Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, popularly known as
N. T. Rama Rao and
NTR, was an Indian actor, filmmaker and politician who served as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh for seven years over three terms. He starred in over 300 films, predominantly in Telugu cinema, and was referred to as
Viswa Vikhyatha Nata Sarwa Bhouma. Rao received three National Film Awards for co-producing
Thodu Dongalu (1954) and
Seetharama Kalyanam (1960) under National Art Theater, Madras, and for directing
Varakatnam (1970). He has received the erstwhile Rashtrapati Awards for his performance in
Raju Peda (1954) and
Lava Kusa (1963). He garnered the Nandi Award for Best Actor for
Kodalu Diddina Kapuram in 1970, and the Inaugural Filmfare Award for Best Actor â Telugu in 1972 for
Badi Panthulu.