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-VasuHis 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 rowAditya 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 DesignBalakrishna 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 blockbusterRowdy 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 warsSamarasimha 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 filmsBalakrishna's performance garnered immense likeability among masses and the rabble-rousing dialogues, spine-chilling action sequences and foot-tapping music rejuvenated Telugu cinemaThe 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 stintHis 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