Akkineni Nagarjuna : Star Who Dares To Tread New Paths

Nagarjuna Akkineni son of legendary Akkineni Nageswara Rao has got a free pass to enter into film industry with a big ticket film. But, he strives hard to find his groove and to create his own path coming out of the shadow of his great father. He not only proves his mettle but also made trendsetting films those changed the course of entire film industry.

Nagarjuna became an actor as a kid itself. He appeared onscreen in the 1967 Telugu film Sudigundalu directed by Adurthi Subba Rao. He appeared as an infant in movie Velugu Needalu. Both movies starred his father Akkineni Nageswara Rao in the lead role. He made his debut as a Hero in 1986 with Vikram, which is a remake of the 1983 Hindi film Hero. The film was a success, giving Nagarjuna a good start. 

Then he did Majnu, directed by Dasari Narayana Rao, which became superhit and earned him brownie points as an actor for his portrayal of a heartbroken lover. Then he scored blockbuster Aakhari Poratam, directed by K. Raghavendra Rao where he was paired opposite Sridevi and Suhasini. Janaki Ramudu, directed again by Raghavendra Rao, was also a superhit. Nagarjuna became an establishment shed star by this time.

But, he emerged as new Nag In 1989. He did two films that year which changed his course as well as Telugu cinema forever.  He did Geethanjali with Maniratnam and Shiva with debut director Ram Gopal Varma. Geethanjali portrayed him as a new age lover and became a memorabl hit. Whereas in Shiva he was seen as hot blooded youngster and this film has became a trendsetter in Telugu Cinema which take a new turn after the release of this film.

He introduced many new talented directors, technicians like Ram Gopal Varma, Krishna Vamsi, Lawrence and many more. He also became a successful producer. Ninne Pelladatha, which he produced and starred won National Award for Best Telugu Film. Nagarjuna surprised everyone when he accepted to do a devotional movie, Annamayya directed by Raghavendra Rao. He won National Award as Best Actor (Special Jury) for his exceptional performance in the film. He has devotional hits like Annamayya and Sri Ramadasu in his career. 

Nagarjuna produced and starred in Manam which features their entire family his father Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Sons Naga Chaitanya and Akhil (Guest role) directed by Vikram K Kumar. Manam is a remarkable film with a very unique story. It is ANR's last film. Nag also impressed and scored blockbusters with Soggade Chinni Nayana and Oopiri co-starring Karthi. He is now coming again with a new film which will be announced today on the eve of his birthday. Apart from acting and producing, Nagarjuna is also a super successful host. He successfully hosted Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu and now Bigg Boss Telugu.

CineJosh wishes King Nagarjuna garu a very happy birthday and many more trendsetters ahead.