Nandamuri Harikrishna

Nandamuri Harikrishna, born on September 2, 1956, in Nimmakuru village of Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, left an indelible mark as an Indian actor, producer, and politician. As the fourth son of the iconic actor and former chief minister, N. T. Rama Rao, Harikrishna's journey encompassed a prolific career in Telugu cinema, a significant political legacy, and, ultimately, a tragic end in a fatal car accident.

Political Journey

In the annals of Andhra Pradesh's political history, Nandamuri Harikrishna's journey emerges as a riveting saga marked by audacity, strategic maneuvering, and a deep-seated commitment to transformative governance.

• The Chaitanya Ratham and Political Mileage

Harikrishna's political career commenced with a unique twist - behind the wheel of his father's "Chaitanya Ratham," a symbolically charged green Chevrolet bearing the registration number ABR 7776. This revamped chariot of consciousness became more than a vehicle; it traversed over 75,000 kilometers, imprinting its significance on the political landscape of the state.

• The 1995 Coup and Rebellious Streak

A man of outspokenness and rebellious nature, Harikrishna played a pivotal role in the 1995 coup that shook the foundations of Andhra Pradesh's political structure. Collaborating with key figures like N. Chandrababu Naidu, Daggubati Venkateswara Rao, and Nandamuri Balakrishna, he orchestrated a strategic move that led to the dethronement of his father, N. T. Rama Rao, during his Chief Ministership.

• Legislative Stint and Road Transport Revolution

From 1996 to 1999, Harikrishna served as an elected Member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, representing the Hindupur constituency. His tenure as the Cabinet Minister for Road Transport in 1996 was marked by a historic move - the inclusion of women as bus conductors in the State Road Transport Corporation, breaking gender barriers and opening new avenues for employment.

• Political Turmoil and Party Dynamics

Harikrishna's political journey wasn't devoid of internal conflicts. In 1999, disagreements with Naidu led him to establish the Anna Telugu Desam Party. However, after an unsuccessful 1999 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly election, he reconciled with his previous party in 2006. His relationship with brother-in-law Naidu remained complex, often fueled by discontent over the party's treatment of his son, N. T. Rama Rao Jr.

• Rajya Sabha Stint and Stand Against Division

In 2008, Harikrishna contested as a Telugu Desam Party candidate and secured a seat in the Rajya Sabha. However, his political journey took a moral turn in 2013 when, in protest against the United Progressive Alliance government's decision to divide Andhra Pradesh, he renounced his Rajya Sabha seat.

Cinematic Legacy

Nandamuri Harikrishna, a revered figure in the realm of Indian cinema, has left an indelible mark on audiences with a career that spans several decades. From his early days as a child artist to his roles as a lead actor and producer, his journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Harikrishna's cinematic journey began in 1964 when he made his acting debut as a child artist in "Sri Krishnavataram." After a brief hiatus and a stint in politics, he returned to the silver screen, featuring in notable films like "Sri Ramulayya," "Seetharama Raju," and "Lahiri Lahiri Lahirilo." His contribution to Telugu cinema was acknowledged with the Nandi Award for Best Character Actor in 2002 for his role in "Lahiri Lahiri Lahirilo." Let's explore the remarkable filmography that has defined his illustrious career.

Filmography

Here is a comprehensive list of Nandamuri Harikrishna's filmography, showcasing his versatility and the diverse array of characters he has portrayed on the silver screen.

Awards

Nandamuri Harikrishna's contribution to cinema was not only appreciated by the audience but also recognized by the industry. He was honored with the prestigious Nandi Award for Best Character Actor for his role in Lahiri Lahiri Lahirilo in 2002.

This accolade stands as a testament to his dedication to the craft of acting and his ability to breathe life into diverse characters. Nandamuri Harikrishna's filmography is a tapestry woven with a myriad of roles, each contributing to the rich cinematic legacy of Indian cinema. His journey is an inspiration, showcasing the transformative power of storytelling and the enduring impact one artist can have on an entire industry.

Personal Life and Tragedy

Two marriages marked Harikrishna's personal life - the first with Lakshmi Kumari in 1973 and the second with Shalini Bhaskar Rao in 1981. Tragedy struck in 2014 when his elder son, Janaki Ram, died in a road mishap. The same highway claimed Harikrishna's life in 2018, as he met with a fatal car crash in Nalgonda district. Ironically, both father and son had connections to the number 2323 in the registration plates of their ill-fated vehicles.

The Demise of Nandamuri Harikrishna

On August 29, 2018, Andhra Pradesh lost a prominent political figure and beloved actor, Nandamuri Harikrishna, in a tragic car crash in Nalgonda district's Narketpally. At the age of 61, Harikrishna's life came to an abrupt end as he was en route to a private ceremony in Nellore district, accompanied by two others. The circumstances surrounding his death unveiled a series of poignant coincidences and heart-wrenching echoes of tragedy within his own family.

Harikrishna, a man known for his zest for life, was driving his Toyota Fortuner at a high speed when the unfortunate incident occurred. In a heart-wrenching twist of fate, he wasn't wearing a seat belt when the vehicle collided with a road median near Narkatpally. The attempt to reach for a water bottle proved to be a fatal moment, leading to the loss of a charismatic political figure and beloved member of the Nandamuri family.

However, the echoes of tragedy did not end with Harikrishna's untimely death. The same highway had claimed the life of his son, Janaki Ram, in 2014. Janakiram, a talented Telugu movie producer associated with the N. T. R. Arts banner, met a tragic end in a road crash while traveling alone from Vijayawada to Hyderabad. His vehicle collided with a tractor near Akumpamala village in Munagala mandal of Nalgonda district, resulting in fatal internal bleeding.

The intricacies of fate took an even more eerie turn with the revelation that both Harikrishna and Janaki Ram had connections to the number 2323 in the registration plates of their ill-fated vehicles. Janaki Ram lost his life driving a vehicle with registration number AP29BD2323, while Harikrishna's vehicle had the number AP28BW2323. These chilling parallels added a layer of surrealism to the family's already tragic narrative.

The Nandamuri family's connection to road accidents did not stop there. Harikrishna's youngest son, N. T. Rama Rao Jr., encountered a road accident on the same Nalgonda district highway in 2009. This incident occurred while he was returning from election campaigning for the Telugu Desam Party during the 2009 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly election. Fortunately, Rama Rao Jr. survived, but the incident underscored the family's unsettling relationship with the dangerous twists of fate on that particular stretch of road.

The tragic thread of road accidents within the Nandamuri family extended to Harikrishna's younger brother, Nandamuri Ramakrishna, who had miraculously survived two car accidents in the past. These incidents served as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of destiny.

In the wake of these heart-wrenching events, the Nandamuri family and the people of Andhra Pradesh were left grappling with the weight of loss and the uncanny patterns of fate that seemed to weave a tragic tapestry around their lives. The memories of Nandamuri Harikrishna, a man of political influence, cinematic brilliance, and family ties, endure as a testament to the fragility and unpredictability of life's journey.

Conclusion

Nandamuri Harikrishna's life was a tapestry woven with the threads of politics, cinema, and personal triumphs and tragedies. His legacy lives on through his contributions to Telugu cinema and his impactful political career. The untimely and tragic end of his life adds a poignant chapter to the Nandamuri family's history, leaving an enduring impact on the cultural and political landscape of Andhra Pradesh.