Amaravati: Nandamuri Balakrishna, one of Tollywood's most celebrated actors and an Andhra Pradesh legislator, has been conferred with the prestigious Padma Bhushan award for his outstanding contributions to the field of art.  

Known fondly as Balayya in film circles, Balakrishna’s illustrious career spans over four decades, during which he has acted in more than 100 films.  

Born on 10th June 1960 in Madras (now Chennai), Balakrishna is the sixth son of the legendary actor, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) founder, and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N T Rama Rao (NTR). Balakrishna began his cinematic journey as a child artist at the age of 14, debuting in the 1974 Telugu film 'Tatamma Kala'.  

Over the years, he carved his niche in Tollywood, becoming popular for his action-packed roles and distinct dialogue delivery.

Some of his iconic films include 'Mangammagari Manavadu' (1984), 'Muddula Mavayya' (1989), 'Samarasimha Reddy' (1999), and 'Akhanda' (2021). His latest movie, 'Daaku Maharaj', released on 12th January 2024.  

The 63-year-old actor has also bagged two prestigious Nandi awards for best acting, cementing his position as a stalwart in Telugu cinema.  

From silver screen to political arena

Balakrishna, though actively campaigning for the TDP since its inception in 1982, formally entered electoral politics in 2014. He contested and won the Hindupur Assembly seat, a constituency with a deep connection to NTR’s legacy. He successfully retained the seat in 2019 and scored a hat-trick with his victory in the 2024 elections.  

Despite being recognised as NTR’s political heir by the late leader himself, Balakrishna chose to focus primarily on his film career and party campaigns until 2014. In 1995, like many of his siblings, he supported his brother-in-law N. Chandrababu Naidu during the political upheaval against NTR, citing concerns over the interference of NTR’s second wife, Lakshmi Parvathi, in party affairs.  

His familial ties with Naidu grew stronger in 2007 when his daughter, Brahmini, married Nara Lokesh, the son of Chandrababu Naidu.  

Philanthropy and healthcare contributions 

Apart from his contributions to cinema and politics, Balakrishna is the Chairman of the Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute in Hyderabad, an institution founded in memory of his mother. The hospital has been lauded for its efforts in providing affordable cancer treatment to thousands of patients.  

Congratulatory messages pour in 

The announcement of the Padma Bhushan award for Balakrishna has drawn widespread appreciation and congratulatory messages from leaders and family members alike.  

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu took to X to express his admiration for Balakrishna’s contributions:  

“Heartfelt congratulations to Telugu cinema legend and Hindupur MLA, Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna Garu, on being conferred the Padma Bhushan! Upholding the legendary NTR Garu’s legacy, you have excelled in cinema, politics, and philanthropy. Your dedication to public welfare, particularly through the Basavatarakam Cancer Hospital, has touched countless lives and inspired millions. This is a well-deserved honour for a true icon and compassionate leader!”  

Governor S. Abdul Nazeer also extended his congratulations, recognising Balakrishna's achievement in the field of art.  

Popular actor Jr NTR, NTR’s grandson and Balakrishna’s nephew, shared his heartfelt message:

“Heartiest congratulations to Bala Babai on being honoured with the prestigious Padma Bhushan award. This recognition is a testament to your unparalleled contributions to cinema and your relentless public service.”  

Actor Venkatesh Daggubati shared a heaetfelt note congratulating him

"Many congratulations to Balayya on the prestigious Padma Bhushan!! A well- deserved honour for your monumental impact on cinema and your dedication to public service!," he wrote.

Film director Gopichand Malineni also shared a video on X, congratulating the actor.

(with agency inputs)