As one of Telugu Cinema's most important actors, Nandamuri Balakrishna aka Balayya turns 60, here's a look back at some of the films that shaped his legacy in Telugu Cinema

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Happy Birthday Nandamuri Balakrishna: Here's a list of films that best showcase the versatility of Nata Simha Balayya

As Nandamuri Balakrishna turns 60, we bring you some of the best films of the actor, who has portrayed an array of versatile roles in a career spanning over three decades.

Team CE

Updated:10th Jun, 2020 at 8:55 AM

Born as the sixth son of legendary actor late Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, Balayya, fondly called by his fans and friends, made his acting debut at 14, as a child artist, in his father's directorial

Balayya graduated to lead roles with Sahasame Jeevitham (1984), which was directed by Bharathi-Vasu

His major breakthrough came with the stupendous success of Kodi Ramakrishna's family entertainer Mangamma Gari Manavadu (1984), a remake of Tamil film Man Vasanai.

1986 is a path-breaking year for Balakrishna as he delivered six hits (Nippulanti Manishi, Muddula Krishnnayya, Seetarama Kalyanam, Anasuyamma Gari Alludu, Desoddarakudu, Kaliyuga Krishnudu) in a row

Aditya 369 (1991) was a genre-defining film in Telugu cinema. Balakrishna became a sought after star impressing people with the dual role as ruler Srikrishnadevaraya and a modern-day youth.

Singeetham and Balayya reunited for high fantasy cult classic Bhairava Dweepam (1994). The film has won 9 Nandi Awards including Third Best Film, Best Director, Best Makeup Artist, Best Costume Design

Balakrishna collaboration with B Gopal has been the most talked-about combinations in Telugu cinema. Their first collaboration, Lorry Driver (1990) proved to be a Christmas blockbuster

Rowdy Inspector (1992) is another high-voltage action entertainer that unleashed the fiery side of Balayya as a cop. The film won the audience over with its contemporary take on politics and gang wars

Samarasimha Reddy (1999), a Sankranthi release, is considered to be one of the biggest hits of Telugu cinema. The film set against the backdrop of Rayalaseema became a trendsetter for faction films

Balakrishna's performance garnered immense likeability among masses and the rabble-rousing dialogues, spine-chilling action sequences and foot-tapping music rejuvenated Telugu cinema

The actor-director duo's Narasimha Naidu (2001) was yet another Sankranthi winner. Balakrishna's role earned him praise from all quarters and also fetched him the Nandi Award for Best Actor.

Seeing an actor of his calibre donning this powerful character showcasing varied emotions ranging from intensity, emotion, anger and passion, makes one believe that the sky is the limit.

Balakrishna's performance as the unsung Telugu 2nd century AD Satavahana ruler Gautamiputra Satakarni has earned him the Filmfare award for Best Actor.

The role is often regarded as one of the most challenging characters essayed by the actor. It's the role his father NTR wanted to play during his times, but could not due to his political stint

His penchant for portraying larger-than-life characters continued with Boyapati Sreenu's Simha and Legend. Hailed as one of the craziest combinations Tollywood, the duo are now ready with NBK 106

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