014.

✨

A detail that
surprised us

“

In August 2025, Balakrishna became the first Indian actor to enter the World Book of Records for completing 50 years in films.

The Story

1
🎬 In 1974, at age 14, Nandamuri Balakrishna made his film debut as a child artist in Tatamma Kala, directed by his father N. T. Rama Rao, in Madras, marking the start of a career spanning over five decades.
2
📜 In 1991, he portrayed the historical king Krishnadevaraya in Aditya 369, blending science fiction with history, an unusual genre mix in Telugu cinema at the time.
3🏆 Balakrishna earned three prestigious Andhra Pradesh state Nandi Awards for Best Actor in 2001 (Narasimha Naidu), 2010 (Simha), and 2014 (Legend), highlighting his evolving screen presence across decades.
4In 2017, he starred as Gautamiputra Satakarni, a 2nd-century Satavahana ruler, in an epic war film showcased at the Edinburgh Festival of Indian Films and Documentaries, bringing ancient Indian history to an international audience.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Nandi Award for Best Actor

🔍 One thing most people don't know

“

Balakrishna debuted in 1974 as a child artist in Tatamma Kala, a film directed by his father N. T. Rama Rao, starting a career that spans more than 108 films over 50 years.

🖼️

Through the Years

5 photographs from the archives
Nandamuri Balakrishna with actor Rajanala and Soundarya (1994).
Nandamuri Balakrishna with actor Rajanala and Soundarya (1994).
1994
Nandamuri Balakrishna felicitated by Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar at IFFI closing ceremony (2012).
Nandamuri Balakrishna addressing the closing ceremony of the 43rd International Film Festival of India (2012).
Nandamuri Balakrishna presenting the Golden Peacock award at IFFI to director Gurvinder Singh (2012).
Nandamuri Balakrishna receiving the Padma Bhushan Award from President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan (2025).

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Madras to N. T. Rama Rao
Nandamuri Balakrishna was born on June 10, 1960, in Madras (now Chennai), into the family of Telugu matinee idol and politician N. T. Rama Rao.
1960
⚡
Career
Film debut as child artist
At age 14, Balakrishna debuted in the film Tatamma Kala, directed by his father N. T. Rama Rao, marking his entry into Telugu cinema.
1974
⚡
Career
Adult lead debut in Sahasame Jeevitham
Balakrishna transitioned to lead roles with the film Sahasame Jeevitham, establishing himself as a solo hero in Telugu cinema.
1984
🏅
Award
Nandi Award for Narasimha Naidu
He won the Andhra Pradesh state Nandi Award for Best Actor for his role in the film Narasimha Naidu.
2001
⚡
Career
Elected MLA from Hindupur
Balakrishna was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly from the Hindupur constituency, continuing his family's political legacy.
2014
⚡
Career
100th film as Gautamiputra Satakarni
His 100th film featured him as the historic Satavahana king Gautamiputra Satakarni, screened at the Edinburgh Festival of Indian Films and Documentaries.
2017
⚡
Career
Portrayed N. T. Rama Rao in biopics
He portrayed his father, N. T. Rama Rao, in the biographical films NTR: Kathanayakudu and NTR: Mahanayakudu, adding personal depth to his acting career.
2019
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
The Government of India honored Balakrishna with the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award, for his contributions to arts and society.
2025
More moments to come...
+ Add a moment

🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 05
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

In 2017, his 100th film portrayed Gautamiputra Satakarni, a 2nd-century Satavahana ruler, shown at the Edinburgh Festival of Indian Films and Documentaries, connecting Telugu cinema to international film circuits.

02 / 05
💡SURPRISING

He has played dual roles in several films, including both Lord Krishna and Arjuna in Sri Krishnarjuna Vijayam (1996), showcasing his range in mythological characters.

03 / 05
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Balakrishna was the chief guest at the 43rd International Film Festival of India in 2012, highlighting his stature in Indian cinema beyond Telugu films.

No quote recorded for Nandamuri Balakrishna yet.

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Nandamuri Balakrishna Receives Padma Bhushan with Pride #telugutrending #ytshorts #balakrishna
·YouTube
More from this archive
Nandamuri Balakrishna Receives Padma Bhushan with Pride #telugutrending #ytshorts #balakrishna
01
Nandamuri Balakrishna Receives Padma Bhushan with Pride #telugutrending #ytshorts #balakrishna
YouTube
Actor Nandamuri Balakrishna awarded with Padma Bhushan at Rashtrapati Bhavan
02
Actor Nandamuri Balakrishna awarded with Padma Bhushan at Rashtrapati Bhavan
YouTube
Nandamuri Balakrishna Full Serious Speech On Jagan In Assembly | Chiranjeevi | Cloud Media
03
Nandamuri Balakrishna Full Serious Speech On Jagan In Assembly | Chiranjeevi | Cloud Media
YouTube
Nandamuri Balakrishna Hindi Special Interview | Akhanda 2 | Samyuktha | Boyapati Srinu | Thaman S
04
Nandamuri Balakrishna Hindi Special Interview | Akhanda 2 | Samyuktha | Boyapati Srinu | Thaman S
YouTube
Balakrishna Warning In Hindi Goes Viral| #Prime9News
05
Balakrishna Warning In Hindi Goes Viral| #Prime9News
YouTube
Akhanda 2 Hindi Special Interview | Nandamuri Balakrishna | Boyapati Sreenu | Samyuktha | Dec 5th
06
Akhanda 2 Hindi Special Interview | Nandamuri Balakrishna | Boyapati Sreenu | Samyuktha | Dec 5th
YouTube
Akhanda 2 Thandavam Hindi Special Interview | Nandamuri Balakrishna | Boyapati Sreenu | Samyuktha
07
Akhanda 2 Thandavam Hindi Special Interview | Nandamuri Balakrishna | Boyapati Sreenu | Samyuktha
YouTube
Nandamuri Balakrishna Mass Hindi Speech 🔥👌 | #Akhanda2 - Thaandavam Song Launch Event
08
Nandamuri Balakrishna Mass Hindi Speech 🔥👌 | #Akhanda2 - Thaandavam Song Launch Event
YouTube
Nandamuri Balakrishna speaking in Hindi at the song launch of Akhanda 2 | Bollywood Scoop
09
Nandamuri Balakrishna speaking in Hindi at the song launch of Akhanda 2 | Bollywood Scoop
YouTube
ఎవడు వాడు ఏసింది.? l Balakrishna in Assmebly l NTV Telugu
10
ఎవడు వాడు ఏసింది.? l Balakrishna in Assmebly l NTV Telugu
YouTube

🌱 What changed because of them

Balakrishna carried forward the cinematic and political legacy of his father N. T. Rama Rao, blending mass Telugu cinema with public service. His portrayals of historical and mythological figures revived interest in Telugu heritage, while his leadership at the Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital expanded access to free cancer care in Hyderabad. His dual contributions have strengthened cultural pride and healthcare philanthropy in Andhra Pradesh.

💬 Social Buzz

💬

What are people saying about Nandamuri Balakrishna?

Share posts from historians, journalists and notable voices about this icon. 🇮🇳

💭 Memories & Tributes

Share your memory of Nandamuri Balakrishna...
Loading memories...
Is this profile accurate?