Born on August 29, 1959 in Chennai Nagarjuna is the son of a veteran thespian and great actor, who is also the recipient of prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke award, Akkineni Nageswara Rao.
Nagarjuna completed his studies in Hyderabad Public School and did his graduation in no less than University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, US. After completing his degree, he craved to become a hero and his first film is 'Vikram', remake of a Hindi blockbuster 'Hero' hit the screen on May 23, 1986. None of the audiences then believed that Nagarjuna would become so popular now. After playing hero in two films, he portrayed the role of a tragedy hero in 'Majnu', who sacrifices his love, as he was about to die due to some disease. The film proved a big hit as Nagarjuna gave his best in performing the role.
Of course, Nagarjuna had also got a chance to play hero, along with his father ANR for 'Collectorgari Abbayi'. His film 'Akhari Poratam' with Sridevi as his heroine was a big hit which ran for 100 days in 12 centres during those days. Then came one of the best ever movies of Nagarjuna 'Geetanjali', a love story directed by Maniratnam, which is a big musical hit.
Introducing Ram Gopal Verma as director, Nagarjuna played the role of a student leader 'Siva' which really changed his entire image. It turned the tables making him a mass hero overnight. After that he married Amala, his co-star in this film. Nagarjuna also played in the Hindi version of 'Shiva' and became popular all through the country.
Though Nagarjuna faced several ups and downs for some time, he recouped his strength and proved himself as a mass hero once again with 'Presidentgari Pellam' and 'Hello Brother'. His film 'Ninne Pelladutha' directed by creative director Krishna Vamsi was another big hit in his career.
Like his father, Nagarjuna also wanted to prove himself in a devotional flick. He teamed up with K Raghavendra Rao and Bharavi for 'Annamayya', the history of a legendary singer/poet who penned several kritis on Lord Venkateswara. The film received laurels not only from his fans but also critics. Especially his histrionics before the climax reminded the audiences of his father. This film also ran for 100 days in 42 centres.
Nagarjuna, though a hero, also turned a producer by reviving his father's banner Annapurna. He produced several successful films on the banner as producer in Tollywood. The entire career of Nagarjuna saw several lean and successful patches. After 'Annamayya' again he shifted back to commercial films and played in several successful films such as 'Nuvvu Vastavani', 'Santosham', 'Manmadhudu', 'Nenunnanu' and 'Mass'. After a long gap, again Nagarjuna portrayed the role of yet another devotee / poet / Singer 'Sri Ramadasu'. This film once again enthralled the audiences very much. Not only normal people, but several religious heads praised the character and the film.
Nagarjuna's latest film 'Boss' is almost ready to hit the screen. The audio of 'Boss' is slated for release on September 3, while the film is tentatively planned to be released on September 20. The Telugu film industry as well as the audiences had high expectations on Nagarjuna's 73rd film 'Boss' directed by VN Aditya.
Nagarjuna's son Akhil also played in a film 'Sisindri', a film based on the 'Baby's day out' of Hollywood. Nagarjuna's nephew Sumanth also entered the film industry and also proved a good hero. With this the third generation in Akkineni Nageswara Rao's family entered the film industry.
As for Nagarjuna's hobbies, yoga and swimming are a part of his lifestyle. He also likes scuba diving in Maldives. One more interesting feature in Nagarjuna's lifestyle is that he is against working on Sundays as he devotes that day for himself and his family.
Nagarjuna's fans are going to celebrate the birthday of their favourite hero on August 29 and a grand party is planned at Annapurna Studios. Musicmazaa wishes many more happy returns to this charismatic hero and wishes the 'Boss' a grand success.
