Rao Gopal Rao

Rao Gopal Rao Biography

Rao Gopal Rao was a legendary villain of Telugu cinema yesterdays. Muthyala Muggu and Yamagola are his first major roles. He handled numerous character roles and has produced many Telugu hits as well. His son Rao Ramesh has also entered into the field of cinema and quite popular as a character artist. He was born on January 14, 1937 and passed away on 18 August 1994, aged only 57. He was a former politician, a part member of Telugu Desam since 1982, who served as a member of Rajya Sabha during the period - 1986 to 1992, one and a half years before his death. His role as villain in Jagat Kiladilu (1969) was one of the breakthrough roles of his career. As a producer, Station Master, Lorry Driver, Bhargva Ramudu, and Vintadongalu are his best movies.

Rao hailed from Ganganapalli near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. He started his career as a theater artist and started his own theater company, Associated Amateur Drama Company in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Once S. V. Ranga Rao happened to watch one of his stage performances and recommended his name to famous Telugu film director, Gutha Ramineedu in 1965. Later Rao worked as an assistant under Gutha Ramineedu for a short period before appearing on silver screen for the first time.

Jagat Kiladilu (1969) established him as a powerful villain onscreen, followed by Muthyala Muggu, directed by Bapu and he went on to portray numerous villain roles on screen throughout 1970s. He also played character roles and his most memorable movies are - Bhakta Kannappa, Gorantadiipam, Manavoori Pandavulu, Kaliyuga Ravanasurudu, Tyagayya, Abhilasha, Khaidi, Challenge, Jaakii and Bullet. Natavirat and Kala Prapoorna are the major honours received by him.   

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Updated: June 30, 2014