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Kanneganti Brahmanandam (born 1 February 1956), known mononymously as Brahmanandam, is an Indian actor, comedian, impersonator, and voice actor known for his works predominantly in
Telugu cinema Telugu cinema, also known as Tollywood, is the segment of Indian cinema dedicated to the production of motion pictures in the Telugu language, widely spoken in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Telugu cinema is based in Film Nagar, ...
. He is particularly known for his comic performances. He holds the Guinness World Record for the most screen credits for a living actor, appearing in over 1000 films to date.Brahmanandam breaks 1000 film record
- ''The Times of India'' Dated 29 January 2015 Retrieved 10 February 2015
He was awarded an honorary doctorate by Acharya Nagarjuna University. In 2009, he was honoured with the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in India, for his contribution to Art. Brahmanandam is one of the highest-paid comic actors in India. After completing his
Master of Arts A Master of Arts ( la, Magister Artium or ''Artium Magister''; abbreviated MA, M.A., AM, or A.M.) is the holder of a master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree is usually contrasted with that of Master of Science. Th ...
degree, Brahmanandam worked as a Telugu lecturer in Attili of West Godavari district,
Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh (, abbr. AP) is a state in the south-eastern coastal region of India. It is the seventh-largest state by area covering an area of and tenth-most populous state with 49,386,799 inhabitants. It is bordered by Telangana to the ...
. Simultaneously, he also worked in
theatre Theatre or theater is a collaborative form of performing art that uses live performers, usually actors or actresses, to present the experience of a real or imagined event before a live audience in a specific place, often a stage. The perform ...
and as a mimicry artist. He made his television debut in 1985 with DD Telugu's ''Pakapakalu'' which received appreciation from the audience''.'' After watching his performance in the show, director Jandhyala cast him in the film ''Aha Naa Pellanta!'' (1987), which became his breakthrough role. In a career spanning over 35 years, he has garnered six state Nandi Awards, one
Filmfare Award South Filmfare Awards South is the South Indian segment of the annual Filmfare Awards, presented by the Filmfare magazine of The Times Group to honour both artistic and technical excellence of professionals in the Indian film industry encompassing f ...
, and six
CineMAA Awards The CineMAA Awards are presented annually by the Maa TV Group to honour artistic and technical excellence of professionals in the Telugu Cinema. The awards were introduced in 2004. The CineMAA Awards are voted for by both the public and a commit ...
.


Early life

Brahmanandam was born on 1 February 1956 in
Sattenapalle Sattenapalle is a town in Palnadu district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is a municipality and the headquarters of Sattenapalle mandal under Sattenapalle revenue division. History The region is an important region of the ancient Ka ...
,
Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh (, abbr. AP) is a state in the south-eastern coastal region of India. It is the seventh-largest state by area covering an area of and tenth-most populous state with 49,386,799 inhabitants. It is bordered by Telangana to the ...
. His parents are Nagalingachari and Lakshmi Narsamma. His father was a carpenter and Brahmanandam was one of eight children. He completed his
Master of Arts A Master of Arts ( la, Magister Artium or ''Artium Magister''; abbreviated MA, M.A., AM, or A.M.) is the holder of a master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree is usually contrasted with that of Master of Science. Th ...
degree and joined as a Telugu lecturer in Attili of West Godavari district.


Career

While working as a lecturer, Brahmanandam also worked in theatre and as a mimicry artist. Novelist and playwright Adi Vishnu introduced him to NCV Sashidhar of Doordarshan (DD). Soon after, he made his television debut in 1985 with DD Telugu's ''Pakapakalu.'' His performance in the show received good response from the audience. After watching his performance in the show, director Jandhyala cast him in the film ''Aha Naa-Pellanta!'' (1987), which became a breakthrough role for him. The same year he appeared in the successful films '' Pasivadi Pranam'' and ''
Swayam Krushi ''Swayamkrushi'' () is a 1987 Indian Telugu-language drama film written and directed by K. Viswanath. The film stars Chiranjeevi and Vijayashanti in main leads, while Sarvadaman D. Banerjee, and Sumalatha in other pivotal roles. The film chr ...
''. The first film he acted in was ''Sri Tatavataram'', second film was ''Satyagraham,'' and the third film was ''Aha Naa Pellanta!''. ''Sri Tatavataram'' released later in 1988. The following years he appeared in several Telugu films, of which, his performance in the films ''Vivaha Bhojanambu'' (1988), '' Choopulu Kalisina Shubhavela'' (1988), '' Bandhuvulostunnaru Jagratha'' (1989), '' Muddula Mavayya'' (1989), ''
Jagadeka Veerudu Atiloka Sundari ''Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari'' (), also known by the initialism ''JVAS'', is a 1990 Indian Telugu-language fantasy film directed by K. Raghavendra Rao who co-wrote the script with Jandhyala and Yandamuri Veerendranath. The film stars Chir ...
'' (1990), '' Bobbili Raja'' (1990) and '' Bamma Maata Bangaru Baata'' (1990) was well praised. Beginning from 1991, Brahmanandam has appeared in variety of comedic roles and a few intense roles. In 1991, he starred in major films such as ''
Kshana Kshanam ''Kshana Kshanam'' () is a 1991 Indian Telugu-language road thriller and heist film written and directed by Ram Gopal Varma. The film stars Venkatesh, Sridevi, Paresh Rawal, and Rami Reddy. The plot follows Satya (Sridevi), a young woman who is ...
'' (1991) and '' Rowdy Alludu'' (1991)''.'' ''
The Times of India ''The Times of India'', also known by its abbreviation ''TOI'', is an Indian English-language daily newspaper and digital news media owned and managed by The Times Group. It is the third-largest newspaper in India by circulation and largest ...
'' considered the films '' Chitram Bhalare Vichitram'' (1991), '' Jamba Lakidi Pamba'' (1992), and '' Yamaleela'' (1994) as the films that one can never get bored of. Brahmanandam has appeared in each of these, with him being considered as one of the main reasons for these films to be successful. In 1992, he has played the lead role in ''
Babai Hotel ''Babai Hotel'' is a 1992 Telugu-language comedy drama film directed by Jandhyala and produced by K. S. Rama Rao under the banner Creative Commercials. The film stars Brahmanandam, Gundu Hanumantha Rao and Kinnera.Nandi Award for Best Male Comedian for his performance as Khan Dada in the film ''
Money Money is any item or verifiable record that is generally accepted as payment for goods and services and repayment of debts, such as taxes, in a particular country or socio-economic context. The primary functions which distinguish money are as ...
'' (1993). Following the success of the film, a sequel to it, ''Money Money'' (1994) was also produced, in which Brahmanandam reprised his role. Griddaluru Gopalrao of '' Zamin Ryot'' in his review of the film ''Hello Brother'' (1994) praised Brahmanandam's role and his performance. His further successful films of the following years include '' Alluda Majaka'' (1995), '' Intlo Illalu Vantintlo Priyuralu'' (1996), '' Bombay Priyudu'' (1996), ''
Anaganaga Oka Roju ''Anaganaga Oka Roju'' () is a 1997 Indian Telugu-language comedy film written and directed by Ram Gopal Varma. The film stars J. D. Chakravarthy and Urmila Matondkar in lead roles. Raghuvaran, Brahmanandam and Kota Srinivasa Rao play other p ...
'' (1997), '' Muddula Mogudu'' (1997), '' Bavagaru Bagunnara?'' (1998), '' Aavida Maa Aavide'' (1998), '' Thammudu'' (1999), '' Kshemamga Velli Labhamga Randi'' (2000), '' Jayam Manade Raa'' (2000), ''
Kalisundam Raa ''Kalisundham Raa'' () is a 2000 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by Udayasankar and produced by D. Suresh Babu. It stars Venkatesh and Simran, with music composed by S. A. Rajkumar. It received the National Film Award for Best Featur ...
'' (2000), and '' Ammo! Okato Tareekhu'' (2000). At a felicitation ceremony in January 2008, he listed the following films as his top 11 films ''Aha Naa Pellanta!'' (1987), ''Vivaha Bhojanambu'' (1988), ''Chitram Bhalare Vichitram'' (1991), ''Pattukondi Chuddam'' (1997), ''Money'' (1993), ''Anaganaga Oka Roju'' (1997), '' Anna'' (1994), ''Amma'' (1991), ''Bavagaru Bagunnara?'' (1998), '' Manmadhudu'' (2002), ''
Dhee ''Dhee'' () is a 2007 Indian Telugu language, Telugu-language action film, action comedy film directed by Srinu Vytla and produced by Siri Venkateswara Films. The film stars Vishnu Manchu and Genelia D'Souza while Srihari and Brahmanandam pla ...
'' (2007).


Personal life

Brahmanandam married Lakshmi and has two sons, Raja Gautham and Siddharth. Gautham is also an actor who starred in films such as '' Pallakilo Pellikoothuru'' (2004), and ''Manu'' (2018). Gautham is married and has a son born in 2017. In January 2019, Brahmanandam underwent a successful heart bypass surgery at Asian Heart Institute (AHI) in Mumbai. Apart from acting, Brahmanandam is also an amateur sculptor and a sketch artist. He also reads the philosophical writings of Swami Vivekananda and Jiddu Krishnamurthi in his free time.


Awards and honours

;Civilian honors * In January 2009, the government of India bestowed the title of Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award, on Brahmanandam for his contributions to art. Guinness Book * Guinness World Record for the most screen credits for a living actor. ; Filmfare Awards * Filmfare Award for Best Comedian – Telugu – '' Manmadhudu'' (2002) ; Nandi Awards * Best Male Comedian – ''
Money Money is any item or verifiable record that is generally accepted as payment for goods and services and repayment of debts, such as taxes, in a particular country or socio-economic context. The primary functions which distinguish money are as ...
'' (1993)(in Telugu) * Best Supporting Actor''Anna'' (1994) * Best Comedian – ''
Anaganaga Oka Roju ''Anaganaga Oka Roju'' () is a 1997 Indian Telugu-language comedy film written and directed by Ram Gopal Varma. The film stars J. D. Chakravarthy and Urmila Matondkar in lead roles. Raghuvaran, Brahmanandam and Kota Srinivasa Rao play other p ...
'' (1995) * Best Comedian – ''
Vinodam ''Vinodam'' is a 1996 Indian Telugu-language comedy film directed by S. V. Krishna Reddy. K. Atchi Reddy produced the film under ''Manisha Films'' banner. S. V. Krishna Reddy also composed the music for this film. The film stars Srikanth and Ra ...
'' (1996) * Best Comedian – '' Ready'' (2008) * Best Comedian – '' Race Gurram'' (2014) ;
CineMAA Awards The CineMAA Awards are presented annually by the Maa TV Group to honour artistic and technical excellence of professionals in the Telugu Cinema. The awards were introduced in 2004. The CineMAA Awards are voted for by both the public and a commit ...
* CineMAA Award for Best Comedian – '' Manmadhudu'', ''
Dhee ''Dhee'' () is a 2007 Indian Telugu language, Telugu-language action film, action comedy film directed by Srinu Vytla and produced by Siri Venkateswara Films. The film stars Vishnu Manchu and Genelia D'Souza while Srihari and Brahmanandam pla ...
'', ''
Konchem Ishtam Konchem Kashtam ''Konchem Ishtam Konchem Kashtam'' () is a 2009 Indian Telugu-language romantic comedy film directed by debutant Kishore Kumar Pardasani. The film stars Siddharth, Tamannaah, Prakash Raj, Ramya Krishna, and Nassar while Brahmanandam and Venu ...
'', '' Adhurs'' & '' Dookudu'' ; South Indian International Movie Awards * SIIMA Award for Best Comedian (Telugu)''Dookudu (2011)'' * SIIMA Award for Best Comedian (Telugu)''Baadshah (2013)'' * SIIMA Award for Best Comedian (Telugu)''Race Gurram (2014)'' ; Other * Hyderabad Times Film Awards Best Actor in a Comic Role – ''Dookudu'' (2011) * TSRTV9 National Film Award for Best Comedian – ''Attarintiki Daredi (2013)''


Filmography

Brahmanandam acted in more than 1,000 films.


Selected filmography

* 1987: '' Aha Naa Pellanta'' as Ara Gundu * 1990: ''
Jagadeka Veerudu Atiloka Sundari ''Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari'' (), also known by the initialism ''JVAS'', is a 1990 Indian Telugu-language fantasy film directed by K. Raghavendra Rao who co-wrote the script with Jandhyala and Yandamuri Veerendranath. The film stars Chir ...
'' as Vichitra Kumar * 1992: ''
Babai Hotel ''Babai Hotel'' is a 1992 Telugu-language comedy drama film directed by Jandhyala and produced by K. S. Rama Rao under the banner Creative Commercials. The film stars Brahmanandam, Gundu Hanumantha Rao and Kinnera.Rajendrudu Gajendrudu'' as Bank Manager * 1993: ''
Money Money is any item or verifiable record that is generally accepted as payment for goods and services and repayment of debts, such as taxes, in a particular country or socio-economic context. The primary functions which distinguish money are as ...
'' as Khan Dada * 1993: '' Jamba Lakidi Pamba'' as Anandam * 1993: '' Abbaigaru'' as Housekeeper * 1994: '' Yamaleela'' as
Chitragupta Chitragupta (Sanskrit: चित्रगुप्त, 'rich in secrets' or 'hidden picture') is a Hindu deity assigned with the task of keeping complete records of the actions of human beings and punishing or rewarding them according to their ...
* 1994: '' Alibaba Aradajanu Dongalu'' as Thief * 1995: '' Alluda Majaka'' as Abbulu/Ms. Dakota * 1995: '' Ghatotkachudu'' as Scrap Collector * 1996: ''
Anaganaga Oka Roju ''Anaganaga Oka Roju'' () is a 1997 Indian Telugu-language comedy film written and directed by Ram Gopal Varma. The film stars J. D. Chakravarthy and Urmila Matondkar in lead roles. Raghuvaran, Brahmanandam and Kota Srinivasa Rao play other p ...
'' as Michael Jackson * 1997: ''
Annamayya Tallapaka Annamacharya (Telugu : తాళ్ళపాక అన్నమాచార్య) (IAST: taḷḷapāka annamācārya; 22 May 1408 – 4 April 1503), also popularly known as Annamayya, was a 15th-century Hindu saint and the ear ...
'' as Pundit * 1998: '' Bavagaru Bagunnara?'' as Gopi * 1998: '' Ganesh'' as Sub-Jailor Kondal Rao * 2001: ''
Nuvvu Naaku Nachav ''Nuvvu Naaku Nachav'' () is a 2001 Indian Telugu-language romantic comedy film directed by K. Vijaya Bhaskar who co-wrote the film with Trivikram Srinivas. It is produced by Sravanthi Ravi Kishore under the Sri Sravanthi Movies studio. The fi ...
'' as Photographer * 2002: '' Indra'' as Pundit * 2002: '' Manmadhudu'' as Sooribabu Lavangam *2003:'' Simhadri'' as Talupulu * 2004: '' Venky'' as Gajala * 2005: '' Evadi Gola Vaadidhi'' as Shankar Dada RMP * 2005: ''
Athadu ''Athadu'' ( or ) is a 2005 Indian Telugu-language action thriller film written and directed by Trivikram Srinivas. The film stars Mahesh Babu, Trisha, and Sonu Sood while Sayaji Shinde, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Prakash Raj, Nassar, and Brahmananda ...
'' as kittu * 2006: '' Happy'' as Appala Naidu, Pizza Shop Owner * 2006: ''
Pokiri ''Pokiri'' () is a 2006 Indian Telugu-language action thriller film written and directed by Puri Jagannadh. The film was produced by Jagannadh and Manjula Ghattamaneni by their respective production companies Vaishno Academy and Indira Prod ...
'' as Brahmi – The Software Engineer * 2006: '' Vikramarkudu'' as Duvva Abbulu * 2007: '' Mozhi'' as Ananthakrishnan * 2007: ''
Dhee ''Dhee'' () is a 2007 Indian Telugu language, Telugu-language action film, action comedy film directed by Srinu Vytla and produced by Siri Venkateswara Films. The film stars Vishnu Manchu and Genelia D'Souza while Srihari and Brahmanandam pla ...
'' as Chary * 2007: '' Dubai Seenu'' as Ramakrishna * 2007: '' Yamadonga'' as
Chitragupta Chitragupta (Sanskrit: चित्रगुप्त, 'rich in secrets' or 'hidden picture') is a Hindu deity assigned with the task of keeping complete records of the actions of human beings and punishing or rewarding them according to their ...
* 2008: ''
Krishna Krishna (; sa, कृष्ण ) is a major deity in Hinduism. He is worshipped as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and also as the Supreme god in his own right. He is the god of protection, compassion, tenderness, and love; and is one ...
'' as Bobby * 2008: ''
King King is the title given to a male monarch in a variety of contexts. The female equivalent is queen, which title is also given to the consort of a king. *In the context of prehistory, antiquity and contemporary indigenous peoples, the tit ...
'' as Jayasurya * 2008: '' Jalsa'' as Pranav * 2008: '' Ready'' as "McDowell" Murthy * 2008: Neninthe as Director Idli Vishwanath * 2009: ''
Konchem Ishtam Konchem Kashtam ''Konchem Ishtam Konchem Kashtam'' () is a 2009 Indian Telugu-language romantic comedy film directed by debutant Kishore Kumar Pardasani. The film stars Siddharth, Tamannaah, Prakash Raj, Ramya Krishna, and Nassar while Brahmanandam and Venu ...
'' as Gachibowli Diwakar * 2009: ''
Kick A kick is a physical Strike (attack), strike using the leg, in unison usually with an area of the knee or lower using the foot, heel, tibia (shin), ball of the foot, blade of the foot, toes or knee (the latter is also known as a knee (strike), ...
'' as Halwa Raj/Parugu Prakash Raj * 2009: '' Ganesh: Just Ganesh'' as Yadagiri * 2009: '' Arya 2'' as Dasavatharam * 2009: ''
Raju Maharaju ''Raju Maharaju'' is a 2009 Telugu-language film directed by Shankaranath Durga. The film stars Mohan Babu, Sharwanand, Surveen Chawla, and Ramya Krishna in the lead roles. This film has been music composed by Chakri. The film was dubbed into ...
'' as Om Raja * 2010: '' Adhurs'' as Bhattacharya "Bhattu" * 2010: '' Namo Venkatesa'' as Paris Prasad * 2010: '' Brindavanam'' as Bommarillu father * 2011: '' Dookudu'' as Padmashri * 2011: '' Mr.Perfect'' as Jalsa Kishore (maternal uncle of Priya) * 2011: '' Payanam'' as Director Rajesh Kapur * 2012: '' Julai'' as Thief * 2013: '' Jaffa'' as Jasmine "Jaffa" Falguda * 2013: ''
Naayak ''Naayak'' () is a 2013 Indian Telugu-language action comedy film directed by V. V. Vinayak who co-wrote the film with Akula Siva. The film was produced by DVV Danayya and presented by S. Radha Krishna under the banner Universal Media. The fi ...
'' as Jilebi * 2013: '' Yevadu'' as Satya's illegal tenant * 2013: ''
Balupu ''Balupu'' () is a 2013 Indian Telugu-language action comedy film directed by Gopichand Malineni. The film is produced by Prasad Vara Potluri under his PVP cinema banner. The film stars Ravi Teja, Anjali, and Shruti Haasan along with Prakash ...
'' as Crazy Mohan * 2013: '' Attarintiki Daredi'' as Baddam Bhaskar * 2013: '' Doosukeltha'' as Veera Brahmam * 2013: '' Baadshah'' as Padmanabha Simha * 2013: '' Mirchi'' as Veera Pratap * 2013: '' Ninnindale kannada film'' as Sachin * 2014: '' Race Gurram'' as Kill Bill Pandey * 2014: ''
Loukyam ''Loukyam'' () is a 2014 Indian Telugu-language action comedy film directed by Sriwass. The film stars Gopichand and Rakul Preet Singh. It is produced by V. Anand Prasad on Bhavya Creations banner. Kona Venkat and Gopimohan provided the scree ...
'' as Sippy * 2014: '' Aagadu'' as Delhi Suri * 2015: '' Bruce Lee: The Fighter'' as Susuki Subramanyam * 2015: '' S/O Satyamurthy'' as Koda Rambabu, Devaraj's brother-in-law * 2016: '' Sarrainodu'' as Linga Hariharan, Umapati's neighbor * 2017: '' Nenu Kidnap Ayyanu'' as Cameo Appearance * 2017: '' Khaidi No. 150'' as Doberman * 2017: ''
Om Namo Venkatesaya ''Om Namo Venkatesaya'' is a 2017 Indian Telugu-language Hindu devotional biographical film directed by K. Raghavendra Rao and produced by A. Mahesh Reddy on AMR Sai Krupa Entertainments banner. The film stars Nagarjuna as Hathiram Bhavaji, al ...
'' as Simhachalam * 2018: '' Nela Ticket'' as Balaraju * 2018: '' Achari America Yatra'' as Appalacharya * 2018: ''
Gayatri Gayatri (Sanskrit: गायत्री, IAST:Gāyatrī) is the personified form of the Gayatri Mantra, a popular hymn from Vedic texts. She is also known as Savitri, and bears the epithet of ''Vedamata'' (mother of the Vedas). Gayatri is ofte ...
'' as Loknatham * 2018: '' MLA'' as Pattabhi * 2018: '' Aatagallu'' as Go Go * 2018: ''
Inttelligent ''Inttelligent'' is a 2018 Indian Telugu-language action film directed by V. V. Vinayak, featuring Sai Dharam Tej and Lavanya Tripathi in the lead role along with Rahul Dev, Dev Gill, Nassar, Ashish Vidyarthi, Sayaji Shinde, Brahmanandam, Jaya ...
'' as Dharma Raju * 2018: '' Jai Simha'' as Raju Reddy * 2018: '' Silly Fellows'' as Fake DGP * 2019: '' Amma Rajyam Lo Kadapa Biddalu'' as Rambabu * 2019: ''
Gaddalakonda Ganesh ''Gaddalakonda Ganesh'' is a 2019 Indian Telugu-language action comedy film directed by Harish Shankar and produced by Ram Achanta and Gopichand Achanta under the 14 Reels Plus banner. The film is an official remake of the 2014 Tamil film '' Ji ...
'' as Cameo appearance * 2019: '' Manmadhudu 2'' as Suribabu Lavangam * 2019: '' 1st Rank Raju'' as Manormani * 2019: ''
Lisaa ''Lisaa'' is a 2019 Indian Tamil stereoscopic horror film written and directed by Raju Viswanath on his directorial debut. The film stars Anjali, Sam Jones and Makarand Deshpande. (in his Tamil debut). This film is India's first ever stereo ...
'' as LKG * 2019: '' NTR: Kathanayakudu'' as Relangi * 2020: ''
Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo ''Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo'' () (), also known by the initialism ''AVPL'', is a 2020 Indian Telugu-language action drama film written and directed by Trivikram Srinivas. The film stars Allu Arjun and Pooja Hegde, alongside Tabu, Jayaram, Susha ...
'' as Special Appearance * 2020: '' Namaste Nestama'' as Dog trainer * 2021: '' Jathi Ratnalu'' as Justice Balwanth Chowdhary * 2022: '' Bheemla Nayak'' as Judge K. B. Ananda Rao * 2022: '' Panchathantram'' as Veda Vyas * 2022: '' Aadavallu Meeku Johaarlu'' as Buchi * 2022: '' Rangamarthanda'' as TBA


References


External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Brahmanandham 1956 births Living people Male actors in Tamil cinema Filmfare Awards South winners Indian male comedians Male actors from Andhra Pradesh Male actors in Telugu cinema Indian male film actors Nandi Award winners People from Guntur district Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts Telugu male actors Telugu comedians 20th-century Indian male actors 21st-century Indian male actors South Indian International Movie Awards winners Indian male voice actors