Ravi Teja, born as Ravi Shankar Raju Bhupatiraju on 26 January 1968, is a renowned Indian actor and producer who predominantly works in Telugu cinema. Fondly known as the “Mass Maharaja” of Tollywood, Ravi Teja is admired for his high-energy performances, comic timing, and unique dialogue delivery style. Over the years, he has become one of the most bankable and beloved stars in the Telugu film industry, building a massive fan base with his distinctive mass-appeal acting.
Ravi Teja was born in Jaggampeta, Andhra Pradesh, into a middle-class family. His father was a pharmacist, and his upbringing was modest. He grew up watching films and was highly influenced by actors like Amitabh Bachchan. In pursuit of his dream to become an actor, he moved to Chennai in the late 1980s and began his film journey by working in supporting roles and as an assistant director. His early years were filled with struggle, perseverance, and dedication to his craft.
His breakthrough came with the 1999 film “Nee Kosam”, which earned him the Nandi Special Jury Award. However, it was the film “Idiot” (2002), directed by Puri Jagannadh, that turned him into a commercial hero. This success was followed by several blockbuster hits like “Khadgam” (2002), “Bhadra” (2005), “Vikramarkudu” (2006), “Krishna” (2008), and “Kick” (2009). Each role highlighted his versatility and mass appeal. His performance in “Vikramarkudu” was particularly praised and later remade in multiple Indian languages, including Hindi as “Rowdy Rathore”.
Known for his impeccable comic timing, Ravi Teja’s characters often carry a sense of energy and relatability. Despite several ups and downs in his career, he has consistently delivered entertaining films. Even during low phases, his popularity never waned. Some of his recent films like “Raja The Great” (2017), “Krack” (2021), and “Dhamaka” (2022) reaffirmed his position as a crowd-puller at the box office.
Apart from acting, Ravi Teja turned producer with the establishment of RT Team Works, backing films that align with his creative vision. Though not overly active in the media or on social platforms, Ravi Teja is known for his humble nature and professionalism. He often maintains a low-key personal life and stays away from unnecessary controversies.
Ravi Teja has won several awards including three state Nandi Awards and is regarded as one of the highest-paid actors in Telugu cinema. With a career spanning over two decades and more than 70 films, he remains an influential figure in the South Indian film industry. His dedication, resilience, and unique screen presence continue to inspire aspiring actors across the country.
Field | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Ravi Shankar Raju Bhupatiraju |
Stage Name | Ravi Teja |
Date of Birth | 26 January 1968 |
Place of Birth | Jaggampeta, Andhra Pradesh, India |
Nickname | Mass Maharaja |
Profession | Actor, Producer |
Industry | Telugu Cinema (Tollywood) |
Debut Film | Karthavyam (1990) – minor role |
Breakthrough Film | Nee Kosam (1999) |
Blockbusters | Idiot, Khadgam, Vikramarkudu, Kick, Krack |
Awards | 3 Nandi Awards, several other accolades |
Production House | RT Team Works |
Notable Traits | Comic timing, energetic roles, dialogue delivery |
Years Active | 1990 – Present |