Dhulipala Sitarama Sastry (24 September 1921 – 13 April 2007), known

mononym A mononym is a name composed of only one word. An individual who is known and addressed by a mononym is a mononymous person. A mononym may be the person's only name, given to them at birth. This was routine in most ancient societies, and remains ...

ously by the

surname In many societies, a surname, family name, or last name is the mostly hereditary portion of one's personal name that indicates one's family. It is typically combined with a given name to form the full name of a person, although several give ...

Dhulipala, was an Indian actor and

thespian Thespian may refer to: * A citizen of the Ancient Greek city of Thespiae * An actor or actress ** Thespis, the first credited actor * A member of the International Thespian Society The International Thespian Society (ITS) is an honor society ...

, known for his works predominantly 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 ...

.The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Guntur News : Dhulipala no more
/ref> He was noted for playing mythological roles, particularly the role of

Shakuni Shakuni (, , ) is one of the antagonists of the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata''. He was the prince of the kingdom of Gandhara when introduced, later becoming its king after the death of his father, Subala. He was the brother of Gandhari (Mahabharata), ...

. He began his acting career at the young age of 13 and went on to work in about 300 films. He shot to fame with ''

Bhishma Bhishma (), also known as Pitamaha, Gangaputra, and Devavrata, is a central figure in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. He was a statesman and military commander of the ancient Kuru Kingdom. Renowned for his wisdom, valor, and unwavering principles, ...

'' and '' Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam'', acting alongside

N. T. Rama Rao Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (28 May 1923 – 18 January 1996), often referred to by his initials NTR, was an Indian actor, film director, film producer, screenwriter, film editor, philanthropist, and politician who served as the Chief Minister o ...

Life and career

Born on September 24, 1921, to Sankarayya and Ratnamma of Dachepalli village in Palnadu taluk of Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, he dropped out of school after Class. 8th and spent a year at Sankara Vidyalayam, Bapatla, studying Vedas. Subsequently, he worked as a clerk for an advocate. Simultaneously entering the stage, initially portraying female characters. He was introduced to film industry by his preceptor Mr. Gayudu (1927-2005), who was a famous actor, director, writer, singer and music director, make-up artist and also owned the costumes related to mythological dramas. Initially, Mr. Gayudu was selected for the role of Bhishma in the movie ''

'' and

was offered the role of Duryodhana, but, due to a conspiracy to wedge Mr.Gayudu from entering the film industry, the Art Director of the movie, Mr. Vali, was arrested and made a deal out of it with Mr. Gayudu that if he drops out of the role of Bheeshma which he was offered and instead play the role of Duryodhana, he could get Vali released. Mr. Gayudu wasn't ready to accept the deal but for the sake of his friend Vali, he dropped out of the movie stating, his student Dhulipala, is capable enough to play Duryodhana. When NTR thanked him for dropping out of the movie, Mr.Gayudu replied showing him all the letters and telegrams that he received earlier, "I am backing off for the sake of my friend Vali. No matter how much you succeed in your career, don't forget that I was the first preference for the lead role of every movie and you had always been the second choice, as I couldn't make it on time and you grabbed the opportunities. I received Vendi Gada (Silver Gada) from Mysore Maharaja as a token of gratitude. That's my greatest achievement". Mr.Gayudu headed back home and never turned around. He realized that his brothers were right, as they said "Talent is injurious to career and life". Hence, Dhulipala who was popular on the stage in the role of Duryodhana, made his debut with that film. Mr. Gayudu was the first choice for every lead role in mythological movies but his family members didn't want him to enter the film industry as they feared for his well-being after his uncle, the great actor Dommeti Surya Narayana was assassinated by his rivals, as he was the first generation superstar of Telugu film industry and was still thriving. so they concealed every letter and telegram that Mr.Gayudu received offering him the lead roles to work for their movies. Dhulipala entered film industry in 1960, with the movie ''Bhishma'', portraying the role of Duryodhana. He acted in around 300 movies and won several accolades and awards. He was a staunch devotee of Hanuman and was inspired by Swami Jayendra Saraswati of

Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, also called the Sri Kanchi Matham or the Moolamnaya Sarvagnya Peetham, is a Hindu religious center of Vedic learning, located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. It is located near the Kamakshi Amman Temple of the Shaktism ...

to take sanyas in 2001 and establish Maruthi Ashram at

Guntur City Guntur (), natively spelt as Gunturu, is a city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh and the administrative headquarters of Guntur district. The city is part of the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region and is located on the Eastern Coastal Plains a ...

. He died on 13 April 2007. He was survived by his wife and two sons.

Selected filmography

* '' Murari'' (2001) * ''

Choodalani Vundi ''Choodalani Vundi'' () is a 1998 Indian Telugu-language action thriller film co-written and directed by Gunasekhar, and produced by C. Aswani Dutt under Vyjayanthi Movies. This film stars Chiranjeevi, Soundarya, Anjala Zaveri and Prakash Raj. ...

'' (1998) * '' Oorantha Golanta'' (1989) as Govindayya * Veera Pratap (1987) * ''Sri Vemana Charithra'' (1986) * '' Tandra Paparayudu'' (1986) as Buchanna * ''Sangeeta Samrat'' (1984) * '' Muddula Mogudu'' (1983) as 'Rangamarthanda' Madhavaiah * '' Pratigna'' (1982) as Venkataramaiah *''

Bobbili Puli ''Bobbili Puli'' () is a 1982 Indian Telugu-language action film written and directed by Dasari Narayana Rao. The film stars N. T. Rama Rao and Sridevi, with music composed by J. V. Raghavulu. The film was a big hit, collecting 3.5 Crore i ...

'' (1982) *''

Swargam ''Swargam'' is a 2024 Indian Malayalam-language family drama film directed by Rejis Antony and produced by Dr. Lizy K. Fernandez & Team under the banner of CN Global Movies. The film explores themes of family, togetherness, and love, with a sta ...

'' (1981) as Hanumanthu * ''Mahashakti'' (1980) *'' Punnami Naagu'' (1980) *''

Sri Tirupati Venkateswara Kalyanam ''Sri Tirupati Venkateswara Kalyanam'' is a 1979 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film, based on Lord Venkateswara Avatar at Tirumala, produced and directed by N. T. Rama Rao under his Ramakrishna Cine Studios banner. It stars N. T. ...

'' (1979) as Bhrigu Maharshi *'' Rangoon Rowdy'' (1979) *'' Sri Vinayaka Vijayamu'' (1979) as

Shukracharya Shukra (, ) is a Sanskrit word that means "clear" or "bright". It also has other meanings, such as the name of a sage who was the preceptor of the asuras and taught them the Vedas. In medieval mythology and Hindu astrology, the word refers to ...

*'' Sri Madvirata Parvam'' (1979) as

*'' Lawyer Viswanath'' (1978) as Judge * ''

Yuga Purushudu ''Yuga Purushudu'' () is a 1978 Indian Telugu-language action film produced by C. Aswini Dutt under the Vyjayanthi Movies banner and directed by K. Bapayya. It stars N. T. Rama Rao and Jayaprada with music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. The f ...

'' (1978) as Dhanunjayam * '' Jaganmohini'' (1978) * ''

Daana Veera Soora Karna ''Daana Veera Soora Karna'' () is a 1977 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film co-written, produced and directed by N. T. Rama Rao under his banner Ramakrishna Cine Studios. Based on the life of Karna from the ''Mahabharata'', ...

'' (1977) as

* '' Kurukshetram'' (1977) as

Indra Indra (; ) is the Hindu god of weather, considered the king of the Deva (Hinduism), Devas and Svarga in Hinduism. He is associated with the sky, lightning, weather, thunder, storms, rains, river flows, and war. volumes Indra is the m ...

*''Bangaru Bommalu'' (1977) as Ranganna *''Pichi Maraju'' (1976) as Dharma Rao * '' Seeta Kalyanam'' (1976) as Vasishtha Mahamuni * '' Mahakavi Kshetrayya'' (1976) * '' Andharu Bagundali'' (1976) as Swamiji * '' Gunavantudu'' (1975) *'' Manushullo Devudu'' (1974) as Garudachalam *'' Uttama Illalu'' (1974) as Bheemayya *'' Manchi Manushulu'' (1974) as Dr. Anand * '' Sri Ramanjaneya Yuddham'' (1974) as

Yayati Yayati () is an emperor in Hindu tradition. He is described to be a Chandravamsha king. He is regarded to be the progenitor of the races of the Yadavas and the Pandavas. According to the Harivamsa, Yayati is the son of King Nahusha, and ...

*'' Mayadari Malligadu'' (1973) as Judge *'' Ganga Manga'' (1973) *''Kanna Koduku'' (1973) as Buchi Raju *

Desoddharakulu ''Desoddharakulu'' () is a 1973 Indian Telugu-language drama film, produced by U. Viswaswara Rao under the Deepthi International banner and directed by C. S. Rao. It stars N. T. Rama Rao and Vanisri, with music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. A Su ...

(1973) *Stree (1973) * '' Andala Ramudu'' (1973) as Secretary * '' Manchi Rojulu Vachayi'' (1972) as Zamindar Ungarala Bangaraiah * '' Monagadostunnadu Jagratha'' (1972) as Gurunatham * '' Inspector Bharya'' (1972) as Ranga Rao * '' Bala Bharatam'' (1972) as

*'' Sri Krishna Satya'' (1972) as

Karna Karna (Sanskrit: कर्ण, IAST: ''Karṇa''), also known as Vasusena, Anga-Raja, Sutaputra and Radheya, is one of the major characters in the Hindu epic ''Mahābhārata''. He is the son of Surya (the Sun deity) and princess Kunti (later ...

*''Collector Janaki'' (1972) *'' Pattukunte Laksha'' (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 ''Source'' Soundtrack * "Saranam Nee Divya Charanam ...

'' (1971) as Mallayya *'' Rajakota Rahasyam'' (1971) *'' Adrusta Jathakudu'' (1971) as Parandhamaiah *'' Pavitra Hrudayalu'' (1971) as Sivaiah * '' Sampoorna Ramayanam'' (1971) as

Vibhishana Vibhishana () is the younger brother of Ravana, the King of Lanka, in the ancient Indian epic ''Ramayana,'' and one of the eight Chiranjivis. Though a rakshasa himself, Vibhishana turned his back on Ravana, and defected to Rama's side, owing ...

*'' Mayani Mamata'' (1970) as Janakiramaiah * '' Balaraju Katha'' (1970) * ''

Pettandarulu ''Pettandarulu'' ( Rulers) is a 1970 Telugu-language revolutionary film, produced by U. Visweswara Rao under the Jyothi Cine Syndicate banner, and directed by C. S. Rao. The film starred N. T. Rama Rao, Savitri, Shobhan Babu, Vijaya Nirma ...

'' (1970) * '' Ukku Pidugu'' (1969) as Sage Haricharanudu * '' Bhale Abbayilu'' (1969) as Judge Madhava Rao * '' Pratheekaram'' (1969) as Kanthayya * '' Gandara Gandadu'' (1969) as Vijayendra * '' Bhale Rangadu'' (1969) as Narasaiah * '' Ekaveera'' (1969) as Father of Veerabhupati * ''

Aatmiyulu Aatmiyulu () is a 1969 Indian Telugu language, Telugu-language Drama (film and television), drama film, produced by D. Madhusudhana Rao under the Saradhi Studios banner and directed by V. Madhusudhana Rao. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Van ...

'' (1969) as Veerayya * '' Nene Monaganni'' (1968) * '' Kalisochina Adrushtam'' (1968) * '' Bandhavyalu'' (1968) * '' Undamma Bottu Pedata'' (1968) * '' Veeranjaneya'' (1968) as

Vishwamitra Vishvamitra (, ) is one of the most venerated rishis or sages of ancient India. Vishvamitra is one of the seven Brahmarshi. According to Hindu tradition, he is stated to have written most of the Mandala 3 of the Rigveda, including the Ga ...

* '' Aggi Meeda Guggilam'' (1968) as Chandavarma, Mahamantri of Sripura * ''Ranabheri'' (1968) as Rajaguru *'' Nindu Manasulu'' (1967) *'' Aggi Dora'' (1967) as Raghunatha Rayalu, Maharaj of Ratnagiri * ''

Sri Krishnavataram ''Sri Krishnavataram'' is a 1967 Telugu-language Hindu mythological film directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, Devika and Kanchana, with music composed by T. V. Raju. The film was produced by A. Pundarikakshayya under ...

'' (1967) as

Satrajit Satrajit (), also rendered Satrajita, is a Yadava king in Hinduism. He had ten wives and three daughters named Satyabhama, Bratini, and Prasvapini who were all married to Krishna. He is described to be a great devotee of Surya, the sun god. He is ...

* '' Bhakta Prahlada'' (1967) as

* ''

Mohini Bhasmasura ''Mohini Bhasmasura'' () is a 1966 Kannada-language Indian Hindu mythological film directed by S. S. Verma and produced by T. Madaar and V.M.Kuppayya Chettiyar. The film stars Rajkumar, Leelavathi, Udaykumar and TN Balakrishna in the lead ...

'' (1966) as

* ''

Paduka Pattabhishekam ''Paduka Pattabhishekam'' is a 1945 Indian Telugu-language film directed and produced by Kadaru Nagabhushanam. Plot The story of the film is from the Hindu epic Ramayana. According to the father's wish Rama with Sita and Lakshmana goes to the f ...

'' (1966) as

Dasaratha Dasharatha (, IAST: Daśaratha; born Nemi) was the king of Kosala, with its capital at Ayodhya, in the Hindu epic ''Ramayana''. Dasharatha married Kausalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi. He was the father of Rama, the protagonist of the epic Ramayana, ...

* '' Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam'' (1966) as

*'' Dorikithe Dongalu'' (1965) * ''

Pandava Vanavasam ''Pandava Vanavasam'' () is a 1965 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao and written by Samudrala Sr. Produced by A. S. R. Anjaneyulu, the film is based on the ''Mahabharata'' and depicts events fro ...

'' (1965) as Chitragupta * '' Amara Silpi Jakkanna'' (1964) (Kannada) * '' Bobbili Yuddham'' (1964) as Narasarayalu * '' Nartanasala'' (1963) as

Duryodhana Duryodhana (, Help:IPA/Sanskrit, ̪ʊɾjoːd̪ʱən̪ᵊ ), also known as Suyodhana, is the primary antagonist in the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata.'' He is the eldest of the Kaurava, Kauravas, the hundred sons of King Dhritarashtra and Queen Gan ...

* '' Sri Krishnarjuna Yuddham'' (1963) as Gayudu *''Madana Kamaraju Katha'' (1962) as Acharya of Mahendragiri * '' Mahamantri Timmarusu'' (1962) *'' Kalimilemulu'' (1962) as Narasaiah * ''

'' (1962) as

Awards

Nandi Award for Best Actor The Nandi Award for Best Actor was commissioned by the Nandi Awards committee in 1977. The winner is awarded a "Silver Nandi", "Sri Rajendra Prasad Gold Medal", cash award and a commendation certificate. Venkatesh has won the most Best Actor a ...

- 1968 - Bandhavyalu

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sastry, Dhulipala Male actors in Telugu cinema Indian male film actors People from Guntur Actors from Guntur district 1921 births Nandi Award winners 2007 deaths Telugu actors Male actors from Andhra Pradesh 20th-century Indian male actors