Punyamurthula Appalaraju (20 October 1937 – 14 February 1983), better known by his stage name Raja Babu, was an Indian actor and comedian known for his works predominantly in Telugu cinema. He is noted as one of the finest Telugu comedians.[1] A 9 ft bronze statue of Rajababu was unveiled in his birthplace of Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh in 2012.[2]
Raja Babu | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Punyamurthula Appalaraju 20 October 1937 |
| Died | 14 February 1983 (aged 45) Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, comedian |
| Spouse | Lakshmi Ammalu |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Chitti Babu (brother) Ananth Babu (brother) |
| Awards | Filmfare Awards South Nandi Awards Honorary doctorate |
Early life
editRaja Babu was born in Rajamundry, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh to Punyamurthula Umamaheswara Rao and Ramanamma as Appala Raju. His brothers are also noted comedians, Chitti Babu[3] and Ananth Babu.[4][5] He completed his Intermediate (10+2) education and successfully completed Teacher Training Course. He worked for sometime as a Telugu teacher after that. During that period, he used to act in dramas like Kukka Pilla Dorikindi, Naalugilla Chaavadi and Alluri Sitarama Raju.
Life style Garikapati Raja Rao invited Babu after seeing his acting skills in dramas who worked for Mr. Gayudu. Babu reached Madras in 1960 and initially lived on tuitions. Film Director Addala Narayana Rao gave him a chance to act in his film Samajam in 1960. Babu was known for his slapstick comedy roles. He acted in record 589 movies in less than 20 years.[6]
He has acted as the hero in Tata Manavadu, Pichodi Pelli, Thirupathi, Evariki Vare Yamuna Teere, Manishi Rodduna Paddadu. Leela Rani, Prasanna Rani, Gitanjali and Rama Prabha played with him as his female counterparts. But it was Ramaprabha who had a major share in his career playing opposite him and they were considered as the best comedy duo.
The comedy song Vinara Suramma Kooturu Moguda Vishayam Chebutanu featured by the duo in the film Illu Illalu went on to become the highlight of the entire film and was heard everywhere.
He portrayed the lead role of Giri, grandson (Manavadu) in the film Tata Manavadu directed by Dasari Narayana Rao and teaches a lesson to his father. The cast included S. V. Ranga Rao and Anjali Devi. He produced a few films under Bob and Bob Productions, including Evariki Vaare Yamuna Teeru and Manishi Rodduna Paddadu.[7]
Personal life
editRaja Babu married Lakshmi Ammalu (sister-in-law of writer Sri Sri) in 1965 and they have two children: Nagendra Babu and Mahesh Babu.[8] He has four brothers, among them Chitti Babu and Ananth Babu, who are actors and television artists. He has five sisters.[citation needed]
Filmography
editAwards
editReferences
edit- ^ "From Raja Babu to Ali and Brahmanandam: The greatest of Tollywood comedians". The News Minute. 23 September 2018. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
- ^ "Andhra Pradesh / Rajahmundry News : Rajababu statue unveiled". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 10 April 2011. Archived from the original on 26 September 2011. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
- ^ Chowdhary, Y. Sunita (16 September 2012). "Art imitates life". The Hindu. Chennai, India.
- ^ "Ananth Babu". archive.is. Archived from the original on 3 February 2013.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ "Best Comedians Of Tollywood 1 - Business of Tollywood". Business of Tollywood. Archived from the original on 5 December 2013.
- ^ Staff Reporter (9 April 2011). "Rajababu statue unveiled". The Hindu.
- ^ y. sunita chowdhary (15 September 2012). "Art imitates life". The Hindu.
- ^ "Comedian Raja Babu assets: లెజెండరీ కమెడియన్ రాజబాబు ఆస్తుల చిట్టా తెలుసా.. అమెరికాలో సొంత కంపెనీ..!". News18 Telugu (in Telugu). 16 May 2021.
- ^ "Somavara Vratha Mahathyam (1963)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
- ^ "Patukunte Padivelu (1967)". IMDb. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
- ^ "Aggi Dora (1967)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- ^ "Aggi Meeda Guggilam (1968)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
- ^ "Devudichina Bhartha (1969)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
- ^ "Ukku Pidugu - Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
- ^ "Muhurtha Balam Cast and Crew".
- ^ "Pratheekaram (1969)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 19 January 2024.
- ^ "Akandudu (1970)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
- ^ "Jagath Jetteelu (1970)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
- ^ "Anuradha Movie (1971)".
- ^ "Athalu Kodallu (1971)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
- ^ "Pattukunte Laksha (1971)". IMDb. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
- ^ "Jagath Jantrilu". TVGuide.com. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
- ^ Andam Kosam Pandem (1971) - IMDb, retrieved 7 August 2021
- ^ "Vintha Samsaram (1971)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
- ^ "Revolver Rani (1971)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
- ^ "Nijam Nirupistha (1972)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
- ^ "Inspector Bharya (1972)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
- ^ Minaru Babu (1973) - IMDb, retrieved 3 August 2021
- ^ "Mayadari Malligadu (1973)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ "Uttama Illalu (1974)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
- ^ "Zamindaru gari Ammayi (1975)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
- ^ "Bhagasthulu (1975)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
- ^ "Andharu Bagundali (1976)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
- ^ "Neram Nadikadu Akalidi (1976)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
- ^ "Alludochadu (1976)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
- ^ "Eetharam Manishi (1977)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
- ^ "Jeevithamlo Vasantham (1977)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
- ^ "Gadusu Pillodu (1977)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- ^ "Nayudu Bava (1978)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 9 December 2023.
- ^ "Patnavasam (1978)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
- ^ "Sahasavantudu (1978)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
- ^ "Korikale Gurralaithe (1979)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
- ^ "Andhadu Aagadu (1979)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
- ^ "Maavoollo Mahasivudu (1979)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
- ^ "Mahalakshmi (1980)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ "Bangaru Bhoomi (1982)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
- ^ KANTHAYYA KANAKAYYA | TELUGU FULL MOVIE | CHANDRA MOHAN | KAVITHA | TELUGU CINE CAFE, retrieved 27 October 2023
