Sakshi Ranga Rao

Saakshi Ranga Rao
Rao in a scene from Sirivennela (1986)
Born
Rangavajhula Ranga Rao

1941 or 1942
Died (aged 63)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
OccupationActor
Years active1967–1995
SpouseBala Tripurasundari
Children4; including Saakshi Siva

Sakshi Ranga Rao (born Rangavajhula Ranga Rao; 1941 or 1942 – 27 June 2005) was an Indian character actor who worked in Telugu cinema and Telugu theatre.[1] He appeared in about 450 films over a career spanning four decades, majority of which were comedies. Rao made his film debut in 1967 with Sakshi from which he derived his stage name. He then went onto to appear in successful films like Sirivennela, Swarna Kamalam, April 1st Vidudhala, Joker and Swarabhishekam.

Life and career

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Rangavajhula Ranga Rao in Kalavakuru village in Prakasham district, was born to Lakshmi Narayana and Ranganayakamma.[2] As his father died when he was young, he was raised by Buchchi Ravamma, his mother's sister in Machilipatnam. He began his career as a stenographer in Andhra University, Visakhapatnam.[2]

As Rao was interested in film and theatre, he worked as an assistant to the stage artist Kuppili Venkateshwara Rao. He was encouraged by some his friends at Andhra Vishwa Vidyalaya to pursue a full-time career in films. They gathered him some money and sent Rao to Madras.[2]

Director Bapu gave break to Rao with the film Sakshi in 1967. Then onwards, he became known as Sakshi Ranga Rao, also to differentiate himself from S. V. Ranga Rao.[3] He had the distinction of acting in most of the Telugu films directed by K. Vishwanath, Bapu and Vamsi.

Rao married Bala Tripurasundari. They had three children–one daughter and three sons. His youngest son, actor Saakshi Siva works in Telugu films and television.[2]

Rao died after a prolonged illness on 27 June 2005 in Chennai at the age of 63 years. Incidentally, it was on stage that Rao collapsed on 5 May 2005 during a rehearsal for the Gurazada play, 'Kanyasulkam'. The apparent cause of his death was diabetes and associated kidney failure.[4][5]

Filmography

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  1. Saakshi (1967) (debut film)
  2. Bangaru Pichika (1968)
  3. Sudigundaalu (1968) as Gumasta
  4. Bhale Rangadu (1969)
  5. Buddhimanthudu (1969)
  6. Balaraju Katha (1970)
  7. Dharma Daata (1970)
  8. Thaali Bottu (1970) as Rangaiah
  9. Pagabattina Paduchu[6] (1971) as Hanumanthu
  10. Basthi Bul Bul[7] (1971) as Ranga Rao
  11. Pattindalla Bangaram[8] (1971) as Drama Company Owner
  12. Attalu Kodallu (1971) as brother of Suryakantam
  13. Adrusta Jathakudu (1971)
  14. Mattilo Manikyam[9] (1971) as Seethapathi aka Panthulu
  15. Vinta Samsaram (1971)
  16. Kalam Marindi (1972)
  17. Anta Mana Manchike (1972)
  18. Devudu Chesina Manushulu (1973) as Papa Rao
  19. Andala Ramudu (1973) as Subba Rao's father-in-law
  20. Nindu Kutumbam[10] (1973) as Avatharam
  21. Bhakta Tukaram (1973)
  22. Devudamma (1973) as Kotaiah
  23. Manchi Vallaki Manchivadu (1973)
  24. Meena[11] (1973) as Narayana, Meena's driver
  25. Mayadari Malligadu[12] (1973) as Karanam Kamayya
  26. Tulabharam (1974) as Hari
  27. Mangalya Bhagyam[13] (1974) as Pullachari
  28. Muthyala Muggu (1975)
  29. Padi Pantalu[14] (1976) as Panthulu, Guravayya's accountant
  30. Siri Siri Muvva (1976)
  31. Alludochadu[15] (1976) as Panasayya
  32. Pichi Maraju (1976)
  33. Aadavalu Apanindhalu (1976)
  34. Monagadu (1976) as Avatharam
  35. Raaja[16] (1976) as Pawn Broker Prakash
  36. Shri Rajeshwari Vilas Coffee Club (1976)
  37. Amara Deepam (1977) as Manager
  38. Eenati Bandham Yenatido[17] (1977) as Kanakaiah
  39. Edureeta (1977)
  40. Manassakshi (1977)
  41. Manushulu Chesina Dongalu (1977)
  42. Devathalara Deevinchandi (1977)
  43. Love Marriage[18] (1978) as Dance Director
  44. Nayudu Bava[19] (1978) as Gopalam
  45. Patnavasam[20] (1978) as Ramanatham
  46. Dongala Veta[21] (1978) as Seth
  47. Lawyer Viswanath (1978)
  48. Seetamalakshmi (1978)
  49. Dongala Veta (1978)
  50. Mugguru Muggure (1978) as Kotilingam the Museum Guard
  51. Siri Siri Muvva (1978)
  52. Vayasu Pilichindi (1978)
  53. Thoorpu Velle Railu (1979)
  54. Andadu Aagadu[22] (1979) as Ling Papa Rao
  55. Tiger (1979)
  56. I Love You (1979) as Club Owner
  57. Saptapadhi (1980)
  58. Sirimalle Navvindi (1980)
  59. Subhodhayam (1980)
  60. Bhale Krishnudu (1980)
  61. Gopala Rao Gari Ammayi (1980)
  62. Alludu Pattina Bharatam (1980)
  63. Sankarabharanam (1980)
  64. Amavasya Chandrudu (1981)
  65. Thyagayya (1981)
  66. Radha Kalyanam (1981)
  67. Madhura Swapnam (1982)
  68. Pratigna[23] (1982) as Karanam
  69. Manchu Pallaki (1982) as Gita's father
  70. Kalavari Samsaram (1982) as Subbaramaiah
  71. Kalahala Kapuram[24] (1982) as Drunkard
  72. Subhalekha (1982)
  73. Sagara Sangamam (1983)
  74. Bezawada Bebbuli (1983)
  75. Sitaara (1983)
  76. Amarajeevi (1983)
  77. Nelavanka (1983)
  78. Rendu Jella Sita (1983)
  79. Lanke Bindelu[25] (1983) as Aachari
  80. Koteeswarudu (1984) as Ranganatham
  81. Janani Janmabhoomi (1984)
  82. Railu Dopidi[26] (1984) as Arjun's father
  83. Chattamtho Poratam (1985)
  84. Punnami Ratri[27] (1985) as Brahmanandam
  85. Mogudu Pellalu (1985)
  86. Vande Mataram (1985)
  87. Bhale Tammudu (1985)
  88. Ooriki Soggadu (1985) as Master
  89. Mantradandham (1985)
  90. Rendu Rella Aaru (1985)
  91. Jailu Pakshi (1986)
  92. Dharmapeetam Daddarillindi (1986)
  93. Santhi Nivasam (1986)
  94. Maruthi (1986)
  95. Poojaku Panikiraani Puvvu (1986)
  96. Brahmastram (1986) as Lingaraju
  97. Chantabbai (1986)
  98. Sirivennela (1986)
  99. Kaliyuga Pandavulu (1986)
  100. Kaliyuga Krishnudu (1986)
  101. Chanakya Sapadham[28] (1986) as Dr. Arogyam
  102. Chakravarthy (1987) as Avatharam
  103. Sankeerthana (1987)
  104. Danavudu (1987)
  105. Marana Homam (1987)
  106. Saradhamba (1987)
  107. Chakravarthy (1987)
  108. Kalarathrilo Kannepilla (1987)
  109. Krishna Leela (1987)
  110. President Gari Abbai (1987) as Seshavatharam
  111. Sruthi Layalu (1987)
  112. Raaga Leela (1987)
  113. Nyayam Kosam (1988) as Narayana
  114. Janaki Ramudu (1988)
  115. Aadade Aadharam (1988)
  116. Ramudu Bheemudu (1988) as Govindaiah
  117. Rowdy No.1 (1988) as Avadhani
  118. Bharya Bhartalu[29] (1988) as Aachari
  119. Marana Mrudangam (1988)
  120. Swarna Kamalam (1988)
  121. Bamma Maata Bangaru Baata (1989)
  122. Preminchi Choodu (1989)
  123. Lankeswarudu (1989)
  124. Sutradhaarulu (1990)
  125. Rambha Rambabu (1990)
  126. Chevilo Puvvu (1990)
  127. Karthavyam (1990) as Constable Ranganayakulu
  128. Shanti Kranti (1991)
  129. Manchi Roju (1991 film) (1991)
  130. Erra Mandaram (1991)
  131. Naa Pellam Naa Ishtam (1991)
  132. Mugguru Attala Muddula Alludu (1991)
  133. Pelli Pustakam (1991)
  134. April 1st Vidudhala (1991)
  135. Dharma Kshetram (1992) as Madhava Rao
  136. Aa Okkati Adakku (1992)
  137. Sukravaram Mahalakshmi (1992)
  138. Detective Narada (1992)
  139. Sahasam (1992)
  140. Gharana Mogudu (1992) as Bhawani's father
  141. Swathi Kiranam (1992)
  142. Joker (1993)
  143. Kunti Puthrudu (1993)
  144. Nippu Raava (1993)
  145. Vinta Kodallu (1993)
  146. Alludu Poru Ammayi Joru (1994) as Kanakachari
  147. Presidentgari Alludu[30] (1994) as Ranga Rao
  148. Yamaleela (1994)
  149. Madam (1994)
  150. Subha Sankalpam (1995)
  151. Street Fighter[31] (1995) as Insurance Officer
  152. Linga Babu Love Story (1995)
  153. Vajram (1995)
  154. Sampradayam[32] (1996) as Rangaiah
  155. Shri Krishnarjuna Vijayam (1996)
  156. Swarabhishekam (2004)
  157. Vijay IPS (2006)

References

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  1. ^ "Saakshi Siva about his father at the personal website". saakshisivaa.com. Archived from the original on 11 September 2010.
  2. ^ a b c d నాన్నకు స్వాతిముత్యంలో అవకాశం రాలేదు | Special Interview With Sakshi Ranga Rao Son Siva – Sakshi. Sakshi (in Telugu). 17 January 2021. Archived from the original on 16 April 2021. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
  3. ^ Raman, Mohan V. (8 November 2014). "What's in a name?". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 20 June 2018. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
  4. ^ "Actor Sakshi Ranga Rao dead". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 20 August 2006.
  5. ^ "'Saakshi' Rangarao is no more at Telugu Cinema.com". Archived from the original on 7 May 2009.
  6. ^ "Pagabattina Paduchu". AVclub. Archived from the original on 21 April 2023. Retrieved 21 April 2023.
  7. ^ "Basthi Bul Bul (1971)". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 23 October 2023. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  8. ^ Pattindalla Bangaram (1971), retrieved 3 February 2024
  9. ^ "Mattilo Manikyam (1971)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 2 March 2024.
  10. ^ "Nindu Kutumbam on Moviebuff.com". Moviebuff.com. Archived from the original on 10 October 2023. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
  11. ^ "Meena (1973)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  12. ^ "Mayadari Malligadu (1973)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
  13. ^ "Mangalya Bhagyam (1974)". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 13 June 2023. Retrieved 13 June 2023.
  14. ^ "Padi Pantalu (1976)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  15. ^ "Alludochadu (1976)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
  16. ^ "Raaja (1976)". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 1 May 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  17. ^ "Eenati Bandham Enatido (1977)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  18. ^ Love Marriage Telugu Full Length Movie || Ranganath, JayaChitra. Retrieved 25 April 2024 – via www.youtube.com.
  19. ^ "Nayudu Bava (1978)". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 9 December 2023. Retrieved 9 December 2023.
  20. ^ "Patnavasam (1978)". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 13 December 2023. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
  21. ^ "Dongala Veta (1978)". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 26 April 2023. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
  22. ^ "Andhadu Aagadu (1979)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
  23. ^ "Prathignya (1982)". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 17 April 2023. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  24. ^ "Kalahala Kapuram (1982) | V CINEMA – Movie, Review, Cast, Songs & Release Date". www.vcinema.com. Archived from the original on 7 July 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
  25. ^ "Lanke Bindelu (1983)". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 27 June 2023. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
  26. ^ Rail Dopidee | Telugu Full Movie | Bhanuchander | Prabha| V9 Videos, archived from the original on 27 April 2023, retrieved 27 April 2023
  27. ^ "Punnami Rathri 1985 Full Movie Online – Watch HD Movies on Airtel Xstream Play". Airtel Xstream (Airtel TV). Archived from the original on 18 December 2023. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  28. ^ "Chanakya Sapadam (1986)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
  29. ^ BHARYA BARTHALU | TELUGU FULL MOVIE | SHOBAN BABU | SUHASINI | RAADHA | V9 VIDEOS, archived from the original on 30 April 2023, retrieved 30 April 2023
  30. ^ PRESIDENT GARI ALLUDU | TELUGU FULL MOVIE | BHANU CHANDER | VANI VISWANATH | TELUGU MOVIE ZONE, archived from the original on 30 October 2023, retrieved 30 October 2023
  31. ^ "Street Fighter (1995)". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 4 July 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
  32. ^ FilmiClub. "Sampradayam (1996) Complete Cast & Crew". FilmiClub. Retrieved 26 March 2024.
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