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India Today
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Jr NTR beyond RRR: From legacy launch to global sensation
For decades, Telugu cinema has celebrated Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr aka Jr NTR as one of its brightest stars. In the Telugu states, his name carries the weight of legacy, charisma, and box-office reciting mythological lines as a child in 'Bala Ramayanam' to delivering some of Telugu cinema's most memorable dialogues, Jr NTR fondly called 'Man of the Masses', has grown into one of the industry's most commanding voices. A performer forged by the legacy of the Nandamuri audiences beyond the south, Jr NTR entered mainstream consciousness only after the global triumph of 'RRR'. But his road to Komaram Bheem was already a story of remarkable versatility, resilience, and reinvention.A star in the making His tryst with the camera began long before his official debut. As a child actor in 'Bala Ramayanam' (1997), where his poise and dialogue delivery hinted at the star he would one day become. That early start laid the foundation for his commanding screen presence in later debuting as a lead in 'Ninnu Choodalani' at just 17, his second release 'Student No. 1' and 'Aadi' cemented him as a crowd-puller before he turned 20. What set him apart early on was the range he could convincingly pull off. From playing an intense hero in 'Aadi', switching to eccentric swagger in 'Temper', carrying family entertainers like 'Brindavanam', pulling off light-hearted comedy in 'Adhurs', and embracing the challenge of triple roles in 'Jai Lava Kusa', where he played an innocent, a quirky charmer, and a brooding antagonist with equal conviction, he showed his prowess. The weight of a legendary nameBorn as Nandamuri Tarak Ram, he was renamed Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao by his grandfather, the legendary actor and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister NT Rama Rao. Carrying such a legacy came with enormous expectations but also a deep emotional bond with the frenzy around his 2003 film 'Andhrawala's' audio launch at his grandfather's birthplace, Nimmakuru, drew lakhs of fans and caused unprecedented chaos. It remains one of the most talked-about fan gatherings in Telugu cinema and fearless transformationVery few mainstream Telugu stars have experimented as boldly as Jr NTR. He has repeatedly altered his looks and physicality for roles, shedding over 20 kgs for 'Yamadonga', straightening his trademark curls for 'Baadshah', or adopting a rugged, bearded style for 'Nannaku Prematho'.Jr NTR's career has been marked by both soaring highs and testing lows. Early stardom through 'Aadi' and 'Simhadri' was followed by setbacks with 'Andhrawala', 'Naa Alludu', and 'Narasimhudu'. But he bounced back spectacularly with 'Yamadonga', which showcased his ability to reinvent himself. 'Temper' in 2015 became a turning point, with critics praising his layered portrayal of a corrupt cop seeking redemption. This was followed by 'Nannaku Prematho', 'Janatha Garage', 'Aravinda Sametha', and 'Jai Lava Kusa', each reinforcing his reputation as an actor who could deliver both mass spectacle and emotional the big screenadvertisementJr NTR's charisma extends far beyond cinema halls. His television debut as host of 'Bigg Boss Telugu' Season 1 in 2017 delivered record ratings, giving Star Maa its highest-ever viewership at the time. He later hosted 'Evaru Meelo Koteeswarulu', bringing spontaneity and wit to the format, and further broadening his fan and linguistic versatilityActing isn't his only talent. Jr NTR has lent his voice to multiple hit tracks, beginning with 'Olammi Thikka Regindha' in 'Yamadonga'. His energetic '123 Nenoka Kantri' in 'Kantri', playful 'Raakasi Raakasi' in 'Rabhasa', and stylish 'Follow Follow' in 'Nannaku Prematho' remain fan favourites. He even recorded a Kannada song for Puneeth Rajkumar's Kannada film 'Chakravyuha', underlining his musical in Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Tamil and English, he dubbed his own lines in multiple languages for 'RRR', earning praise for authenticity. This ease across linguistic boundaries sets him apart among Telugu stars and primes him for pan-Indian and international 'RRR' effectWhen SS Rajamouli's 'RRR' was released in 2022, the world witnessed a side of Jr NTR that Telugu audiences had celebrated for years. His performance was a perfect blend of emotional intensity, physical dynamism, and the ability to dominate the screen even in a shared Komaram Bheem, he blended vulnerability and ferocity, most memorably in the 'Komaram Bheemudo' sequence, which director SS Rajamouli called a performance no other Indian actor could match. The film's global success opened new horizons, making Jr NTR a familiar name to international audiences. What makes Jr NTR unique is not just talent but adaptability. He can lead a commercial entertainer while experimenting with genres, master a high-energy dance number one day and dub in a foreign language the next, command a television stage with warmth, and sing a mass anthem that becomes a street journey, from a child star in 'Bala Ramayanam' to a legacy torchbearer and a globally recognised performer in 'RRR' is proof that stardom in Indian cinema isn't built overnight. It's forged through reinvention, risk-taking, a deep audience connection, and an unshakeable commitment.- EndsMust Watch
Hans India
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Started with curiosity, stayed for the chaos: Raashii Khanna on completing 11 years in cinema
Actress Raashii Khanna has marked a significant milestone—11 years in the film industry—with a heartfelt social media post reflecting on her journey. The actress, who made her Bollywood debut in 2013 with Madras Cafe, took to Instagram on Friday to commemorate the occasion by sharing a fan-made video compilation of her memorable on-screen moments. 'Started with curiosity. Stayed for the chaos. 11 years in – and the picture's still rolling. Thank you for watching me grow frame by frame. Picture abhi baaki hai, mere dost,' she wrote, capturing the spirit of her evolving career. Raashii began her acting journey with a supporting role in Madras Cafe opposite John Abraham and soon made a strong impact in Telugu cinema with her lead debut in Oohalu Gusagusalade. Over the years, she has delivered notable performances in films such as Bengal Tiger, Jai Lava Kusa, Tholi Prema, Imaikkaa Nodigal, and Prati Roju Pandage. She has also ventured into digital platforms with web series like Rudra: The Edge of Darkness and Farzi. Most recently seen in the Tamil film Aghathiyaa, Raashii is now gearing up for her next major project, 'Telusu Kada', the directorial debut of stylist Neeraja Kona. Produced by TG Vishwa Prasad under People Media Factory, the romantic drama features Siddu Jonnalagadda, Srinidhi Shetty, and Viva Harsha, and is set to explore themes of friendship, family, and self-discovery. The film is slated for release on October 17, 2025. The project was launched in Hyderabad with a traditional muhurat ceremony, attended by industry stars including Nani, Aadhi Pinisetty, and Nithiin.
