N. T. Rama Rao Jr.

Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr., popularly known as Jr. NTR, is a celebrated Indian actor, singer, and television presenter who primarily works in Telugu cinema. Born on May 20, 1983, in Hyderabad, Telangana, he hails from the illustrious Nandamuri family — the legacy of the legendary actor and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. T. Rama Rao, his grandfather. As the son of Nandamuri Harikrishna, Jr. NTR was exposed to the film industry from an early age, leading to his debut as a child artist.

Jr. NTR made his film debut at just ten years old in the mythological film Brahmarshi Viswamitra (1991), directed by his grandfather. He later won the National Film Award for Best Child Artist for Ramayanam (1996). However, it was in 2001 that he made his debut as a lead actor with the film Ninnu Choodalani. Though his debut as a hero received mixed reviews, he soon rose to stardom with Student No. 1 (2001), directed by S. S. Rajamouli. This film marked the beginning of his successful collaboration with Rajamouli and established Jr. NTR as a bankable star in Tollywood.

Jr. NTR is renowned for his exceptional acting prowess, powerful screen presence, and dynamic dancing abilities. He delivered major hits in the early 2000s, including Aadi (2002), Simhadri (2003), and Rakhi (2006). His performances often reflect a mix of mass appeal and intense emotion, endearing him to a broad audience across Telugu-speaking states.

After a brief lull in his career, Jr. NTR made a powerful comeback with critically acclaimed performances in films like Yamadonga (2007), Brindavanam (2010), Temper (2015), Nannaku Prematho (2016), and Janatha Garage (2016). His versatility reached new heights with Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava (2018), where he portrayed a layered and emotionally charged character.

One of the most significant milestones in his career came with the 2022 global blockbuster RRR, directed by S. S. Rajamouli. In the film, Jr. NTR portrayed the revolutionary tribal leader Komaram Bheem, sharing screen space with Ram Charan. His performance was lauded worldwide, earning him international recognition and helping Telugu cinema reach a global audience.

Aside from his film career, Jr. NTR has also hosted the reality show Bigg Boss Telugu (Season 1), showcasing his charisma on television. Despite his cinematic commitments, he remains deeply connected to his roots and family legacy. His public appearances often reflect humility, discipline, and a sense of responsibility as a cultural icon.

Jr. NTR is married to Lakshmi Pranathi, and the couple has two sons. Known for being deeply family-oriented and philanthropic, he has supported numerous causes, including education and healthcare initiatives.

Today, Jr. NTR stands tall as one of the leading actors in South Indian cinema, with a reputation for reinvention, dedication, and mass appeal. As he continues to take on challenging roles and work with some of the industry’s biggest directors, Jr. NTR’s influence only grows stronger, making him a true torchbearer of Telugu cinema’s golden legacy.