Junior NTR, lovingly referred to as Young Tiger or Tarak, embodies the perfect amalgamation of talent, style, and versatility. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, he has enthralled audiences with his dynamic portrayals of diverse characters, leaving a permanent mark on the hearts of his fans. From his humble beginnings as a child artist to his meteoric rise as a leading star, Jr. NTR's journey has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. With each project, he pushes boundaries, reinvents himself, and mesmerizes viewers with his impeccable acting skills. His ability to seamlessly transition between intense dramas, action-packed blockbusters, and light-hearted comedies showcases his versatility as a performer.
What sets Junior NTR apart is not just his exceptional talent, but also his commitment to social causes and his genuine connection with his fans. Beyond the glitz and glamour of the silver screen, he has shown unwavering compassion by actively participating in philanthropic endeavours and lending a helping hand to those in need.
Join us on an exciting journey as we explore the extraordinary world of Jr. NTR. From his early career breakthroughs to his iconic roles, personal milestones, and philanthropic endeavours, we will unravel the many facets of this beloved star and discover why he continues to captivate hearts and rule the hearts of millions in Tollywood.
Family and Education
Junior NTR, whose birth name was Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, was born on 20 May 1983, in Hyderabad. He is the son of Nandamuri Harikrishna, a renowned film actor and politician, and Shalini Bhaskar Rao. His father belongs to the Telugu community and was born and raised in Nimmakuru, located in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. His mother is a Kannadiga from Kundapur, Karnataka. Junior NTR is the grandson of the legendary Telugu actor and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. T. Rama Rao. In honour of his esteemed grandfather, he was renamed N. T. Rama Rao.
Jr. NTR has a half-brother named Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, who is also an actor and producer. He is also the nephew of Nandamuri Balakrishna, a prominent actor and politician, and the nephew of N. Chandrababu Naidu, the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Furthermore, he is the cousin of Taraka Ratna, who is an actor, and Nara Lokesh, a politician.
For his early education, Jr. NTR attended Vidyaranya High School in Hyderabad. He then went on to complete his intermediate education at St. Mary's College, also located in Hyderabad. Moreover, he spent some time studying in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh. Apart from his academic pursuits, Jr. NTR is also a trained Kuchipudi dancer, showcasing his passion for the traditional dance form of Andhra Pradesh.
With a family deeply rooted in the film industry and politics, Jr. NTR carries forward the legacy of his grandfather, N. T. Rama Rao, and has made a name for himself as a talented actor in the Telugu film industry.
Movie Career The Early Beginnings
Jr. NTR began his career in the entertainment industry at a very young age. He made his debut as a child artiste in the film "Brahmarshi Vishwamitra" (1991) at the tender age of seven. The movie, written and directed by his grandfather, showcased his talent as he portrayed the character of Bharata. This early exposure to the film industry set the stage for Jr. NTR's future success. After a significant gap, Jr. NTR returned to the big screen as a lead actor in the mythological film "Ramayanam" in 1997. Portraying the titular role of Rama, he delivered a noteworthy performance that garnered critical acclaim. The film went on to win the National Film Award for Best Children's Film, further establishing Jr. NTR's potential and versatility as an actor.
Recognizing his talent, director K. Raghavendra Rao recommended Jr. NTR to S. S. Rajamouli for his directorial debut, "Student No. 1" in 2001. Impressed by Jr. NTR's auditions and his previous film "Ramayanam," Rajamouli expressed interest in casting him. However, due to production delays, Jr. NTR decided to pursue another project. He was subsequently signed by producer Ramoji Rao and made his debut as a lead actor in the romantic drama "Ninnu Choodalani" (2001) at the age of 17.
Although "Ninnu Choodalani" marked his entry into the industry as a lead actor, "Student No. 1" was released later and proved to be a successful venture. On the other hand, his film "Subbu" (2001) failed to make a mark commercially. In 2002, Jr. NTR appeared in the film "Aadi". The movie portrayed his character seeking revenge on a landlord for the death of his parents. "Aadi" emerged as one of the highest-grossing films of that year, solidifying Jr. NTR's position as a bankable actor. He further showcased his acting skills in films like "Allari Ramudu" (2002) and the political thriller "Naaga" (2003). It was in 2003 that Jr. NTR's collaboration with S. S. Rajamouli resulted in a major milestone in his career. Their film "Simhadri", made on a budget of ₹8.5 crore, became the highest-grossing Telugu film at that time. In "Simhadri," Jr. NTR underwent a transformation, shedding his youthful image and adopting a more mature appearance, complete with a light beard. This reinvention earned him the title of "Young Tiger" and marked his transition from youth-oriented films to more experimental projects, particularly in the faction drama genre.
Jr. NTR's subsequent films, however, experienced a mix of commercial outcomes. Puri Jagannadh's action drama "Andhrawala" (2004) generated substantial hype but failed to perform well at the box office. He collaborated with V. V. Vinayak once again in the action film "Samba" (2004), which fared better. Following that, he took on a dual role in the family drama film "Naa Alludu" (2005) and starred in B. Gopal's "Narasimhudu" (2005) and Surender Reddy's "Ashok" (2006). Unfortunately, all three films faced commercial disappointment.
However, it was his portrayal in "Rakhi" (2006) that garnered significant praise. His performance in the family drama is considered one of his finest, showcasing his ability to deliver emotionally charged roles. This further solidified his reputation as a versatile actor capable of taking on diverse characters.
Further Progress
Jr. NTR's movie career progress has been marked by successful collaborations and diverse roles, showcasing his talent and versatility as an actor. One notable collaboration was with director S.S. Rajamouli for the third time in the socio-fantasy film "Yamadonga." In this film, Jr. NTR underwent a remarkable physical transformation by shedding more than 20 kg to portray the character of Raja, a thief who later finds himself in hell due to his misdeeds. "Yamadonga" received positive reviews, with Jr. NTR's performance earning him the prestigious Filmfare Award for Best Actor in the Telugu category. Renowned actor Mohan Babu also praised Jr. NTR's exceptional portrayal in the film.
Following the success of "Yamadonga," Jr. NTR ventured into the action film genre with the debutant director Meher Ramesh's "Kantri." This marked his continued exploration of diverse roles and genres. However, in 2009, Jr. NTR took a year-long break from acting to actively campaign for the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) during the general elections. Returning to the screen, Jr. NTR starred in the action-comedy film "Adhurs," where he showcased his versatility by playing dual roles, a feat he had previously accomplished in films like "Andhrawala" and "Naa Alludu." "Adhurs" emerged as a commercial success, grossing over ₹300 million at the box office, further cementing Jr. NTR's popularity and box-office draw.
Continuing his foray into different genres, Jr. NTR made a refreshing comeback to romantic films after a brief break with the romantic comedy "Brindavanam" (2011). The film received positive reviews, with Jr. NTR's charming performance winning the hearts of both critics and audiences alike. He further explored his range as an actor with collaborations in films like the fantasy action film "Shakti," and the romantic action film "Oosaravelli". While both films showcased Jr. NTR's dedication and commitment to his craft, the film "Dammu" (2012) achieved moderate success at the box office.
The Great Success
Jr. NTR's movie success has been a significant aspect of his career, with several notable films achieving both critical acclaim and box office triumph. In "Baadshah," he underwent a striking transformation, adopting a new look that suited the role of a don. The film emerged as a sleeper hit, grossing over ₹480 million in just 50 days. This success extended beyond the Telugu industry, as "Baadshah" was later dubbed and released in Hindi and Malayalam, expanding Jr. NTR's fan base.
Following a period of setbacks in his career, Jr. NTR found success with the film "Temper" (2015). His portrayal of a corrupt cop named Daya who undergoes a transformation was widely appreciated by both audiences and critics. This film served as a turning point, revitalizing his career, and reinstating his position as a prominent actor in the industry. Continuing his streak of successful films, Jr. NTR starred in "Nannaku Prematho" (2016). The film earned him his second Filmfare Award for Best Actor - Telugu, and its worldwide gross of ₹82.7 crore surpassed the box office records set by "Baadshah." He further solidified his position as a box office powerhouse with "Janatha Garage" (2016) which became the highest-grossing Telugu film of the year.
In 2017, Jr. NTR showcased his versatility by essaying a triple role in "Jai Lava Kusa," which received both commercial success and critical acclaim. The film collected nearly ₹130.90 crores worldwide, solidifying his ability to captivate audiences with his multi-dimensional performances. Later, Jr. NTR starred in "Aravinda Sametha" (2018) which garnered praise for its action-packed drama and Jr. NTR's exceptional performance. It emerged as one of the highest-grossing Telugu films of the year, further cementing his status as a bankable star.
RRR and Beyond
Jr. NTR continues to make waves in the film industry. His portrayal of 20th-century freedom fighter Komaram Bheem in S.S. Rajamouli's magnum opus "RRR" garnered massive success. Rajamouli himself praised Jr. NTR's performance, acknowledging his ability to convey a range of emotions in a single shot, making it truly epic.
In his 30th film, titled "Devara," Jr. NTR reunites with director Koratala Siva, marking their collaboration after the successful "Janatha Garage." Despite significant delays, the film went on floors in March 2023 and is scheduled for a theatrical release on 5 April 2024. Additionally, Jr. NTR joins hands with Mythri Movie Makers, once again after "Janatha Garage," for a project helmed by director Prashanth Neel. Both films are being produced under the banner of N. T. R. Arts, with Jr. NTR's half-brother, Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, serving as a co-producer.
Breaking new ground, Jr. NTR has also ventured into Hindi cinema by signing with Yash Raj Films for his debut in the highly anticipated sequel, "War 2." Sharing the screen with renowned actors Hrithik Roshan and Shabir Ahluwalia, and directed by Ayan Mukerji, Jr. NTR's entry into the YRF Spy Universe adds another exciting dimension to his career.
Movies
| # | Movie Name | Releasing Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brahmarshi Viswamitra (Child Artist) | 1991 |
| 2 | Ramayanam (Child Artist) | 1997 |
| 3 | Ninnu Choodalani (Debut) | 2001 |
| 4 | Student No: 1 | 2001 |
| 5 | Subbu | 2001 |
| 7 | Aadi | 2002 |
| 8 | Allari Ramudu | 2002 |
| 9 | Naaga | 2003 |
| 10 | Simhadri | 2003 |
| 11 | Andhrawala | 2004 |
| 12 | Samba | 2004 |
| 13 | Naa Alludu | 2005 |
| 14 | Narasimhudu | 2005 |
| 15 | Ashok | 2006 |
| 16 | Rakhi | 2006 |
| 17 | Yamadonga | 2007 |
| 18 | Kantri | 2008 |
| 19 | Adhurs | 2010 |
| 20 | Brindavanam | 2010 |
| 21 | Sakthi | 2011 |
| 22 | Oosaravelli | 2011 |
| 23 | Dammu | 2012 |
| 24 | Baadshah | 2013 |
| 25 | Ramayya Vasthavayya | 2013 |
| 26 | Rabhasa | 2014 |
| 27 | Temper | 2015 |
| 28 | Nannaku Prematho | 2016 |
| 29 | Janatha Garage | 2016 |
| 30 | Jai Lava Kusa | 2017 |
| 31 | Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava | 2018 |
| 32 | RRR | 2022 |
Achievements
| # | Award Name | Receiving Year | Received For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nandi Award (Special Jury Award) | 2002 | Aadi |
| 2 | CineMAA Award for Best Actor – Male | 2002 | Aadi |
| 3 | Santosham Film Award for Best Young Performer | 2003 | Simhadri |
| 4 | FNCC Award for Best Actor – Telugu | 2003 | Simhadri |
| 5 | CineMAA Award for Best Actor – Male | 2006 | Rakhi |
| 6 | Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu | 2007 | Yamadonga |
| 7 | Gemini TV Award for Best Actor – Telugu | 2007 | Yamadonga |
| 8 | South Scope Award for Best Actor – Telugu | 2008 | Kantri |
| 9 | CineMAA Award for Best Actor | 2016 | Temper |
| 10 | Mirchi Music Award for Star As A Singing Sensation – Telugu | 2016 | Nannaku Prematho |
| 11 | Mirchi Music Award for Star As A Singing Sensation – Kannada | 2016 | Chakravyuha |
| 12 | Zee Cinemalu Award for King Of Box Office | 2016 | Janatha Garage |
| 13 | IIFA Utsavam Award for Best Actor – Male | 2016 | Janatha Garage |
| 14 | Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu | 2016 | Nannaku Prematho |
| 15 | South Indian International Movie Award for Best Actor – Telugu | 2016 | Janatha Garage |
| 16 | Nandi Award for Best Actor | 2016 | Nannaku Prematho Janatha Garage |
Personal Life
Jr. NTR, known affectionately as Young Tiger or Tarak, has a significant presence both in Tollywood and the media. In his personal life, he tied the knot with Lakshmi Pranathi, the daughter of realtor and businessman Narne Srinivasa Rao. Their marriage, which took place on 5 May 2011 at the Hitex Exhibition Center in Madhapur, Hyderabad, was facilitated by N. Chandrababu Naidu, who is Lakshmi Pranathi's uncle. The couple is blessed with two sons, adding joy and happiness to their family life.
Aside from his personal endeavours, Jr. NTR has actively participated in political campaigns for the Telugu Desam Party during the 2009 Indian general elections in Andhra Pradesh. However, during this period, he encountered a mishap on 26 March 2009. While returning to Hyderabad after an election campaign, the SUV in which he was travelling collided head-on with another vehicle near Suryapet. Jr. NTR and his companions were thrown out of the SUV and suffered injuries. Following the accident, he received medical treatment and recuperated at the Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences in Secunderabad.
Social Work
Jr. NTR has demonstrated his commitment to social causes through various acts of philanthropy and support. In 2009, he showcased his compassion by donating ₹20 Lakhs to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to assist flood victims, highlighting his concern for those affected by natural disasters. During the Baadshah audio function in 2013, tragedy struck when a fan lost his life in a stampede. Jr. NTR immediately stepped forward to offer his support, donating ₹5 Lakhs to the grieving family. Not only did he provide financial assistance, but he also promised to take care of the family in the aftermath of their sudden loss, displaying his empathy and solidarity.
In 2014, Jr. NTR once again demonstrated his dedication to social welfare by pledging a donation of ₹20 Lakhs to the CM's Relief Fund to aid the victims of Cyclone Hudhud in Andhra Pradesh. His contribution helped alleviate the suffering of those affected by the calamity and showcased his commitment to supporting communities in times of crisis.
Through these acts of philanthropy, Jr. NTR has exemplified the importance of giving back to society and helping those in need. His gestures of support reflect his compassionate nature and his desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Summing Up
Jr. NTR's early career was marked by a mix of successes and failures. Nonetheless, his talent and dedication to his craft shone through, earning him recognition and critical appreciation. These early experiences paved the way for his subsequent achievements and established him as a prominent figure in the Telugu film industry. His movie career has been a testament to his versatility and ability to captivate audiences across different genres. With each project, he has embraced new challenges and delivered remarkable performances, maintaining his position as one of the leading actors in the Telugu film industry. His movie success has not only established him as a powerhouse performer but also earned him accolades and admiration from both the industry and fans alike. His dedication, versatility, and ability to immerse himself in diverse roles have been key factors in his journey to becoming one of the most influential actors in the Telugu film industry.
