The tradition and empire created by the all time great Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) in the Telugu Cinema industry is world-renowned. The immaculate tradition of NTR is being carried forward by his next generation through Balakrishna. This is true to the words of late NTR, as he said ‘My real heir in the industry would be Balakrishna’.

Balakrishna was born in the Nandamuri family as a son of NTR with a golden spoon. Right from childhood Balaiah (as he is fondly termed in the industry and fans) grew up in all comforts and luxuries.

He forayed into the Telugu cinema industry initially as son of uncrowned film field king NTR with a role in Thathamma Kala way back in 1974. That was the beginning for the cub to grow and roar as popular hero. Young Balaiah exhibited his ability on par with his father in Annadammula Anubandham in 1975.

His independent role on the reel as hero came to him through Mangamma gari manavadu in 1984, which was a commercial success. Since then, he always moved ahead strongly with 79 movies to his credit. Many box office records were toppled due to the success of Balakrishna’s films. As a true inheritor of NTR’s skills, Balaiah rewrote the record books many a time.

After the legendary NTR, it was exclusively Balakrishna who performed all the versatile roles including social, folklore and epic characters compared to other hero personalities of the industry who are in the field along with Balaiah.

The legend caretaker Balakrishna opens his heart during an interaction with Hamarashehar.com. Excerpts from the interaction are:

Q: How do you react to the situation, where in your fans are projecting and congratulating you as would be Chief Minister of the state?
A: Political power is like a thorny crown. Right now I cannot give a strong statement either for confirmation or in negative about my entry into politics.

I will definitely enter politics, if and only if it is a decision supported by the God. I can stoutly state that in case I’m there, I will map my own route. And, I should always be thankful to my guides, well wishers and supporters and my fans. I should be thankful for their encouragement all the time.

Q: What were your feelings on Narasimha Naidu being a bumper hit?
A: Every one is aware that Narasimha Reddy was also a super hit; now Narasimha Naidu’s success thrilled me. Though success is not a new equation for me, every success gives a different and new enjoyment.

Q: Whom do you term as ‘inspirational’, both in personal and industry life?
A: At the outset, I humbly bow down to my parents, who had given me this life. Human life is the best of all the living beings. It was my father NTR who stood and stands as an inspiration where ever I’m and what ever I’m.

I always remember his quote, ‘Pondering over the past do not waste your present, which in turn spoils the future. Always work untiringly to achieve the goal.’ These golden words are inspiration not only to me but also to the entire human race. Every day I take this quotation and march ahead.

Q: Does anything scare you?
A: I’m a God fearing man. Nothing else scares me nor lures or influences me. But, the moment I come to know of righteousness I respond positively to it. I’m a firm believer that the Almighty has gifted this life to me for some good purpose. I also strongly follow and aspire to work for the common good to the extent possible with in my limitations.

Q: Can you share some details about the erection of your father’s bronze statue?
A: Yes, definitely. We proposed to erect NTR’s bronze statue in Araku valley. It was he who was behind popularising this region. This was the reason why we decided for Araku. Related work is being done at a rapid pace and the work is being done very smoothly. Immediately after the state government allocates some piece of land, we will go ahead with the installation.

Q: Your supporters opinion that injustice is being done to you regarding awards. What is your response to this?
A: I sincerely do not care for or crave for awards. The realms of fans and their love and affection towards me are the best and biggest ever awards of my life. Still, I wonder for a moment as to why the most popular films are not selected by the government for awards.

Q: Do you think that a film’s success is based on some combinations?
A: Movie is a confluence of various arts and techniques. A film can be successful only if all the departments put in their best in co-ordination with others. The live example of such assemblage effort is the success of Narasimha Naidu.

Q: How about your intentions to do a multi-starrer with other heroes?
A: That is not possible at all. I mean this opinion is limited to a social subject based films. Where as if we speak of classical movies, yes, I do not have any objection for a multi-starrer productions.

Q: Many Telugu cinema industry heroes are taking to ad-films. Do you have an eye on the ad-films?
A: I’m very clear in my view. I do not have any intention of acting in a commercial ad-film.

Q: What is your opinion about the folklore movie being produced by the Bhargav Arts banner?
A: I have a precious relation with Bhargav Arts supremo S Gopal Reddy. Our combination gave many hits like Mangamma gari manavadu, Muddula Krishnaiah and Muvva Gopaludu. After a long gap, our combination is working together with a folk subject. This definitely would become another smashing hit and create history.

Personal Profile:

Born on: June 10, 1960
Parents: Late NT Rama Rao and Late Basavatharakam
Brothers: Late Rama Krishna, Jaya Krishna, Hari Krishna, Mohan Krishna, Sai Krishna, Rama Krishna, Jaya Shankara Krishna
Sisters: Uma Maheshwari, Bhuvaneshwari, Lokeshwari
Wife: Vasundhara Devi, married in 1982
Children: Brahmini born on 21-12-1987, Tejashwini born on 20-07-1989, Mokshagnya Taraka Rama Theja born on 06-09-1994.