Today, June 10, 2025, marks the birthday of Nandamuri Balakrishna, fondly known as Balayya Babu, a prominent figure in Telugu cinema and Andhra Pradesh politics. Born on June 10, 1960, Balakrishna is the sixth son of the legendary actor and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. T. Rama Rao (NTR). His career spans over four decades, during which he has delivered numerous iconic films and made significant strides in public service. In 2025, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Bhushan, the country's third-highest civilian award.
Balakrishna's journey in the film industry began as a child artist with the film Tatamma Kala (1974), directed by his father. He appeared in several films under his father's direction, including Daana Veera Soora Karna (1977), Sri Madvirata Parvam (1979), Akbar Salim Anarkali (1979), and Sri Tirupati Venkateswara Kalyanam (1979). By the mid-1980s, he transitioned into lead roles, quickly becoming one of the most sought-after actors in Telugu cinema.
Some of Balakrishna's most memorable films include Sahasame Jeevitham (1984), which marked his arrival as a lead actor, Mangammagari Manavadu (1984), Apoorva Sahodarulu (1986), where he played a dual role, Muddula Mavayya (1989), and Nari Nari Naduma Murari (1990). In the 1990s, he solidified his position with films like Lorry Driver (1990), Aditya 369 (1991), a science fiction film where he played Krishnadevaraya, Rowdy Inspector (1992), and Bhairava Dweepam (1994).
His career saw a resurgence with action-packed dramas such as Samarasimha Reddy (1999), which paved the way for the faction genre in Telugu cinema, Narasimha Naidu (2001), and Lakshmi Narasimha (2004). In 2010, he delivered another blockbuster with Simha, marking his first collaboration with director Boyapati Srinu. This successful partnership continued with Legend (2014) and Akhanda (2021). Recently, he starred in Veera Simha Reddy and Bhagavanth Kesari (2023), both of which were well-received by audiences. His recent film Daaku Maharaaj was released earlier in 2025.
Balakrishna has also experimented with biographical and historical roles, portraying characters such as Vemulawada Bheemakavi, Abhimanyu, Jahangir, and Krishnadevaraya. He also played NTR in a two-part biopic, NTR: Kathanayakudu and NTR: Mahanayakudu.
Beyond his cinematic achievements, Balakrishna has been actively involved in politics. Since the founding of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) by his father in 1982, he campaigned for the party. He officially entered electoral politics in 2014, winning the Hindupur Assembly Constituency seat in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly. He was re-elected in 2019 and 2024, demonstrating his strong political presence in the region. Despite his contributions, he has yet to be offered a ministerial role, a point of discussion among his supporters, especially given his family's political legacy and his dedication to the TDP.
In addition to his film and political careers, Balakrishna is known for his philanthropic efforts. He serves as the Chairman of the Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute in Hyderabad, named after his mother. The hospital provides affordable cancer treatment to many patients, reflecting his commitment to social causes.
Looking ahead, fans eagerly anticipate the release of Akhanda 2: Thaandavam on September 25, 2025. The teaser, released on June 9, 2025, just ahead of his birthday, has already generated significant buzz. This film marks his fourth collaboration with director Boyapati Sreenu, promising another mass-action spectacle.
