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Krishna

Krishna

Actor · 1943–2022 · Burripalem, Madras Presidency, British India (Now Andhra Pradesh, India)

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Biography

Ghattamaneni Siva Rama Krishna Murthy (31 May 1943 – 15 November 2022), known mononymously as Krishna, was a prolific Indian actor, director, and producer who transformed the landscape of Telugu cinema. Over a career spanning five decades, he starred in more than 350 films in a variety of roles, earning acclaim for his extensive work and fearless creative risks. Krishna began his film career in 1961 with minor roles before achieving his breakthrough with his first lead role in Thene Manasulu (1965). He later starred in several landmark films, including the critically acclaimed Sakshi (1967) and the family drama Pandanti Kapuram (1972), which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu. More than just a leading man, Krishna is celebrated as the industry’s foremost technological trailblazer who dared to reshape the cinematic experience. He portrayed the revolutionary lead in the first film to be entirely made in CinemaScope, the historical epic Alluri Seetarama Raju (1974), and later produced, directed, and headlined the first 70 mm feature, Simhasanam (1986), greatly expanding the visual scale and ambition of regional filmmaking. He also introduced the spy genre to South India with Gudachari 116 (1966) and the Western genre with Mosagallaku Mosagadu (1971), notably regarded as the first true Western in Indian cinema. In addition to his acting career, Krishna directed 17 feature films and produced numerous projects through the production company he founded, Padmalaya Studios. For his outstanding contributions to Indian cinema and his pioneering role in modernizing the industry, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 2009. In 1989, he was also elected as a Member of Parliament representing the Congress party. His final major release was Sri Sri (2016), after which he retired from films. Krishna passed away on November 15, 2022, following a cardiac arrest.

Acted in 106

2010s

  1. 2013

    Sukumarudu

    Movie

  2. Sevakudu

    Krishna Prasad

2000s

  1. 2009

    Kanthaswamy

    Krishna Rao

  2. 2008

    Baladur

    Ramakrishna

  3. 2007

    Satyabhama

    Psychiatrist

  4. 2004

    Message of Peace

    Jesus

  5. 2002

    Takkari Donga

    Special appearance

  6. 2001

    Pandanti Samsaram

    Krishnamanaidu

  7. 2000

    Vamsi

    Arjun

  8. Ravanna

    Retired Army Major

1990s

  1. 1999

    Rajakumarudu

    Krishnamurthy

  2. Sultan

    Ashok

  3. 1997

    Osey Ramulamma

    CBI officer Krishna

  4. Subhakankshalu

    Special Appearance

  5. 1996

    Ramudochadu

    Krishna Prasad (Cameo appearance)

  6. Jagadeka Veerudu

    Movie

  7. 1995

    Amma Donga!

    Chakradhar

  8. Telugu Veera Levara

    seeta rama raju

  9. 1994

    Yamaleela

    Special appearance

  10. 1993

    Varasudu

    Movie

  11. 1992

    Raktha Tharpanam

    Movie

  12. 1991

    Naa Ille Naa Swargam

    Movie

  13. Alludu Diddina Kapuram

    Movie

  14. Indra Bhavanam

    Movie

  15. 1990

    Anna Thammudu

    Raja Krishna Prasad

1980s

  1. 1989

    Koduku Diddina Kapuram

    Chakravarthy

  2. Gudachari 117

    Chandrakanth, Secret Agent 117

  3. Atha Mechina Alludu

    Movie

  4. 1988

    Mugguru Kodukulu

    Phanindra

  5. Maharajashri Mayagaadu

    Movie

  6. Rajakeeya Chadarangam

    S.P. Pratap

  7. Kaliyuga Karnudu

    Movie

  8. 1987

    Maa Voori Magaadu

    Ravi

  9. Vishwanatha Nayakudu

    Vishwanatha Nayakudu

  10. Shankaravam

    Vijay / Vikram

  11. 1986

    Khaidi Rudrayya

    Rudramaraju "Rudraiah"

  12. Jayam Manade

    Movie

  13. Simhasanam

    Vikrama Simha / Aditya Vardhana

  14. 1985

    Vajrayudham

    Movie

  15. Agni Parvatham

    Chandram / Jamadagni

  16. 1984

    Kanchu Kaagada

    Vikram

  17. Iddaru Dongalu

    Movie

  18. 1983

    Poratam

    Krishna Murthy

  19. Ramarajyamlo Bheemaraju

    Bheemaraju / Krishna Raja Kumar

  20. Adavi Simhalu

    Krishna

  21. Kirayi Kotigadu

    Kotigadu

  22. Mundhadugu

    Balagangadhara Tilak

  23. 1982

    Eenadu

    Movie

  24. Kalavaari Samsaram

    Vishnu

  25. Shamsher Shankar

    Movie

  26. Krishnavataram

    Kishtayya

  27. Vayyari Bhamalu Vagalamari Bhartalu

    Chinmababu Diwakar

  28. Prema Nakshatram

    Movie

  29. Bangaru Koduku

    Movie

  30. Edi Dharmam Edi Nyayam

    Movie

  31. 1981

    Bhoga Bhagyalu

    Movie

  32. Rahasya Gudachari

    Agent Gopi, 116

  33. Guru Sishyulu

    Gopi

  34. Todu Dongalu

    Movie

  35. Ooriki Monagadu

    Ravi

  36. 1980

    Bangaru Bava

    Movie

  37. Chuttalunnaru Jagrattha

    Ramesh / Gangulu

  38. Ram Robert Rahim

    Robert

  39. Mama Allulla Saval

    Movie

  40. Gharana Donga

    Krishna

  41. Kottapeta Rowdy

    Movie

  42. Bhale Krishnudu

    Krishna

1970s

  1. 1979

    Samajaniki Sawal

    Movie

  2. Mande Gundelu

    Ramu

  3. Kotta Alludu

    Movie

  4. Hema Hemeelu

    Knight King Raja

  5. 1978

    Chal Mohana Ranga

    Movie

  6. Indradhanussu

    Movie

  7. 1977

    Manasaakshi

    Movie

  8. Kurukshetram

    Arjuna

  9. 1976

    Sri Rajeshwari Vilas Coffee Club

    Movie

  10. 1974

    Aadambaralu Anubandhalu

    Movie

  11. Alluri Seetarama Raju

    Alluri Seetarama Raju

  12. 1973

    Meena

    Krishna Rao

  13. Vintha Katha

    Movie

  14. Mayadari Malligadu

    Mallanna

  15. Neramu Siksha

    Movie

  16. Talli Kodukulu

    Movie

  17. Mallamma Katha

    Movie

  18. 1972

    Rajamahal

    Gopi

  19. Monagadostunnadu Jagratha

    Raja

  20. Pandanti Kapuram

    Ravi

  21. 1971

    James Bond 777

    Kishore

  22. Nenu Manishine

    Movie

  23. Mosagallaku Mosagadu

    Krishna Prasad

  24. 1970

    Vidhi Vilasam

    Movie

  25. Akka Chellelu

    Venu

1960s

  1. 1969

    Takkari Donga Chakkani Chukka

    Gopi/Shyam

  2. 1968

    Lakshmi Nivasam

    Chandram

  3. Vichitra Kutumbam

    Krishna

  4. Niluvu Dopidi

    Krishna

  5. Teri Talaash Mein

    Movie

  6. 1967

    Ave Kallu

    Bhaskar

  7. Private Master

    Krishna

  8. Sakshi

    Kishtaiah

  9. 1966

    Goodachari 116

    Gopi / Agent 116

  10. Kanne Manasulu

    Gangulu

  11. 1965

    Tene Manasulu

    Basavaraju

  12. 1963

    Paruvu-Prathishtta

    Movie

  13. 1962

    Kula Gotralu

    Movie

  14. Padandi Munduku

    Movie

Other crew 15

1990s

  1. 1992

    Raktha Tharpanam

    Presenter

1980s

  1. 1988

    Bazaaru Rowdy

    Presenter

  2. Kanwarlal

    Presenter

  3. Mulzim

    Presenter

  4. 1987

    Shankaravam

    Presenter

  5. 1985

    Pataal Bhairavi

    Presenter

  6. Hoshiyar

    Presenter

  7. 1984

    Qaidi

    Presenter

  8. 1983

    Mawaali

    Presenter

  9. Justice Chaudhury

    Presenter

  10. Himmatwala

    Presenter

  11. 1981

    Meri Aawaz Suno

    Presenter

1970s

  1. 1979

    Hema Hemeelu

    Presenter

  2. 1977

    Kurukshetram

    Presenter

  3. 1974

    Alluri Seetarama Raju

    Presenter

Directed 14

2000s

  1. 2004

    Ishq Hai Tumse

    Director

  2. 2001

    Pandanti Samsaram

    Director

1990s

  1. 1992

    Raktha Tharpanam

    Director

  2. 1991

    Alludu Diddina Kapuram

    Director

  3. Indra Bhavanam

    Director

  4. 1990

    Balachandrudu

    Director

  5. Anna Thammudu

    Director

1980s

  1. 1989

    Koduku Diddina Kapuram

    Director

  2. 1988

    Mugguru Kodukulu

    Director

  3. Kaliyuga Karnudu

    Director

  4. 1987

    Shankaravam

    Director

  5. 1986

    Singhasan

    Director

  6. Simhasanam

    Director

  7. 1982

    Kannodu Kann

    Director

Wrote 12

2000s

  1. 2004

    Ishq Hai Tumse

    Writer

  2. 2001

    Pandanti Samsaram

    Screenplay

1990s

  1. 1992

    Raktha Tharpanam

    Screenplay

  2. 1991

    Indra Bhavanam

    Screenplay

  3. 1990

    Balachandrudu

    Writer

  4. Anna Thammudu

    Screenplay

1980s

  1. 1989

    Koduku Diddina Kapuram

    Writer

  2. 1988

    Mugguru Kodukulu

    Screenplay

  3. Kaliyuga Karnudu

    Screenplay

  4. 1987

    Shankaravam

    Screenplay

  5. 1986

    Singhasan

    Writer

  6. Simhasanam

    Writer

Edited 11

2000s

  1. 2001

    Pandanti Samsaram

    Editor

1990s

  1. 1992

    Raktha Tharpanam

    Editor

  2. 1991

    Indra Bhavanam

    Editor

  3. 1990

    Balachandrudu

    Editor

  4. Anna Thammudu

    Editor

1980s

  1. 1989

    Koduku Diddina Kapuram

    Editor

  2. 1988

    Mugguru Kodukulu

    Editor

  3. Kaliyuga Karnudu

    Editor

  4. 1987

    Shankaravam

    Editor

  5. 1986

    Singhasan

    Editor

  6. Simhasanam

    Editor

Produced 6

1990s

  1. 1999

    Sooryavansham

    Producer

  2. 1990

    Balachandrudu

    Producer

  3. Anna Thammudu

    Producer

1980s

  1. 1989

    Koduku Diddina Kapuram

    Producer

  2. 1986

    Singhasan

    Producer

  3. Simhasanam

    Producer

Appearances2

2000s

  1. 2007

    Telugu Cinema Vajrotsavam

    Self · 3 episodes

1980s

  1. 1988

    Bazaaru Rowdy

    Self