Nandamuri Balakrishna: The Mass Hero of Telugu Cinema
Nandamuri Balakrishna, affectionately known as Balayya by his fans and colleagues, stands as one of the most prominent stars in Telugu cinema. His journey from a child artist to a commanding mass hero on the silver screen is a testament to his enduring appeal and talent.
A Legendary Lineage: Born into Cinema and Politics
Balakrishna was born on June 10, 1960, in Chennai to the iconic actor and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, NT Rama Rao, and his wife, Basavatarakam. Growing up in a family with 11 siblings, he was immersed in both the film industry and political spheres from a young age, which naturally shaped his interests and career path.
His family connections are extensive and influential:
- His brother, the late Nandamuri Harikrishna, was also an actor-politician, making Balakrishna the uncle of popular actor Jr. NTR.
- One of his sisters, Daggubati Purandeswari, is a well-known politician.
- He is related to the current Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N Chandrababu Naidu, through his sister Nara Bhuvaneswari, making Balayya the CM's brother-in-law.
Personal Life: Marriage and Family
Nandamuri Balakrishna married Vasundhara Devi in 1982 after reportedly meeting her at a relative's wedding. The couple, who tied the knot when Balayya was just 22 years old, has maintained a relatively private family life, though Vasundhara occasionally supports him at film events as his biggest cheerleader.
They have three children:
- Nandamuri Mokshagna Teja, whose debut film 'Simba' was announced but reportedly cancelled in 2024, with sources suggesting he is not yet ready for movies.
- Nandamuri Tejaswini.
- Brahmani Nandamuri, an entrepreneur married to Nara Lokesh, son of Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu.
Professional Career: Recent Projects and Future Endeavors
On the professional front, Balakrishna was last seen in 'Akhanda 2: Thaandavam', released in December 2025. Directed by Boyapati Sreenu, the film features a star-studded cast including Samyukta Menon, Kabir Duhan Singh, and Aadhi Pinisetty. Set against the backdrop of bio warfare in India, it follows the protagonist Akhanda as he strives to save the nation and restore faith in God.
The sequel received mixed reviews: While praised for its scale and impactful moments, critics noted it struggled to match the emotional depth and narrative tightness of the original. A review from TOI rated it 2 out of 5, describing it as a grand yet uneven sequel best suited for Balakrishna loyalists who enjoy mass action despite repetitive storytelling.
Looking ahead, Balayya is set to star in a historical epic tentatively titled 'NBK 111', directed by Gopichand Malineni, promising another exciting chapter in his illustrious career.
