Natakiriti Rajendra Prasad turns 60

Sixty years ago on this day, a one-of-his-kind talent was born in Krishna district's Nimmakooru. After lot of struggle and agony, he would metamorphose into a 'Nata Kireeti' of all seasons two decades later. He is Rajendra Prasad, whose illustrious career spans four decades, well over 232 films, scores of versatile roles, countless memorable expressions, and numerous rib-tickling lines.  Gadde Babu Rajendra Prasad, born to Manikyamba and Gadde Venkata Narayana, acquired a diploma in Ceramic Engineering and went on to pursue his dreams. Married to Vijaya Chamundeshwari, he has a son Balaji, whose wife is Shiva Shankari.

Legendary NTR and more:

The actor revers the legendary NTR as his all-time favourite. Both hail from the same village. Rajendra had the fortune to take instructions from NTR and their association was direct till he attained the age of 24.  As for training, Rajendra took the plunge into films after getting formally trained in 'Movement And Mime' and 'Observation And Improvization' techniques.  As they say, the training only better him a better diamond. He already was one. Born as a diamond!

When he wanted to die by consuming pesticide:

Before success was his, Rajendra Prasad went through a lot of agony. So much so, when his hopes vanished, he thought of taking his life by consuming pesticide.  By divine intervention, one Pundareekakshayya knocked on his doors with an opportunity.

Initial days:

Before donning supporting actor's roles, Prasad was a dubbing artist. The behind-the-screen talent happened to play a bit role in 'Ramarajyamlo Bheemaraju'.  The role came his way when the artist who was to play it was reluctant to fall at the feet of actress Sridevi. Prasad, hungry for an opportunity, grabbed it. The expression he flashs when Superstar Krishna whispers into his ears,'Thali kadithe matashe, thata teesestha', earned him recognition from Krishna himself. When Krishna endorsed his talent, nearly a dozen such small opportunities came his way. From then on, he would work in three shifts, dabbling in both dubbing and character role-playing.

Tryst with director Vamsi:

It was while dubbing for Ranji for Vamsi's 'Gudi Gantalu Mogayi' that the director recognized the male lead in Prasad. RamojiRao produced 'Preminchu-Pelladu' happened. Since the film didn’t do well, he was once again at crossroads. When Vamsi told him that they are going to rectify mistakes and strike gold next time, the destined-to-be-Comedy-King Rajendra Prasad struck back. 'Ladies Tailor', their second outing, would become a trend-setter.  

Comedy now had heroic status:

It was only because of Rajendra Prasad and his illustrious directors like Vamsi, Bapu, Jandhyala, Relangi Narasimha Rao and EVV Sathyanarayana that comedy now had a heroic status in Tollywood. The '80s-era cinema wouldn't have been richer without these stalwarts. Comedy track was sidetracked. Comedy now was the main track! Comedy heroes like Naresh and Suresh followed. Director after director, film after film - they made Tollywood a more unique place. 'Ladies Tailor', 'Appula Apparao', 'Pekata Paparao', 'Aa Okkataddakku', 'Aha Naa Pellanta', 'Kobbari Bondam', 'Rajendrudu Gajendrudu have had people convulsing with laughter. Ever since. Forever they will.  

Not just comedy:

Not for nothing that he is called a 'Nata Kireeti'. Rajendra, in a number of versatile roles, has proved himself to be a pro at doing sentiment, romance and more.  His serious acts in films like 'Aa Naluguru' have not only fetched him prestigious awards (like Nandi), but also encomiums from biggies. K Viswanath, after watching 'Aa Naluguru', would kiss him affectionately and say that he couldn't find Rajendra Prasad anywhere, but it was only the character Raghuram.  

When a Prime Minister de-stressed himself:

When PV Narasimha Rao wanted to de-stress himself, he had an option to fall back on: Rajendra Prasad's films.  You have to believe it, since the great PVNR himself said it once!

The journey goes on:

After four decades, the multi-faceted, versatile actor has done 232 films, some even in Tamil. 'Quickgun Murugan' was his small step towards Hollywood. The 'Hasya Kireeti' is now one of the most sought-after character artists, especially after films like 'Srimanthudu', 'Nannaku Prematho', and 'Supreme'. As the President of MAA, he is into doing justice to poor cine workers.

Awards and honours:

Honorary doctorate from Andhra University in 1997.

Best Film Nandis: 'Pelli Pusthakam' (1991), 'Mister Pellam' (1993), 'Mee Shreyobhilashi' (2015).

Best Actor Nandis: 'Erra Mandaram' (1991), 'Madam' (1994) - Special Jury Award, 'Aa Naluguru' (2004).  

CineMAA Award: 'Onamalu' (2013) - Best Outstanding Artist.

His all-time favourites: NTR, Charlie Chaplin, Nagesh.