Sakshi Ranga Rao
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Sakshi Ranga Rao (born Rangavajhula Ranga Rao; 15 September 1942 – 27 June 2005) was an Indian
character actor A character actor is a supporting actor who plays unusual, interesting, or eccentric characters.28 April 2013, The New York Acting SchoolTen Best Character Actors of All Time Retrieved 7 August 2014, "..a breed of actor who has the ability to b ...
who worked 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, Hy ...
and
Telugu theatre Telugu theatre is Indian theatre in the Telugu language, based in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Gurajada Apparao wrote the play, ''Kanyasulkam'' in 1892, which is often considered the greatest play in the Telugu language.20th Cent ...
. He appeared in about 450 films over a career spanning four decades, majority of which were comedies. Rao made his film debut in 1967 with ''Sakshi'' from which he derived his
stage name A stage name is a pseudonym used by performers and entertainers—such as actors, comedians, singers, and musicians. Such professional aliases are adopted for a wide variety of reasons and they may be similar, or nearly identical, to an individu ...
. He then went onto to appear in successful films like ''
Sirivennela ''Sirivennela'' () is a 1986 Indian Telugu-language romance film written and directed by K. Viswanath. The film stars Suhasini, Sarvadaman Banerjee and Moon Moon Sen. The film has music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. The film won five Nandi Awar ...
'', ''
Swarna Kamalam ''Swarnakamalam'' () is a 1988 Indian Telugu-language dance film written and directed by K. Viswanath. The film stars Venkatesh and Bhanupriya in the lead, while Sharon Lowen appears in a special role. The choreography is helmed by Kelucharan ...
'', '' April 1st Vidudhala'', ''Joker'' and ''
Swarabhishekam ''Swarabhishekam'' is a 2004 Indian Telugu-language musical drama film written and directed by K. Viswanath. Viswanath also played the lead role, along with Srikanth, Sivaji, Urvashi, and Laya. Vidyasagar won the National Film Award for Best ...
''.


Life and career

Rangavajhula Ranga Rao in Kalavakuru village in
Prakasham district Prakasam district is one of the thirteen districts in the coastal Andhra region of the States and union territories of India, Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It was formed in 1970 and reorganised in 2022 on April 4. The headquarters of the distric ...
, was born to Lakshmi Narayana and Ranganayakamma. As his father died when he was young, he was raised by Buchchi Ravamma, his mother's sister in
Machilipatnam Machilipatnam (), also known as Masulipatnam and Bandar, is a city in Krishna district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is a municipal corporation and the administrative headquarters of Krishna district. It is also the Tehsil, mandal he ...
. He began his career as a stenographer in
Andhra University Andhra University (IAST: ''Āndhra Vișvakalāpariṣhat'') is a public university located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. It was established in 1926. History King Vikram Deo Verma, the Maharaja of Jeypore was one of the biggest do ...
,
Visakhapatnam , image_alt = , image_caption = From top, left to right: Visakhapatnam aerial view, Vizag seaport, Simhachalam Temple, Aerial view of Rushikonda Beach, Beach road, Novotel, Novotel Visakhapatnam, INS Kursura (S20), INS ...
. As Rao was interested in film and theatre, he worked as an assistant to the stage artist Kuppili Venkateshwara Rao. He was encouraged by some his friends at Andhra Vishwa Vidyalaya to pursue a full-time career in films. They gathered him some money and sent Rao to
Madras Chennai (, ), formerly known as Madras ( the official name until 1996), is the capital city of Tamil Nadu, the southernmost Indian state. The largest city of the state in area and population, Chennai is located on the Coromandel Coast of th ...
. Director Bapu gave break to Rao with the film '' Sakshi'' in 1967. Then onwards, he became known as ''Sakshi'' Ranga Rao, also to differentiate himself from
S. V. Ranga Rao Samarla Venkata Ranga Rao (3 July 1918 – 18 July 1974), popularly known as SVR, was an Indian actor, producer, and director known for his works majorly in Telugu and Tamil films. He is regarded as one of the finest actors in the history of ...
. He had the distinction of acting in most of the Telugu films directed by K. Vishwanath, Bapu and
Vamsi Vamsy is an Indian film director, screenwriter and music director known for his works in Telugu cinema. In 1985, he received the National Film Award for ''Sitaara''. Vamsy has his own style of making the movie with art like the director Bap ...
. Rao married Bala Tripurasundari. They had three children–one daughter and three sons. His youngest son, actor
Saakshi Siva Saakshi Siva is an Indian television and film actor who acts in Tamil and Telugu language films. He is best known for his role in the serial ''Anandham''. He is currently acting in serials like Maunaragam, No.1 Kodalu, and Akka Mogudu. Per ...
works in Telugu films and television. Rao died after a prolonged illness on 27 June 2005 in
Chennai Chennai (, ), formerly known as Madras ( the official name until 1996), is the capital city of Tamil Nadu, the southernmost Indian state. The largest city of the state in area and population, Chennai is located on the Coromandel Coast of th ...
at the age of 63 years. Incidentally, it was on stage that Rao collapsed on 5 May 2005 during a rehearsal for the Gurazada play, 'Kanyasulkam'. The apparent cause of his death was
diabetes Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by a high blood sugar level ( hyperglycemia) over a prolonged period of time. Symptoms often include frequent urination, increased thirst and increased ap ...
and associated
kidney failure Kidney failure, also known as end-stage kidney disease, is a medical condition in which the kidneys can no longer adequately filter waste products from the blood, functioning at less than 15% of normal levels. Kidney failure is classified as eit ...
.'Saakshi' Rangarao is no more at Telugu Cinema.com


Filmography

# Saakshi (1967) (debut film) # Sudigundaalu (1967) as Gumasta #
Bhale Rangadu ''Bhale Rangadu'' is a 1969 Indian Telugu-language drama film, produced by N. N. Bhatt and directed by T. Rama Rao. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Vanisri, with music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. Released on 14 August 1969, the film was a ...
(1969) #
Buddhimanthudu ''Buddhimantudu'' () is a 1969 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by Bapu. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Vijaya Nirmala, Sobhan Babu and Krishnam Raju, with music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. The film was remade in Tamil as ''Manid ...
(1969) #
Balaraju Katha ''Balaraju Katha'' () is a 1970 Indian Telugu-language drama film written by Mullapudi Venkata Ramana and directed by Bapu. It is a remake of the 1969 Tamil film ''Vaa Raja Vaa'', and has won the Nandi Award for Best Feature Film (bronze). P ...
(1970) #
Dharma Daata ''Dharma Daata'' is a 1970 Indian Telugu-language drama film, produced by Tammareddy Krishna Murthy under the Ravindra Art Pictures banner and directed by A. Sanjeevi. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Kanchana, with music composed by T. C ...
(1970) # Thaali Bottu (1970) as Rangaiah # Attalu Kodallu (1971) as brother of Suryakantam #
Adrusta Jathakudu ''Adrusta Jathakudu'' () is a 1971 Telugu-language drama film, produced and directed by K. Hemambaradhara Rao under the Subhashini Art Pictures banner. It stars N. T. Rama Rao and Vanisri, with music composed by T. Chalapathi Rao. Plot Ananth ...
(1971) #
Mattilo Manikyam ''Mattilo Manikyam'' () is a 1971 Telugu drama film directed by B. V. Prasad. It is produced by actor Chalam. The film won National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu in 1971. Cast * P. Bhanumathi as Lalitha * Chalam as Manikyam * Ja ...
(1971) # Vinta Samsaram (1971) #
Kalam Marindi ''Kalam Marindi'' () is a 1972 Indian Telugu-language film directed by K. Viswanath and produced by Bommisetty, Hanumantha Rao & Vasiraju Prakasam. The story is based on the concept of untouchability and casteism and is dedicated to Mahatma Gand ...
(1972) # Anta Mana Manchike (1972) # Andala Ramudu (1973) as Subba Rao's father-in-law #
Bhakta Tukaram ''Bhakta Tukaram'' is a 1973 Indian Telugu-language biographical film based on the life of the saint-poet Tukaram, produced by P. Adinarayana Rao under the Anjali Pictures banner and directed by V. Madhusudhana Rao. It stars Akkineni Nageswara R ...
(1973) # Devudamma (1973) as Kotaiah #
Manchi Vallaki Manchivadu ''Manchi Vallaki Manchivadu'' () is a 1973 Telugu Eastmancolor action film, directed by K. S. R. Das and produced by S. Bhavanarayana. The film had musical score by Satyam. The action scenes were shot in the villages of Rajasthan. Cast S ...
(1973) # Tulabharam (1974) as Hari #
Muthyala Muggu ''Mutyala Muggu'' () is a 1975 Indian Telugu-language drama film adaptation of Uttara Ramayana from the writer-director duo of Ramana and Bapu. The film stars Sangeeta, Sreedhar, Kanta Rao, Rao Gopal Rao, Mukkamala, Allu Ramalingaiah and N ...
(1975) # Pichi Maraju (1976) #
Shri Rajeshwari Vilas Coffee Club Shri (; , ) is a Sanskrit term denoting resplendence, wealth and prosperity, primarily used as an honorific. The word is widely used in South and Southeast Asian languages such as Marathi, Malay (including Indonesian and Malaysian), Javanes ...
(1976) # Amara Deepam (1977) as Manager # Edureeta (1977) # Manushulu Chesina Dongalu (1977) #
Devathalara Deevinchandi Devathalara Deevinchandi is a Telugu-language film directed by Kommineni Seshagiri Rao. His debut film was hit and resulted in many successful films later. It is remake of '' Nagin'', a highly successful 1976 Hindi film, which in turn was inspir ...
(1977) #
Lawyer Viswanath ''Lawyer Viswanath'' is a 1978 Indian Telugu-language action film produced by Y. V. Rao and directed by S. D. Lal. The film stars N. T. Rama Rao and Jayasudha, with music composed by Satyam. It is a remake of the Hindi film '' Vishwanath'' (197 ...
(1978) #
Seetamalakshmi ''Seetamalakshmi'' is a 1978 Indian Telugu-language film written and directed by K. Viswanath. The film stars Talluri Rameswari (in her Telugu debut) and Chandra Mohan. It was released on 27 July 1978. It won two state Nandi Awards and a Fi ...
(1978) #
Siri Siri Muvva ''Siri Siri Muvva'' is a 1976 Indian Telugu-language drama film written and directed by K. Viswanath. It stars Jaya Prada and Chandra Mohan. K. Viswanath later remade the film with his leading lady Jaya Prada, as '' Sargam'', in 1979. ''Siri S ...
(1978) #
Vayasu Pilichindi ''Vayasu Pilichindi'' () is a 1978 Indian Telugu-language film directed by C. V. Sridhar. It is a remake of his own Tamil film '' Ilamai Oonjal Aadukirathu'' (1978). The film stars Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, Sripriya and Jayachitra, all r ...
(1978) #
Thoorpu Velle Railu ''Toorpu Velle Railu'' () is a 1979 Telugu-language film directed by Bapu. The film stars Mohan (in his Telugu debut), Jyothi, Rallapalli, and Sakshi Ranga Rao. It is a remake of the Tamil film ''Kizhake Pogum Rail''. Cast * Mohan as Raa ...
(1979) # Saptapadhi (1980) # Sirimalle Navvindi (1980) # Subhodayam (1980) #
Bhale Krishnudu ''Bhale Krishnudu'' is a comedy-drama Telugu film starring Krishna. Krishna is the son of millionaire Madhav Rao. Madhav Rao's partners cheat him, which leads to his death. Krishna then has to take care of his family as well as avenge his fath ...
(1980) # Gopala Rao Gari Ammayi (1980) # Sankarabharanam (1980) #
Amavasya Chandrudu ''Raja Paarvai'' () is a 1981 Indian Tamil language, Tamil-language romance film directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. The story was written by Kamal Haasan, for whom the film was his 100th as an actor and first as a producer. The score and soun ...
(1981) # Thyagayya (1981) # Radha Kalyanam (1981) #
Madhura Swapnam ''Madhura Swapnam'' is a 1982 Telugu-language film based on A. J. Cronin's novel, ''The Citadel''. It was directed by K. Raghavendra Rao and stars Krishnam Raju, Jaya Prada and Jayasudha in the lead. The movie is also inspired by Yaddanapudi ...
(1982) #
Manchu Pallaki ''Manchu Pallaki'' () is a 1982 Indian Telugu-language film, produced by M. R. Prasad Rao and directed by Vamsy. It stars Chiranjeevi, Suhasini, Rajendra Prasad and Sai Chand, with music composed by Rajan–Nagendra. This film was director Vams ...
(1982) at Gita's father #
Kalavari Samsaram ''Kalavari Samsaram'' () is a 1982 Telugu-language drama film, produced by Donepudi Brahmaiah under the Maheswari Combines banner and directed by K. S. Rami Reddy. It stars Krishna and Sridevi, with music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. The film ...
(1982) as Subbaramaiah # Subhalekha (1982) #
Sagara Sangamam ''Sagara Sangamam'' () is a 1983 Indian Telugu-language dance film written and directed by K. Viswanath and produced by Edida Nageswara Rao. The film stars Kamal Haasan, Jaya Prada, Sarath Babu, S. P. Sailaja and Chakri Toleti. Upon release, ...
(1983) #
Sitaara ''Sitaara'' () is a 1984 Indian Telugu-language drama film written and directed by Vamsy. The film marked the debut of Bhanupriya in Telugu film industry. The film was adapted from Vamsy's own novel ''Mahal lo Kokila'' (). The film deals with the ...
(1983) #
Nelavanka ''Nelavanka'' () is a 1983 Indian Telugu-language film directed by Jandhyala. Cast * Gummadi as Srirama Raju *J. V. Somayajulu as Raheem *Rajesh as Saleem *Kiran as Kiran *Tulasi as Lalita *Rajyalakshmi as Savitri *Master Ali as Ali *Muddali Su ...
(1983) #
Rendu Jella Sita ''Rendu Jella Sita'' is a 1983 Telugu comedy film, written and directed by Jandhyala. The film stars Naresh, Rajesh, Pradeep Kondiparthi, Subhakar and Mahalakshmi in lead roles, while Allu Ramalingaih appears in a prominent role. Plot Fou ...
(1983) #
Janani Janmabhoomi ''Janani Janmabhoomi'' () is a 1984 Telugu-language philosophical film produced by K. Kesava Rao under the Sri Bramharambika Films banner and directed by K. Viswanath. It stars Nandamuri Balakrishna, Sumalatha, Satyanarayana, Sharada and mu ...
(1984) # Chattamtho Poratam (1985) #
Mogudu Pellalu Mogudu ( te, మొగుడు) means Husband in Telugu language. It may refer to: * '' Athaku Yamudu Ammayiki Mogudu'', a Telugu film produced by Allu Aravind * ''Donga Mogudu'', a 1987 Tollywood film * ''Gharana Mogudu'', a Telugu film * ''Mog ...
(1985) # Mantradandham (1985) #
Rendu Rella Aaru ''Rendu Rellu Aaru'' ( stylised as ''2X2=6'') is a 1986 Indian Telugu-language comedy film, produced by Gogineni.Subba Rao under Vijaya Creations banner and directed by Jandhyala. It stars Rajendra Prasad, Chandra Mohan, Rajani, Preethi and ...
(1985) #
Jailu Pakshi ''Jailu Pakshi''() is a 1986 Indian Telugu-language film directed by Kodi Ramakrishna , produced by S. Sashi Bhushan in the banner of Sri Sarathi Studios. The film has musical score by K. V. Mahadevan. It was released on 13 December 1986 to p ...
(1986) #
Chantabbai ''Chantabbai'' () is a 1986 Indian Telugu-language comedy drama film written and directed by Jandhyala. It is based on the novel of same name by Malladi Venkata Krishna Murthy. Produced by Jyothi Art Pictures, the film stars Chiranjeevi and Suh ...
(1986) #
Sirivennela ''Sirivennela'' () is a 1986 Indian Telugu-language romance film written and directed by K. Viswanath. The film stars Suhasini, Sarvadaman Banerjee and Moon Moon Sen. The film has music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. The film won five Nandi Awar ...
(1986) # Kaliyuga Pandavulu (1986) # Kaliyuga Krishnudu (1986) #
Sankeerthana ''Sankeertana'' is a 1987 Telugu-language film, produced by M. Gangaiah under the Konark Movie Creations banner and directed by Geetha Krishna. It stars Nagarjuna and Ramya Krishna, with music composed by Ilaiyaraaja. It was released on 20 March ...
(1987) # Sruthi Layalu (1987) # Raaga Leela (1987) #
Janaki Ramudu ''Janaki Ramudu'' is a 1988 Indian Telugu-language film directed by K. Raghavendra Rao and produced by K. Murari under Yuva Chitra Arts. The film stars Nagarjuna, Vijayashanti and Jeevitha, with music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. It was dubb ...
(1988) #
Ramudu Bheemudu ''Ramudu Bheemudu'' is a 1964 Indian Telugu-language film, produced by D. Ramanaidu under the Suresh Productions banner and directed by Tapi Chanakya. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, Jamuna and L. Vijayalakshmi , with music composed by Pendyala. Th ...
(1988) as Govindaiah # Rowdy No.1 (1988) as Avadhani #
Swarna Kamalam ''Swarnakamalam'' () is a 1988 Indian Telugu-language dance film written and directed by K. Viswanath. The film stars Venkatesh and Bhanupriya in the lead, while Sharon Lowen appears in a special role. The choreography is helmed by Kelucharan ...
(1988) # Eeshwar (1989) # Sutradhaarulu (1990) # Karthavyam (1990) as Constable Ranganayakulu #
Shanti Kranti ''Shanti Kranti'' () is a 1991 Indian action film produced and directed by V. Ravichandran under his Eshwari Productions banner. The film starred Ravichandran and Juhi Chawla in lead roles, while Ramesh Aravind, Khushbu and Anant Nag play suppor ...
(1991) # Naa Pellam Naa Ishtam (1991) # Pelli Pustakam (1991) # April 1st Vidudhala (1991) #
Dharma Kshetram ''Dharma Kshetram'' () is a 1992 Telugu-language legal action film, produced by K. C. Reddy under the Sri Rajeev Productions banner and directed by A. Kodandarami Reddy. It stars Nandamuri Balakrishna, Divya Bharati and music composed by Ila ...
(1992) #
Detective Narada ''Detective Narada'' is a 1992 Telugu-language comedy film directed by Vamsy. It stars Mohan Babu and Mohini, with music composed by Ilaiyaraaja. Plot Narada is a private detective who is hired to solve the mystery behind Nirosha's pregnancy ...
(1992) #
Gharana Mogudu ''Gharana Mogudu'' () is a 1992 Indian Telugu-language romantic drama film directed by K. Raghavendra Rao. The film stars Chiranjeevi, Nagma and Vani Viswanath with Rao Gopal Rao and Kaikala Satyanarayana in supporting roles. Music is composed ...
(1992) as Bhawani's father #
Swathi Kiranam ''Swathi Kiranam'' () is a 1992 Telugu-language musical drama film directed by K. Viswanath. Produced by V. Madhusudhana Rao, the film starred Mammootty in his Telugu debut, Master Manjunath and Raadhika, along with Achyuth, Jayanthi, Saks ...
(1992) # Joker (1993) # Kunti Puthrudu (1993) #
Aa Okkati Adakku ''Aa Okkati Adakku'' () is a 1992 Indian Telugu-language comedy film written and directed by E. V. V. Satyanarayana, and produced by M. Saravanan and M. Balasubramaniam under the AVM Productions banner. It stars Rajendra Prasad, Rambha, and ...
(1993) as Pellilla Peraiah #
Yamaleela ''Yamaleela'' () is a 1994 Indian Telugu-language fantasy comedy film written and directed by S. V. Krishna Reddy, featuring comedian Ali in his first lead role. This film was a huge box office success. It was later remade in Hindi as ''Taqdeer ...
(1994) # Subha Sankalpam (1995) #
Linga Babu Love Story A lingam ( sa, लिङ्ग , lit. "sign, symbol or mark"), sometimes referred to as linga or Shiva linga, is an abstract or aniconic representation of the Hindu god Shiva in Shaivism. It is typically the primary ''murti'' or devotional im ...
(1995) # Vajram (1995) #
Swarabhishekam ''Swarabhishekam'' is a 2004 Indian Telugu-language musical drama film written and directed by K. Viswanath. Viswanath also played the lead role, along with Srikanth, Sivaji, Urvashi, and Laya. Vidyasagar won the National Film Award for Best ...
(2004) # Vijay IPS (2006)


References


External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Rao, Sakshi Ranga Telugu male actors 1942 births 2005 deaths Deaths from kidney failure 20th-century Indian male actors Male actors in Telugu cinema Indian male film actors People from Krishna district Male actors from Andhra Pradesh 21st-century Indian male actors