Brahmanandam | |
|---|---|
 Brahmanandam in 2024 | |
| Born | Kanneganti Brahmanandam (1956-02-01)1 February 1956 (age 69) Sattenapalle,Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1985–present |
| Works | Full list |
| Spouse | Lakshmi |
| Children | 2, includingRaja Goutham |
| Honours |
|
Kanneganti Brahmanandam (born 1 February 1956) is anIndian actor andcomedian known for his work inTelugu cinema.[1] Recognised as one of India's finest and highest-paid comic actors,[2][3] he holds theGuinness World Record for the most screen credits for a living actor, having appeared in over 1,000 films.[4][5] Brahmanandam has received numerous accolades, including sixNandi Awards and twoFilmfare Awards, and was honoured with thePadma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, in 2009.[6] He was also awarded an honorary doctorate byAcharya Nagarjuna University.[7]
After completing hisMaster of Arts degree, Brahmanandam worked as a Telugu lecturer inAttili ofWest Godavari district. Simultaneously, he also worked in theatre and as a mimicry artist. He made his television debut in 1985 withDD Telugu'sPakapakalu which received appreciation from the audience.[8] After watching his performance in the show, directorJandhyala cast him in the filmAha Naa Pellanta! (1987), which became his breakthrough role.[9]
Brahmanandam was born on 1 February 1956 in aTelugu family inChaganti Vari Palem village,Sattenapalli,Andhra Pradesh.[10][11] His parents are Nagalingachari and Lakshmi Narsamma.[12] His father was a carpenter and Brahmanandam was one of eight children. He completed hisMaster of Arts degree and joined as a Telugulecturer inAttili ofWest Godavari district.[13]
While working as a lecturer, Brahmanandam also worked in theatre and as a mimicry artist. Novelist and playwrightAdi Vishnu introduced him to NCV Sashidhar ofDoordarshan (DD). Soon after, he made his television debut in 1985 withDD Telugu'sPakapakalu.[8][13] His performance in the show received good response from the audience.[14] After watching his performance in the show, directorJandhyala cast him in the filmAha Naa Pellanta! (1987), which became abreakthrough role for him.[15] The same year he appeared in the successful filmsPasivadi Pranam andSwayam Krushi. The first film he acted in wasSri Tatavataram, second film wasSatyagraham, and the third film wasAha Naa Pellanta!.[13]Sri Tatavataram released later in 1988.
The following years he appeared in several Telugu films, of which, his performance in the filmsVivaha Bhojanambu (1988),Choopulu Kalisina Shubhavela (1988),Bandhuvulostunnaru Jagratha (1989),Muddula Mavayya (1989),Jagadeka Veerudu Atiloka Sundari (1990),Bobbili Raja (1990) andBamma Maata Bangaru Baata (1990) was well praised.[16]
Beginning from 1991, Brahmanandam has appeared in variety of comedic roles and a few intense roles. In 1991, he starred in major films such asKshana Kshanam (1991) andRowdy Alludu (1991).[17]The Times of India considered the filmsChitram Bhalare Vichitram (1991),Jamba Lakidi Pamba (1992), andYamaleela (1994) as the films that one can never get bored of. Brahmanandam has appeared in each of these, with him being considered as one of the main reasons for these films to be successful.[18] In 1992, he has played the lead role inBabai Hotel for the first time.[19]
He won his first major award—Nandi Award for Best Male Comedian for his performance as Khan Dada in the filmMoney (1993).[20] Following the success of the film, a sequel to it,Money Money (1994) was also produced, in which Brahmanandam reprised his role. Griddaluru Gopalrao ofZamin Ryot in his review of the filmHello Brother (1994) praised Brahmanandam's role and his performance.[21] His further successful films of the following years includeAlluda Majaka (1995),Intlo Illalu Vantintlo Priyuralu (1996),Bombay Priyudu (1996),Anaganaga Oka Roju (1997),Muddula Mogudu (1997),Bavagaru Bagunnara (1998),Aavida Maa Aavide (1998),Thammudu (1999),Kshemamga Velli Labhamga Randi (2000),Jayam Manade Raa (2000),Kalisundam Raa (2000), andAmmo! Okato Tareekhu (2000).
At a felicitation ceremony in January 2008, he listed the following films as his top 11 films —Aha Naa Pellanta! (1987),Vivaha Bhojanambu (1988),Chitram Bhalare Vichitram (1991),Pattukondi Chuddam (1997),Money (1993),Anaganaga Oka Roju (1997),Anna (1994),Amma (1991),Bavagaru Bagunnara (1998),Manmadhudu (2002),Dhee (2007).[13]
Brahmanandam married Lakshmi and has two sons,Raja Goutham and Siddharth.[22]
In January 2019, Brahmanandam underwent a successful heart bypass surgery at Asian Heart Institute (AHI) in Mumbai.[23]
Apart from acting, Brahmanandam is also an amateursculptor and asketch artist.[24] He also reads the philosophical writings ofSwami Vivekananda andJiddu Krishnamurthi in his free time.[9]
Guinness Book
Brahmanandam acted in more than 1,000 films.[5]
| 1981–1990 |
|
|---|---|
| 1991–2000 |
|
| 2001–2010 |
|
| 2011–present |
|
