Kanneganti Brahmanandam (born 1 February 1956) is an Indian actor and comedian known for his work in

Telugu cinema Telugu cinema, also known as Tollywood, is the segment of Cinema of India, Indian cinema dedicated to the production of Film, motion pictures in the Telugu language, widely spoken in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Based in Film N ...

. Recognised as one of India's finest and highest-paid comic actors, he holds the

Guinness World Record ''Guinness World Records'', known from its inception in 1955 until 1999 as ''The Guinness Book of Records'' and in previous United States editions as ''The Guinness Book of World Records'', is a British reference book published annually, listi ...

for the most screen credits for a living actor, having appeared in over 1,000 films.Brahmanandam breaks 1000 film record
- ''The Times of India'' Dated 29 January 2015 Retrieved 10 February 2015 Brahmanandam has received numerous accolades, including six

Nandi Awards The Nandi Awards are annual awards presented by the Government of Andhra Pradesh to recognise excellence in Telugu cinema, theatre, and television, as well as lifetime achievements in Indian cinema. The awards are named after the monolithic ...

and two

Filmfare Awards The Filmfare Awards are annual awards that honour artistic and technical excellence in the Indian cinema.Al The Filmfare ceremony is one of the most famous film events in India. The awards were introduced by Filmfare magazine of The Times G ...

, and was honoured with the

Padma Shri The Padma Shri (IAST: ''padma śrī'', lit. 'Lotus Honour'), also spelled Padma Shree, is the fourth-highest Indian honours system, civilian award of the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan. In ...

, India's fourth-highest civilian award, in 2009. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate by Acharya Nagarjuna University. After completing his

Master of Arts A Master of Arts ( or ''Artium Magister''; abbreviated MA or AM) 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. Those admitted to the degree have ...

degree, Brahmanandam worked as a Telugu lecturer in Attili of

West Godavari district The West Godavari district is a coastal district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh with an administrative headquarters in Bhimavaram. As of the 2011 Census of India, the district has an area of and a population of 1,779,935. It is bounded ...

. Simultaneously, he also worked in theatre 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.

Early life

Brahmanandam was born on 1 February 1956 in Chaganti Vari Palem village, Sattenapalli,

Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh (ISO 15919, ISO: , , AP) is a States and union territories of India, state on the East Coast of India, east coast of southern India. It is the List of states and union territories of India by area, seventh-largest state and th ...

. His parents are Nagalingachari and Lakshmi Narsamma. His father was a carpenter and Brahmanandam was one of eight children. He completed his

degree and joined as a Telugu

lecturer Lecturer is an academic rank within many universities, though the meaning of the term varies somewhat from country to country. It generally denotes an academic expert who is hired to teach on a full- or part-time basis. They may also conduct re ...

in Attili of

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 Doordarshan (), abbreviated as DD, is India's State-owned enterprise, state-owned public broadcasting, public television broadcaster. Established by the Government of India on 15 September 1959, it is owned by the Ministry of Information and B ...

(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 A breakthrough role, also known as a breakout role, is a term in the theatre, film and television industry to describe the performance of an actor or actress which contributed significantly to the development of their career and beginning of crit ...

for him. The same year he appeared in the successful films ''

Pasivadi Pranam ''Pasivadi Pranam'' is a 1987 Indian Telugu-language thriller film directed by A. Kodandarami Reddy, starring Chiranjeevi, Vijayashanti, Raghuvaran. The film was produced by Allu Aravind under Geetha Arts banner. It was a remake of the Mala ...

'' 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, with Sarvadaman D. Banerjee, and Sumalatha in other pivotal roles. The film c ...

''. 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 ''Choopulu Kalasina Subhavela'' is a 1988 Telugu-language romantic comedy Romantic comedy (also known as romcom or rom-com) is a sub-genre of comedy and Romance novel, romance fiction, focusing on lighthearted, humorous plot lines centere ...

'' (1988), ''

Bandhuvulostunnaru Jagratha ''Bandhuvulostunnaru Jagratha'' () is a 1989 Indian Telugu-language comedy film directed by Sarath. It stars Rajendra Prasad, Rajani, and music composed by Chakravarthy. The film was a box office hit. Plot The film begins at the Madras, wher ...

'' (1989), '' Muddula Mavayya'' (1989), '' Jagadeka Veerudu Atiloka Sundari'' (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'' (1991) and '' Rowdy Alludu'' (1991)''.'' ''

The Times of India ''The Times of India'' (''TOI'') is an Indian English-language daily newspaper and digital news media owned and managed by the Times Group. It is the List of newspapers in India by circulation, third-largest newspaper in India by circulation an ...

'' considered the films '' Chitram Bhalare Vichitram'' (1991), ''

Jamba Lakidi Pamba Jamba Lakidi Pamba may refer to: * ''Jamba Lakidi Pamba'' (1992 film), an Indian Telugu-language fantasy comedy film * ''Jamba Lakidi Pamba'' (2018 film), an Indian Telugu-language comedy film, based on the above {{dab ...

'' (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'' for the first time. He won his first major award 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: m ...

'' (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'' (1997), '' Muddula Mogudu'' (1997), '' Bavagaru Bagunnara'' (1998), ''

Aavida Maa Aavide ''Aavida Maa Aavide'' () is a 1998 Telugu language, Telugu comedy drama film written and directed by E. V. V. Satyanarayana and produced by D. Kishore under the Jayabheri Arts, Jayabheri Art Productions banner. The film stars Nagarjuna (actor), ...

'' (1998), '' Thammudu'' (1999), '' Kshemamga Velli Labhamga Randi'' (2000), '' Jayam Manade Raa'' (2000), '' Kalisundam Raa'' (2000), and ''

Ammo! Okato Tareekhu ''Ammo! Okato Tareekhu'' () is a 2000 Indian Telugu-language black comedy film written and directed by E. V. V. Satyanarayana, and produced by K. Chandrasekhar under A. A. Arts. The film features an ensemble cast including Srikanth, Raasi, ...

'' (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'' (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). 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 Sculpture is the branch of the visual arts that operates in three dimensions. Sculpture is the three-dimensional art work which is physically presented in the dimensions of height, width and depth. It is one of the plastic arts. Durable sc ...

and a

sketch artist ''Sketch Artist'', also known as ''The Sketch Artist'', is a 1992 American Television film, made-for-television Crime film, crime-thriller film written by Michael Angeli and directed by Phedon Papamichael and starring Jeff Fahey, Sean Young an ...

. He also reads the philosophical writings of

Swami Vivekananda Swami Vivekananda () (12 January 1863 – 4 July 1902), born Narendranath Datta, was an Indian Hindus, Hindu monk, philosopher, author, religious teacher, and the chief disciple of the Indian mystic Ramakrishna. Vivekananda was a major figu ...

and Jiddu Krishnamurthi in his free time.

Awards and honours

;Civilian honors * In January 2009, the government of India bestowed

, the fourth-highest civilian award of India, on Brahmanandam for his contributions to art. Guinness Book *

for the most screen credits for a living actor. ;

* Best Comedian – Telugu – '' Manmadhudu'' (2003) * Best Supporting Actor – Telugu – '' Ranga Maarthaanda'' (2024) ;

* Best Male Comedian – ''

'' (1993)(in Telugu) * Best Supporting Actor – ''Anna'' (1994) * Best Comedian – '' Anaganaga Oka Roju'' (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 the Manisha Films banner. S. V. Krishna Reddy also composed the music for this film. The film stars Srikanth and Rav ...

'' (1996) * Best Comedian – ''

Ready Ready may refer to: Film and television * ''Ready'', a 2002 British short starring Imelda Staunton * Ready (2008 film), ''Ready'' (2008 film), an Indian Telugu-language film by Srinu Vaitla ** Uthamaputhiran (2010 film), ''Uthamaputhiran'' (201 ...

'' (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 Telugu cinema. The awards were introduced in 2004. The CineMAA Awards are voted for by both the public and a committee ...

* CineMAA Award for Best Comedian – '' Manmadhudu'', '' Dhee'', '' Konchem Ishtam Konchem Kashtam'', '' Adhurs'' & '' Dookudu'' ;

South Indian International Movie Awards The South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA Awards) rewards the artistic and technical achievements of the South Indian film industry. It was launched in 2012 by Vishnu Vardhan Induri and Brinda Prasad Adusimilli to appreciate and hono ...

* Best Comedian – Telugu – '' Dookudu'' (2012) * Best Comedian – Telugu – ''Baadshah'' (2014) * Best Comedian – Telugu – '' Race Gurram'' (2015) ; Other * Hyderabad Times Film Awards Best Actor in a Comic Role – ''Dookudu'' (2011) * TSR – TV9 National Film Award for Best Comedian – '' Attarintiki Daredi'' (2014) * IIFA Utsavam Supporting Male Actor – Telugu – '' Ranga Maarthaanda'' (2024)

Filmography

Brahmanandam acted in more than 1,000 films.

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 Actors 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 IIFA Utsavam winners