Akkineni Nagarjuna, born on August 29, 1959, celebrates his 66th birthday in 2025, marking another year in his illustrious career as an actor, producer, and businessman in the Telugu film industry. Fondly called Nagarjuna, he was born in Chennai to veteran actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Annapurna.
A Wealthy Superstar
Nagarjuna has established himself as one of the wealthiest actors in South Indian cinema. His estimated net worth in 2025 is between ₹950 and ₹3,572 crore. This substantial wealth is attributed to his successful acting career, his production company Annapurna Studios, real estate investments, brand endorsements, and other business ventures. He reportedly charges ₹8-12 crore per film, and also earns significantly from brand endorsements, including deals with Kalyan Jewellers. Nagarjuna also co-owns Kerala Blasters FC and runs a convention center in Hyderabad. He owns a luxurious bungalow in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, worth approximately Rs 45 crore. Nagarjuna's impressive car collection includes a Porsche Cayenne, BMW M6, and BMW 7-Series.
A Stellar Film Career
Nagarjuna has acted in over 90 films in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi. He made his debut in 1986 with "Vikram". Some of his most notable films include:
- Siva (1989): Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, this action film was a turning point in Nagarjuna's career, establishing him as a superstar. It is considered a trendsetter in Telugu cinema and gained cult classic status.
- Geetanjali (1989): This romantic drama, directed by Mani Ratnam, won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
- Annamayya (1997): A biographical film where Nagarjuna portrayed the 15th-century composer Annamacharya. His performance earned him critical acclaim and a National Film Award.
- Ninne Pelladatha (1996): This film won the National Film Award for Best Telugu Film of the year.
- Manmadhudu (2002): A romantic comedy that showcased Nagarjuna's comedic skills.
- Mass (2004): An action film produced by Nagarjuna, which was a commercial success and was dubbed in Tamil and Hindi.
- Sri Ramadasu (2006): A devotional film based on the life of Kancharla Gopanna.
- Gaganam (2011): Nagarjuna played a National Security Guard commando in this film.
- Oopiri (2016): A remake of "The Intouchables," this film explores the friendship between a quadriplegic and his caregiver.
- Manam (2014): A family drama spanning generations, starring Nagarjuna alongside his father and son.
Awards and Recognition
Nagarjuna has received numerous awards for his contributions to cinema, including two National Film Awards for "Ninne Pelladata" (1996) and "Annamayya" (1997). He has also won ten Nandi Awards and three Filmfare Awards South. In 2013, he represented South Indian Cinema at the Delhi Film Festival's celebration of 100 Years of Indian Cinema.
Nagarjuna continues to be a prominent figure in the Telugu film industry, balancing his acting career with his entrepreneurial ventures.
