Versatile actor and southern king of romance, Nagarjuna (commonly called as Nag by his fans and admirers) has turned 53 today. Andhra Wishesh takes an opportunity to wish Manmadhudu a happy birthday. To all those who knew about Nag, there's nothing that we have say about this legendary actor. And to all those new to Telugu or India, here we present some exclusive information about Nagarjuna....Take a look!

Nagarjuna -this name has a special significance in Telugu Cinema.  Entered the reel world as the son of versatile Akkineni Nageshwara Rao, Nagarjuna has created his own charisma and style in no time. His debut film Vikram in 1986 literally drew people of all ages to theatres. Since then Nagarjuna never looked back. Even though there were some flops in his career, Nag (as he's popularly known as) never got depressed. He appeared in more than 80 films and won two National Awards and six Nandi Awards (state awards) besides three Filmfare Awards (south).

Early life:

Born on August 29, 1959 in Chennai to the then top film actor Akkineni Nageshwara Rao in Chennai, Nagarjuna was perhaps born with a silver spoon. And despite taking birth in an affluent family, Nageshwara Rao had apparently never let Nagarjuna become an addict to luxuries. He reportedly went to college in city buses and lead a normal life. Thanks to his father ANR for the discipline he instilled in Nag. That could be the reason why today Nagarjuna is one of the most down to earth personalities in Tollywood.  After his family moved to Hyderabad from Chennai, Nagarjuna was admitted to Hyderabad Public School where he completed his tenth standard and later pursued his intermediate education at the esteemed Little Flower Junior College after which he completed his engineering education at College of Engineering, Guindy in Chennai. Later, Nagarjuna moved to Eastern Michigan University where he completed his management studies.

Entry into films:

Nagarjuna nor his father Nageshwara Rao apparently never thought Nag would enter films and in the long round would tag himself as southern king of romance. The story all started when he showed interest in films and wanted to done the role of a protagonist. And he got an offer for Vikram movie, which was directed by V Madhusudhana Rao. Vikram was released in 1986 and became a box office hit stunning many top heroes then.

A journey into the film world:

Nagarjuna and romance perhaps cannot be undivided on Telugu silver screen. Right from Maniratnam's Geethanjali to Manmadudu, Nagarjuna made young women go crazy. And for college goers, Nagarjuna as Shiva in Ram Gopal Varma's debut movie is till date a role model character. This film shot him into limelight across India as this movie was even dubbed into Hindi. This movie, which was screened, at International Film Festival in Kolkata, supposedly made audience awestruck. Today meet anyone in Kolkata and the moment Telugu cinema discussion pops up, the first name they would take is Nagarjuna. 'Kya actor hai yaar!' this was the common word Cine Sprint team heard when the team enquired as to what people in Mumbai and Kolkata think of Nagarjuna.

Another film, which had an ever lasting impression on Bollywood movie buffs was, Criminal (which was also made in Hindi). Directed by Mahesh Bhatt, Criminal was one movie, which cannot be erased off the minds of  romantic flick lovers. Thanks to MM Keeravani who scored brilliant music to the film, which played an important role in movie's success. Before Criminal, Nag appeared in Tollywood films such as Nirnayam, Killer and Chaitanya. All these movies brought critical acclaim to the legendary actor.

At a point of time when everyone in the state came to a conclusion that Nagarjuna would only suit for romantic and action roles, he astonished scores of people with a full length comedy entertainer—Hello Brother. The movie, which was directed by late EVV Satyanarayana, tickled the ribs of audiences to the core. This movie still remains in the hearts of the fans of Nagarjuna. Once Nagarjuna told in an interview that his youngest son Akhil's favourite movie was Hello Brother.

Two years after Hello Brother, Nagarjuna came in front of the public yet another time as a powerful lover boy in the film—Ninne Pelladatha, which was directed by Krishna Vamsi. The movie had a song 'Greeku Veerudu' and after release of this movie, for years together, Nagarjuna was referred to as Greeku Veerudu (meaning Greek Hero). Nagarjuna played a character of a youngster, who had to strike a perfect balance between love life and family values. And Nagarjuna had perfectly handled the role and supposedly gave his best.

While everyone was still enjoying and discussing Ninne Pelladatha, Nagarjuna had strike the silver screen as Annamayya (a Telugu saint and poet who hymns are till date part and parcel of prayers at Tirumala). Nagarjuna as Annamayya touched the hearts of aged women for the first time.Nag has got critical acclaim for this movie. Later, Nag appeared in romantic flicks such as Santhosham and Manmadhudu. In fact, after release of Manmadhudu movie (an out and out romantic film), Nag had been referred to as Manmadhudu. After, that a couple of movies such as Shivamani, Nenunanu and Mass received average response at the box office.

Bollywood:

After the success of Criminal movie, offers poured in from Bollywood for Nagarjuna. Right from Shiva, Criminal to Khuda Gawah and Zakhm—all of them were block busters at Bollywood. And Nag chose Tollywood over Bollywood. When asked why, Nag told in an earlier interview that he chose life over career. He was he was already a superstar here (Tollywood), he might have become a superstar there (Bollywood) and what next questioned Nag stating that there was no end to ambition and he was contended in Hyderabad. Therefore, he said no regrets over his decision.

Awards:
•    National Award-Best Feature Film-Ninne Pelladatha (producer Nagarjuna)-1997
•    National Award-Special Jury Award-Best Actor-1998
•    Nandi Award-Best Actor-Annamayya-1998
•    Nandi Award-Best Actor-Santosham-2002
•    Nandi Award-Best Actor-Sri Rama Dasu-2006
•    Filmfare-Best Actor-Shiva-1990
•    Filmfare-Best Actor-Annamaya-1998
•    Andhra Pradesh Film Journalists Association Award-Azad-2000
•    Bharathamuni Award-Best Actor-Geetanjali-1989
•    Bharathamuni Award-Best Actor-Annamayya-1998
•    Vamsee Berkeley Award-Best Actor-Vikram-1986
•    Vamsee Berkeley Award-Best Actor-Shiva-1990
•    AP Cinegoers  Award-Best Actor-Geetanjali-1989
There are many other awards and rewards, which Nagarjuna bagged for his outstanding performance.

Currently, Nagarjuna is working on two projects—one being Shirdi Sai and the other one is Damarukam. Both these films are going to hit the theatres soon. Nagarjuna has even produced a few films earlier. He's a person, who has been striving for uplifting Telugu Cinema and that's the reason why he came up with an acting school at his Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad. On a personal front, Nagarjuna is a jovial and down-to-earth guy. All in all, Nagarjuna is one of the big assets of Telugu Cinema.  We once again wish Nagarjuna a superb birthday.

(AW Phani)