Sakshi Ranga Rao

Sakshi Ranga Rao Biography

Sakshi Ranga Rao was a veteran character artist of south Indian cinema. He predominantly worked in Telugu films and was known for his flair in comedy. He regularly worked with some of the big filmmakers of the industry like K. Vishwanath, Bapu and Vamsi, and has acted in about 450 films in a career spanning to 4 decades. `Topalam' of Sankara Sastry in `Sankarabharanam' and the harassed husband of an over devout wife in `Swarnakamalam,' are his most memorable roles in south Indian cinema. He passed away on June 27, 2005 in Chennai aged 62, after a prolonged illness. He is survived by wife, two sons and a daughter. Noted television actor Saakshi Siva is his son.

His full name is Rangavajhula Ranga Rao. He was born on 15 September 1942 to Lakshmi Narayana and Ranganayakamma in Kondiparru village near Gudivada. After his studies, he worked as a stenographer for a while before he joined acting field. He has been associated with theatre since young, and his passion towards acting prompted him to pursue a career in this field.

He began his film career with Sakshi in 1967 directed by Bapu. His role got noticed, and he added Sakshi tag to his name thereafter. The name also helped him to differentiate from S. V. Ranga Rao, a prominent figure of Telugu cinema then. Sirivennela, Swarna Kamalam, April 1st Vidudhala, Joker and Swarabhishekam are some of his most memorable roles from 450 films in his career, mostly belonging to comedy genre. His poignant role in Kanaka Pushyaraagam also got recognized. He collapsed on stage while rehearsing for a play on May 5, 2005, and died on June 27, 2005.

Published: N/A

Updated: July 15, 2018