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As actor: Updated Filmography
 
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{{Short description | Indian actor, producer, director}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name              = Padmanabham
| name              = Padmanabham
| image              = Padmanabham.jpg
| image              =  
| birth_name        = Basavaraju Venkata Padmanabha Rao
| birth_name        = Basavaraju Venkata Padmanabha Rao
| birth_date        = {{Birth date|df=yes|1931|08|20}}
| birth_date        = {{Birth date|df=yes|1931|08|20}}
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}}
}}


'''Basavaraju Venkata Padmanabha Rao''' (20 August 1931 – 20 February 2010), known [[Mononymous person|mononymously]] as '''Padmanabham''', was an Indian actor, comedian, director, and producer, predominantly known for his work in [[Telugu cinema]] and theatre.<ref name="hindu.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/08/25/stories/2006082501520400.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070121173336/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/08/25/stories/2006082501520400.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-01-21|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=2006-08-25|title=Going great guns}}</ref><ref name="thehindu.com">{{Cite news|date=21 February 2010|title=Actor Padmanabham no more|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/Actor-Padmanabham-no-more/article15989357.ece|access-date=1 July 2021|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Padmanabham was noted for his comic expressions and dialogues.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/article214003.ece|title=Popular comedian Padmanabham is dead|work=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.fullhyderabad.com/hyderabad-news/padmanabham-movie-actor-passes-away-329.html|title=Padmanabham Movie Actor Passes Away - Hyderabad News on fullhyd.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite av media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmB3tB8xM18|title=Lakshmi Nivasam Songs - Soda Soda Andhra - Padmanabham|date=16 March 2013|via=YouTube}}</ref> Padmanabham was essentially a theatre artist, although he also found success in cinema, and acted in over 400 feature films. He made his film debut in 1945 with ''[[Mayalokam]]''. He co-founded a Theatre group with his friend ''Vallam Narasimha Rao, Rekha and Murali Arts'' with [[S. P. Kodandapani]] as their music director.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://www.chitramala.com/news/popular-comedian-padmanabham-passed-away-118704.html|title=Padmanabham dead|date=20 February 2010|publisher=ChitraMala.com|access-date=20 February 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100223061332/http://www.chitramala.com/news/popular-comedian-padmanabham-passed-away-118704.html|archive-date=23 February 2010|df=dmy-all}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=July 2021}}
'''Basavaraju Venkata Padmanabha Rao''' (20 August 1931 – 20 February 2010), known [[Mononymous person|mononymously]] as '''Padmanabham''', was an Indian actor, comedian, producer, and director who predominantly worked in [[Telugu cinema]] and [[Telugu theatre|theatre]].<ref name="hindu.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/08/25/stories/2006082501520400.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070121173336/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/08/25/stories/2006082501520400.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-01-21|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=2006-08-25|title=Going great guns}}</ref><ref name="thehindu.com">{{Cite news|date=21 February 2010|title=Actor Padmanabham no more|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/Actor-Padmanabham-no-more/article15989357.ece|access-date=1 July 2021|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> He is known for his comic expressions and dialogues.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |date=21 February 2010 |title=Popular comedian Padmanabham is dead |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/article214003.ece |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |access-date=12 May 2016 |archive-date=3 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603174916/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/article214003.ece |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmB3tB8xM18 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/XmB3tB8xM18 |archive-date=2021-12-15 |url-status=live|title=Lakshmi Nivasam Songs - Soda Soda Andhra - Padmanabham|date=16 March 2013|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In a career spanning over six decades, he acted in more than 400 films.<ref name="thehindu.com" />


Padmanabham found it hard to mention any particular comic role as his most memorable one, but made a special mention of the role of a [[rickshaw]] puller that he played in ''Desoddhaarakudu'' (1975).{{Copy edit inline|date=July 2021}} "It had ample measure of 'karuna rasa' in it and I could display the other shade of my talent," he said.<ref name="hindu.com"/><ref name="thehindu.com"/> The role became famous for the song 'Aakalayyi Annamadigithe Pichchodannaru Naayaallu'. Padmanabham, who directed eight films, introduced [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]] to the film industry through ''[[Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna]]''. ''[[Kathanayika Molla]]'', which he directed in 1969 and which fetched him the [[Nandi Award]].<ref name="auto"/>
Padmanabham made his film debut as a child actor in 1945 with ''[[Mayalokam]]''. ''[[Shavukaru]]'' (1949) was his first major hit and gave him a footing as a comedian.<ref name="thehindu.com" /> ''[[Pathala Bhairavi]]'' (1951) helped him find a permanent place in Telugu cinema.<ref name=":1" /> He acted in small roles alongside [[Relangi (actor)|Relangi]] and [[Ramana Reddy]] in the golden era of Telugu cinema in the 1950s and 1960s. Later, he became a prominent comedian and remained so till the mid-1970s when [[Raja Babu (actor)|Rajababu]] burst on the scene and replaced him.<ref name=":1" />


==Early life and career==
He also directed eight films including ''[[Kathanayika Molla]] (''1969), a [[biographical film]] which won him the state [[Nandi Award]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964–2008) |trans-title=A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008) |url=http://ipr.ap.nic.in/New_Links/Film.pdf |access-date=21 August 2020 |publisher=[[Andhra Pradesh (magazine)|Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh]]}}(in [[Telugu language|Telugu]])</ref><ref name=":1" /> Padmanabham introduced [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]] to the film industry through ''[[Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna]]'' (1967)''.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Murali |first=S. |date=25 September 2020 |title=S.P. Balasubrahmanyam: The end of an era |website=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sp-balasubrahmanyam-the-end-of-an-era/article32695994.ece#:~:text=He%20has%20the%20rare%20distinction,pm%20on%208%20February%2C%201981 |url-status=live |access-date=26 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926020903/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sp-balasubrahmanyam-the-end-of-an-era/article32695994.ece#:~:text=He%20has%20the%20rare%20distinction,pm%20on%208%20February%2C%201981 |archive-date=26 September 2020}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=5 October 2020 |title=A very RARE picture of SP Balasubrahmanyam goes viral |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/a-very-rare-picture-of-sp-balasubrahmanyam-goes-viral/articleshow/78487419.cms |access-date=2022-08-09 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref>''
Padmanabham was born to Basavaraju Venkata Seshaiah and Santham in [[Simhadripuram]], [[Kadapa district]], [[Andhra Pradesh]] on 20 August 1931.<ref name="thehindu.com" /><ref name="auto" />


He started acting at the age of 12 when the director [[Gudavalli Ramabrahmam]] gave him a chance in ''[[Mayalokam|Maayalokam]]'' (1943). Throughout his acting career he worked with almost 80 directors and acted in more than 400 movies. He cherished most of his association with Gudavalli Ramabrahmam, [[Ghantasala Balaramayya]], [[L. V. Prasad]] and [[K. V. Reddy]].<ref name="hindu.com"/><ref name="thehindu.com"/>
==Early life==
Padmanabham was born to Basavaraju Venkata Seshayya and Santhamma in [[Simhadripuram]] near [[Pulivendula]] in [[Kadapa district]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], on 20 August 1931.<ref name="thehindu.com" /><ref name=":1" /> He was a regular [[Yoga as exercise|yoga]] practitioner and enjoyed good health till his death.<ref name="thehindu.com" />
 
== Career ==
He started acting in his teenage when the director [[Gudavalli Ramabrahmam]] gave him a chance in ''[[Mayalokam|Maayalokam]]'' (1945). Throughout his acting career he worked with almost 80 directors and acted in more than 400 movies.<ref name="hindu.com" /><ref name="thehindu.com" /> Padmanabham cherished his association with [[Gudavalli Ramabrahmam]], [[Ghantasala Balaramayya]], [[L. V. Prasad]], and [[K. V. Reddy]] the most.<ref name="thehindu.com" />
 
Padmanabham found it hard to mention any particular comic role as his most memorable one, but made a special mention of the role of a [[rickshaw]] puller that he played in ''Desoddhaarakudu'' (1975). "It had ample measure of 'karuna rasa' in it and I could display the other shade of my talent," he said.<ref name="hindu.com" /><ref name="thehindu.com" /> The role became famous for the song "Aakalayyi Annamadigithe Pichchodannaru Naayaallu".


==Death==
==Death==
Padmanabham died at his residence at Rangarajapuram, Kodambakkam, in Chennai, India at 8 a.m. on 20 February 2010. He was survived by his wife, five daughters and a son. He had been a regular yoga practitioner.<ref name="thehindu.com" />
Padmanabham died of a heart attack at his residence at Rangarajapuram, Kodambakkam, in Chennai on 20 February 2010.<ref name=":1" />


==Selected filmography==
==Selected filmography==
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===As actor===
===As actor===
{{colbegin}}
{{colbegin}}
* 1945 [[Mayalokam]]
* 1945 ''[[Mayalokam]]''
* 1946 [[Narada Naradi]]
* 1946 ''[[Narada Naradi]]''
* 1946 [[Tyagayya (1946 film)|Tyagayya]]
* 1946 ''[[Tyagayya (1946 film)|Tyagayya]]''
* 1947 [[Yogi Vemana]]
* 1947 ''[[Yogi Vemana]]''
* 1948 [[Vindhyarani]]
* 1948 ''[[Vindhyarani]]''
* 1948 [[Bhakta Siriyala]]
* 1948 ''[[Bhakta Siriyala]]''
* 1950 [[Shavukaru]]
* 1950 ''[[Shavukaru]]''
* 1951 [[Patala Bhairavi]] as Dingiri
* 1951 ''[[Pathala Bhairavi]]'' as Dingiri
* 1954 [[Sri Kalahastiswara Mahatyam]] as Kaasi
* 1954 ''[[Sri Kalahastiswara Mahatyam]]'' as Kaasi
* 1955 [[Jayasimha (1955 film)|Jayasimha]] as Subuddhi
*      1954      ''[[Chandraharam]]''
* 1955 [[Santanam (film)|Santanam]] as Sekhar
* 1955 ''[[Jayasimha (1955 film)|Jayasimha]]'' as Subuddhi
* 1957 [[Bhagya Rekha]]
*     1955       ''[[Donga Ramudu (1955 film)|Donga Ramudu]]''
* 1957 [[Kutumba Gowravam]] as Prathap
* 1955 ''[[Santanam (film)|Santanam]]'' as Sekhar
* 1957 [[Panduranga Mahatyam (film)|Panduranga Mahatyam]] as Pundarika's brother
* 1957 ''[[Bhagya Rekha]]''
* 1958 [[Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu]] as Panakala Rao
* 1957 ''[[Kutumba Gowravam]]'' as Prathap
* 1959 [[Krishna Leelalu]]
* 1957 ''[[Panduranga Mahatyam (film)|Panduranga Mahatyam]]'' as Pundarika's brother
1959   [[Rechukka Pagatichukka]]
* 1958 ''[[Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu]]'' as Panakala Rao
* 1960 [[Raja Makutam]]
* 1959 ''[[Krishna Leelalu]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Krishna Leelalu (1959) |url=https://indiancine.ma/JDP |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref> as [[Narada]]
* 1961 [[Bharya Bharthalu]] as Anjaneyulu
*   1959    ''[[Rechukka Pagatichukka]]''
* 1961 [[Iddaru Mitrulu (1961 film)|Iddaru Mitrulu]]
* 1960 ''[[Raja Makutam]]''
* 1961 [[Velugu Needalu]]
* 1961 ''[[Bharya Bharthalu]]'' as Anjaneyulu
* 1961 [[Vagdanam]] as Padmanabham
* 1961 ''[[Iddaru Mitrulu (1961 film)|Iddaru Mitrulu]]''
* 1962 [[Aatma Bandhuvu]] as 3rd son
* 1961 ''[[Velugu Needalu]]''
* 1962 [[Gulebakavali Katha]]
* 1961 ''[[Vagdanam]]'' as Padmanabham
*  1962    [[Swarna Manjari]] as Srimukhudu
* 1962 ''[[Aatma Bandhuvu]] ''
* 1962 [[Dakshayagnam (1962 film)|Dakshayagnam]] as Daksha's Younger son
* 1962 ''[[Gulebakavali Katha]]''
* 1962 [[Kula Gothralu]]
*  1962    ''[[Swarna Manjari]]'' as Srimukhudu
* 1963 [[Punarjanma (1963 film)|Punarjanma]]
* 1962 ''[[Dakshayagnam (1962 film)|Dakshayagnam]]'' as Daksha's Younger son
* 1963 [[Chaduvukunna Ammayilu]] as Anand
* 1962 ''[[Kula Gothralu]]'' as J. J. Rao / Jasthi Joga Rao
*  1963    [[Valmiki (1963 Telugu film)|Valmiki]]
* 1963 ''[[Punarjanma (1963 film)|Punarjanma]]''
* 1963 [[Mooga Manasulu]] as Radha's Husband
* 1963 ''[[Chaduvukunna Ammayilu]]'' as Anand
*   1964   [[Vivaha Bandham]]
*  1963    ''[[Valmiki (1963 Telugu film)|Valmiki]]''
* 1964 [[Bobbili Yudham]]
*   1963   ''[[Thobuttuvulu]]''
* 1964 [[Devatha (1964 film)|Devatha]]
* 1964 ''[[Mooga Manasulu]]'' as Radha's Husband
* 1964 [[Dr. Chakravarthy]]
*  1964    ''[[Vivaha Bandham]]''
* 1964 [[Kalavari Kodalu]] as Bheema Rao
* 1964 ''[[Bobbili Yudham]]''
* 1965 [[Veerabhimanyu]]
* 1964 ''[[Devatha (1964 film)|Devatha]]''
* 1965 [[Pandava Vanavasam]] as Lakshmana Kumarudu
* 1964 ''[[Dr. Chakravarthy]]''
* 1965 [[Tene Manasulu]]
* 1964 ''[[Kalavari Kodalu]]'' as Bheema Rao
*  1965    [[Prameelarjuneeyam]] as [[Narada]]
* 1965 ''[[Veerabhimanyu]]''
*  1965    Pratigna Palana
* 1965 ''[[Pandava Vanavasam]]'' as [[Lakshmana Kumara|Lakshmana Kumarudu]]
* 1966 [[Sri Krishna Tulabharam]]
* 1965 ''[[Tene Manasulu]]''
* 1966 [[Leta Manasulu]] as Sundaram
*  1965    ''[[Prameelarjuneeyam]]'' as [[Narada]]
*  1966    [[Shakuntala (1966 film)|Shakuntala]]
*  1965    ''Pratigna Palana''
* 1966 [[Pidugu Ramudu]]
* 1966 ''[[Sri Krishna Tulabharam (1966 film)|Sri Krishna Tulabharam]]''
* 1966 [[Chilaka Gorinka]]
*  1966    ''[[Loguttu Perumallukeruka]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Loguttu Perumaallu Keruka (1966) |url=https://indiancine.ma/MBF/info |access-date=2025-02-11 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref> as 'The Great Detective' Dam
* 1966 [[Paramanandayya Shishyula Katha]] as Nandhi
* 1966 ''[[Leta Manasulu (1966 film)|Leta Manasulu]]'' as Sundaram
* 1966 [[Potti Pleader]]
*  1966    ''[[Shakuntala (1966 film)|Shakuntala]]'' as Madhavya
*  1966    [[Mangalasutram (1966 film)|Mangalasutram]]
* 1966 ''[[Pidugu Ramudu]]''
* 1967 [[Aada Paduchu]]
* 1966 ''[[Chilaka Gorinka]]''
*   1967    [[Gruhalakshmi (1967 film)|Gruhalakshmi]]
* 1966 ''[[Paramanandayya Shishyula Katha]]'' as Nandhi
* 1967 [[Kanchu Kota]]
* 1966 ''[[Potti Pleader]]''
* 1967 [[Ave Kallu]]
*   1966    ''[[Mohini Bhasmasura 1966 Telugu Film|Mohini Bhasmasura]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mohini Bhasmasura 1966 Telugu Movie Cast Crew, Actors, Director, Mohini Bhasmasura Producer, Banner, Music Director, Singers & Lyricists |url=https://moviegq.com/movie/mohini-bhasmasura-5475/cast-crew |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=MovieGQ |language=en}}</ref> as Chakram
* 1967 [[Bhakta Prahlada (1967 film)|Bhakta Prahlada]] as Markudu
*   1966    ''[[Mangalasutram (1966 film)|Mangalasutram]]''
* 1967 [[Goodachari 116]]
* 1967 ''[[Aada Paduchu]]''
* 1967 [[Grihalakshmi]]
1967   ''[[Gruhalakshmi (1967 film)|Gruhalakshmi]]''
* 1967 [[Poola Rangadu]]
* 1967 ''[[Kanchu Kota]]''
* 1967 [[Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna]] as Maryada Ramanna
* 1967 ''[[Ave Kallu]]''
* 1967 [[Gopaludu Bhoopaludu]]
* 1967 ''[[Bhakta Prahlada (1967 film)|Bhakta Prahlada]]'' as Markudu
1968   [[Uma Chandi Gowri Shankarula Katha]]
* 1967 ''[[Goodachari 116]]''
* 1968 [[Bhagya Chakramu]]
* 1967 ''[[Gruhalakshmi (1967 film)|Grihalakshmi]]''
* 1968 [[Lakshmi Nivasam]]
* 1967 ''[[Poola Rangadu (1967 film)|Poola Rangadu]]'' as Bujji
* 1968 [[Ramu (1968 film)|Ramu]]
* 1967 ''[[Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna]]'' as Maryada Ramanna
* 1968 [[Niluvu Dopidi]]
* 1967 ''[[Gopaludu Bhoopaludu]]''
*   1968    [[Nindu Samsaram]]
*   1968    ''[[Uma Chandi Gowri Shankarula Katha]]''
* 1968 [[Baghdad Gaja Donga]] as Hero's friend
1968   ''[[Tikka Sankarayya]]'' as Devayya
* 1969 [[Adrushtavanthalu]] as Jackie
* 1968 ''[[Bhagya Chakramu]]''
* 1969 [[Aatmiyulu]]
* 1968 ''[[Lakshmi Nivasam]]''
* 1969 [[Jatakaratna Midathambotlu]] as Midathambotlu
* 1968 ''[[Ramu (1968 film)|Ramu]]''
1969   [[Bhale Rangadu]]
* 1968 ''[[Niluvu Dopidi]]''
* 1969 [[Natakala Rayudu]] as Rajasekhar
*   1968    ''[[Nindu Samsaram]]''
* 1969 [[Buddhimanthudu]]
1968   ''[[Vintha Kapuram]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vintha Kapuram Movie Cast |url=https://www.vcinema.com/movie/vintha-kapuram-1968#overview}}</ref> as Anjaneyulu
* 1969 [[Kathanayakudu (1969 film)|Kathanayakudu]]
* 1968 ''[[Baghdad Gaja Donga]]'' as Hero's friend
* 1969 [[Mooga Nomu]]
*   1969    ''[[Sri Rama Katha]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sri Rama Katha (1969) |url=https://indiancine.ma/NQE |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref> as [[Narada]]
* 1969 [[Karpura Harathi]]
* 1969 ''[[Adrushtavanthalu]]'' as Jackie
1969   [[Aadarsa Kutumbam]]
* 1969 ''[[Aatmiyulu]]''
* 1970 [[Kathanayika Molla]] as Tenali Ramakrishna
* 1969 ''Jatakaratna Midathambotlu'' as Midathambotlu
* 1970 [[Dharma Daata]]
*   1969    ''[[Asthulu Anthasthulu]]''
* 1970 [[Nirdoshi]]
*   1969    ''[[Bhale Rangadu]]''
* 1970 [[Akka Chellelu]]
* 1969 ''[[Natakala Rayudu]]'' as Rajasekhar
*  1971    [[Manasu Mangalyam]]
* 1969 ''[[Buddhimanthudu]]''
*   1971    [[Pavitra Bandham (1971 film)|Pavitra Bandham]]
* 1969 ''[[Kathanayakudu (1969 film)|Kathanayakudu]]''
* 1971 [[Adrusta Jathakudu]]
* 1969 ''[[Mooga Nomu]]''
* 1971 [[Mattilo Manikyam]]
* 1969 ''[[Karpura Harathi]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Karpura Harathi (1969) |url=https://indiancine.ma/NKP |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref> as Lawyer Venkat
* 1971 [[Jeevitha Chakram]]
1969   ''[[Aadarsa Kutumbam]]''
* 1971 [[Dasara Bullodu]]
* 1970 ''[[Kathanayika Molla]]'' as Tenali Ramakrishna
* 1971 [[Sri Krishna Vijayamu]]
* 1970 ''[[Dharma Daata]]''
* 1972 [[Vichitra Bandham]] as Chittibabu
* 1970 ''[[Nirdoshi (1970 film)|Nirdoshi]]''
* 1972 [[Datta Putrudu]]
* 1970 ''[[Akka Chellelu]]''
*   1972    [[Sri Krishna Satya]]
1971   ''[[Manasu Mangalyam]]''
*   1972    Antha Mana Manchike <ref> {{Citation|title=Anta Mana Manchikey (1972) - IMDb|url= https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0259187/?ref_=ra_sb_ln}}</ref>
*   1971    ''[[Pavitra Bandham (1971 film)|Pavitra Bandham]]''
1973   [[Bangaru Babu (1973 film)|Bangaru Babu]]
* 1971 ''[[Adrusta Jathakudu]]''
* 1973 [[Vaade Veedu]]
* 1971 ''[[Mattilo Manikyam]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mattilo Manikyam (1971) |url=https://indiancine.ma/ONG |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref> as Namam, Manikyam's friend
* 1973 [[Desoddharakulu]]
* 1971 ''[[Jeevitha Chakram]]''
* 1973 [[Dabbuki Lokam Dasoham]]
*   1971      ''[[Bhale Papa]]''
*   1973    [[Jeevana Tarangalu]] as Anji
* 1971 ''[[Dasara Bullodu]]''
1973   [[Manchivadu]]
* 1971 ''[[Sri Krishna Vijayamu]]''
* 1973 [[Ganga Manga]]
* 1972 ''[[Vichitra Bandham]]'' as Chittibabu
*  1974    [[Chakravakam (1974 Telugu film)|Chakravakam]] as Sriram
* 1972 ''[[Datta Putrudu]]''
*   1974    [[Galipatalu]] as Pandu
*   1972    ''[[Sri Krishna Satya]]''
* 1976 [[Bu (film)|Bu]] as Chillara Donga
1972   ''Antha Mana Manchike''
*   1976    [[Maa Daivam]]
1973   ''[[Bangaru Babu (1973 film)|Bangaru Babu]]''
* 1976 [[Ramarajyamlo Rakthapasam]]
* 1973 ''[[Vaade Veedu]]''
* 1976 [[Shri Rajeshwari Vilas Coffee Club]]
*   1973    ''[[Srivaru Maavaru]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Srivaru Maavaru (1973) |url=https://indiancine.ma/PZA |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref> as Paramanand aka Anand
*   1976    [[Soggadu (1976 film)|Soggadu]]
* 1973 ''[[Desoddharakulu]]''
*   1977    [[Edureeta]]
* 1973 ''[[Dabbuki Lokam Dasoham]]''
* 1977 [[Indradhanusu]]
1973   ''[[Jeevana Tarangalu]]'' as Anji
* 1978 [[Agent Gopi]]
*   1973    ''[[Manchivadu]]''
1979   Dongalaku Saval
* 1973 ''[[Ganga Manga]] ''
1979   [[Maavari Manchitanam]]
*   1973    ''[[Mayadari Malligadu]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mayadari Malligadu (1973) |url=https://indiancine.ma/PUA |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref> as Balabrahmananda Swamy
*   1980    [[Punnami Naagu]]
*   1974    ''[[Chakravakam (1974 Telugu film)|Chakravakam]]'' as Sriram
* 1981 [[Premabhishekam (1981 film)|Premabhishekam]]
1974   ''[[Gundelu Teesina Monagadu]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=
*   1981    Rahasya Goodachari
Gundelu Teesina Monagadu Cast & Crew|url=https://indiancine.ma/QGO/info |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref>
* 1984 [[Allulu Vasthunnaru]]
*  1974    ''[[Galipatalu]]'' as Pandu
*  1985    Lanchavatharam
*  1974    ''Tulabharam'' as Brahmanandam
*  1986    Karu Diddina Kapuram
*  1976    ''[[Andharu Bagundali]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Andharu Bagundali (1976) |url=https://indiancine.ma/QRA |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref> as Chandram
*   1987    Rowdy Babai
*  1976    ''[[Iddharu Iddhare (1976 film)|Iddaru Iddare]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iddaru Iddare (1976) |url=https://indiancine.ma/RMS/info |access-date=2024-11-17 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref> as Narayya
1987   [[Dabbevariki Chedu]]  
*  1976    ''[[Neram Nadi Kadu Akalidi]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Neram Nadikadu Akalidi (1976) |url=https://indiancine.ma/RRR |access-date=2024-02-10 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref> as Head Constable Meesala Venkata Swamy
* 1988 [[Khaidi No. 786]]
*  1976    ''[[Maa Daivam]]''
* 1989 [[Bamma Maata Bangaru Baata]]
* 1976 ''[[Ramarajyamlo Rakthapasam]]''
* 1989 [[Gandipeta Rahasyam]]
* 1976 ''Sri Rajeswari Vilas Coffee Club''
* 1993 [[Mayalodu]] as Padmanabham
* 1976 ''[[Bhale Dongalu (1976 film)|Bhale Dongalu]]''
* 1994 [[Bhairava Dweepam]]
*  1976    ''[[Soggadu (1976 film)|Soggadu]]''
* 1995 Subhamasthu
*  1977    ''[[Edureeta]]''
* 1996 [[Sri Krishnarjuna Vijayam]]
*  1977    ''[[Eetharam Manishi]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eetharam Manishi (1977) |url=https://indiancine.ma/SFC |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref> as Asthana
1997   Aashadam Pellikoduku
* 1977 ''[[Indradhanusu]]''
*  2004    Mee Intikosthe Emistaaru Maa Intikoste Emi Testaaru
* 1977 ''Dongalaku Donga'' as Suri
* 2005 [[Bhadra (2005 film)|Bhadra]]
*  1978    ''[[Indradhanussu 1978 film|Indradhanussu]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indradhanusu (1978) |url=https://indiancine.ma/SGU |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref> as 'Kapusaara' Kannayya
* 2005 [[Chakram (2005 film)|Chakram]]
* 1978 ''[[Agent Gopi]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Agent Gopi (1978) |url=https://indiancine.ma/STH |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref> as Chitti
*  1979    ''Dongala Veta''
*  1979    ''Dongalaku Saval'' as Prasad
*  1979    ''[[Maavari Manchitanam]]''
*  1979    ''[[Sri Vinayaka Vijayamu]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sree Vinayaka Vijayamu (1979) |url=https://indiancine.ma/VGC |access-date=2024-02-04 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref> as Sandehasura
*  1980    ''[[Punnami Naagu (1980 film)|Punnami Naagu]]''
*  1980    ''[[Alludu Pattina Bharatam]]''
*  1980    ''[[Pelli Gola 1980|Pelli Gola]]''<ref>{{Citation |title=#పెళ్లి గోల {{!}}{{!}} Pelli Gola Telugu Full Length Movie {{!}} Mohan Babu {{!}} Murali Mohan {{!}} Gayatri |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7k3kwQjTfNg |access-date=2023-06-13 |language=en}}</ref> as Defence Lawyer
* 1981 ''[[Premabhishekam (1981 film)|Premabhishekam]]''
*  1981    ''Rahasya Goodachari''
*  1982    ''[[Kalahala Kapuram]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kalahala Kapuram (1982) {{!}} V CINEMA - Movie, Review, Cast, Songs & Release Date |url=https://www.vcinema.com/movie/about:blank |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=www.vcinema.com |language=en}}</ref> as Bhayankara Murthy
*  1982    ''[[Nijam Chepithe Nerama]]'' as Raghavulu
*  1982    ''[[Bangaru Koduku]]'' as Raju
*  1982        ''[[Naa Desam]]''
*  1983      ''Police Venkataswamy''
*  1984 ''[[Allulu Vasthunnaru]]'' as Basava Raju
*  1984 ''[[Danavudu]]'' as Hotel Manager
*  1985    ''Lanchavatharam''
*  1985    ''Kongumudi''
*  1985    ''[[Siksha (film)|Siksha]]''
*  1985    ''[[Mayaladi]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mayaladi (1985) |url=https://indiancine.ma/ZZO |access-date=2023-12-17 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref> as Constable Avatharam
*  1985    ''[[Kongumudi telugu movie|Kongumudi]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kongumudi (1985) |url=https://indiancine.ma/ZWU |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref> as Padma's Maths Teacher
*  1985    ''Ooriki Soggadu'' as Principal
*  1985    ''[[Intiko Rudramma]]''<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=shared&v=M7CS6DeiqF8 |title=Intiko Rudramma Full Movie {{!}} Bhanuchander,Sumalatha,Ranganath,Sharada,Sujatha,Giribabu {{!}} ETV Cinema |date=2024-09-09 |last=ETV Cinema |access-date=2024-09-13 |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/intiko-rudramma-am413699/cast-crew |title=Intiko Rudramma (1985) - S.A. Chandrashekhar {{!}} Cast and Crew {{!}} AllMovie |language=en |access-date=2024-09-13 |via=www.allmovie.com}}</ref> as Lawyer Krishnamachari
*  1985    ''[[Punnami Ratri]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Punnami Rathri 1985 Full Movie Online - Watch HD Movies on Airtel Xstream Play |url=https://www.airtelxstream.in/movies/punnami-rathri/HUNGAMA_MOVIE_24001945 |access-date=2023-12-18 |website=Airtel Xstream (Airtel TV) |language=en}}</ref> as K.D. Rayalu
*  1986    ''Karu Diddina Kapuram''
*  1987    ''Rowdy Babai''
*  1987    ''Viswanatha Nayakudu''
*  1987    ''[[Dabbevariki Chedu]]''
* 1987  ''Hanthakudi Veta''
*  1987    ''Samrat'' as Rangayya
* 1988 ''[[Khaidi No. 786]]''
*  1988    ''Kaliyuga Karnudu'' as Gumastha of Sarath Chandra Prasad
*  1988    ''Ugranethrudu'' as Lawyer Ram Jethmalani
*    1988    ''[[Dorakani Donga]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dorakani Donga (1988) |url=https://indiancine.ma/ACQJ |access-date=2023-04-18 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref> as Chandasasana Rao
* 1989 ''[[Bamma Maata Bangaru Baata]]''
* 1989 ''Gandipeta Rahasyam''
*      1989    ''Palnati Rudrayya'' as Simhachalam
*      1990.  ''Yuvabharatham''
*      1991      ''[[Mugguru Attala Muddula Alludu]]''
* 1993 ''[[Mayalodu]]'' as Padmanabham
* 1994 ''[[Bhairava Dweepam]]''
* 1995 ''Subhamasthu ''
* 1996 ''[[Sri Krishnarjuna Vijayam]]'' as [[Purochana]]
* 1996    ''[[Topi Raja Sweety Roja]]''
*  1997    ''Aashadam Pellikoduku''
*  1997  ''Nayanamma''
*  1998    ''[[Ganesh (1998 film)|Ganesh]]''
*  1998    ''[[Pandaga]]''
*  2004    ''Mee Intikosthe Emistaaru Maa Intikoste Emi Testaaru''
* 2005 ''[[Bhadra (2005 film)|Bhadra]]''
* 2005 ''[[Chakram (2005 film)|Chakram]]''
*  2006  ''[[Veerabhadra (film)|Veerabhadra]]''
*  2006    ''[[Tata Birla Madhyalo Laila]]'' as Padmanabham


{{colend}}
{{colend}}


===As producer===
===As producer===
* 1965 [[Devata (1965 film)|Devata]]  
* 1965 ''[[Devata (1965 film)|Devata]]''
* 1966 [[Potti Pleader]]
* 1966 ''[[Potti Pleader]]''
* 1967 [[Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna]]  
* 1967 ''[[Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna]]''
* 1969 [[Shri Rama Katha]]
* 1969 ''Sri Rama Katha''
* 1970 [[Kathanayika Molla]]
* 1970 ''[[Kathanayika Molla]]''


===As director===
===As director===
* 1969 [[Shri Rama Katha]]
* 1969 ''Sri Rama Katha''
* 1969 [[Midatam Bottulu]]
* 1969 ''Midatam Bottulu''
* 1970 [[Kathanayika Molla]]
* 1970 ''[[Kathanayika Molla]]''
* 1974 [[Pellikaani thandri]]
* 1974 ''Pellikaani Thandri''


==References==
==References==
Line 194: Line 253:
[[Category:Film directors from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Film directors from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Telugu film directors]]
[[Category:Telugu film directors]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian film directors]]
[[Category:Male actors in Telugu cinema]]
[[Category:Male actors in Telugu cinema]]
[[Category:Telugu male actors]]
[[Category:Telugu male actors]]

Latest revision as of 22:18, 22 March 2026


Padmanabham
Born
Basavaraju Venkata Padmanabha Rao

(1931-08-20)20 August 1931
Simhadripuram, Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, India
Died20 February 2010(2010-02-20) (aged 78)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Occupation
  • Actor
  • comedian
  • director
  • film producer
AwardsNandi Awards

Basavaraju Venkata Padmanabha Rao (20 August 1931 – 20 February 2010), known mononymously as Padmanabham, was an Indian actor, comedian, producer, and director who predominantly worked in Telugu cinema and theatre.[1][2] He is known for his comic expressions and dialogues.[3][4] In a career spanning over six decades, he acted in more than 400 films.[2]

Padmanabham made his film debut as a child actor in 1945 with Mayalokam. Shavukaru (1949) was his first major hit and gave him a footing as a comedian.[2] Pathala Bhairavi (1951) helped him find a permanent place in Telugu cinema.[3] He acted in small roles alongside Relangi and Ramana Reddy in the golden era of Telugu cinema in the 1950s and 1960s. Later, he became a prominent comedian and remained so till the mid-1970s when Rajababu burst on the scene and replaced him.[3]

He also directed eight films including Kathanayika Molla (1969), a biographical film which won him the state Nandi Award.[5][3] Padmanabham introduced S. P. Balasubrahmanyam to the film industry through Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna (1967).[3][6][7]

Early life[edit | edit source]

Padmanabham was born to Basavaraju Venkata Seshayya and Santhamma in Simhadripuram near Pulivendula in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, on 20 August 1931.[2][3] He was a regular yoga practitioner and enjoyed good health till his death.[2]

Career[edit | edit source]

He started acting in his teenage when the director Gudavalli Ramabrahmam gave him a chance in Maayalokam (1945). Throughout his acting career he worked with almost 80 directors and acted in more than 400 movies.[1][2] Padmanabham cherished his association with Gudavalli Ramabrahmam, Ghantasala Balaramayya, L. V. Prasad, and K. V. Reddy the most.[2]

Padmanabham found it hard to mention any particular comic role as his most memorable one, but made a special mention of the role of a rickshaw puller that he played in Desoddhaarakudu (1975). "It had ample measure of 'karuna rasa' in it and I could display the other shade of my talent," he said.[1][2] The role became famous for the song "Aakalayyi Annamadigithe Pichchodannaru Naayaallu".

Death[edit | edit source]

Padmanabham died of a heart attack at his residence at Rangarajapuram, Kodambakkam, in Chennai on 20 February 2010.[3]

Selected filmography[edit | edit source]

As actor[edit | edit source]

As producer[edit | edit source]

As director[edit | edit source]

  • 1969 Sri Rama Katha
  • 1969 Midatam Bottulu
  • 1970 Kathanayika Molla
  • 1974 Pellikaani Thandri

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Going great guns". The Hindu. 25 August 2006. Archived from the original on 21 January 2007.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 "Actor Padmanabham no more". The Hindu. 21 February 2010. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 "Popular comedian Padmanabham is dead". The New Indian Express. 21 February 2010. Archived from the original on 3 June 2016. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  4. Lakshmi Nivasam Songs - Soda Soda Andhra - Padmanabham. 16 March 2013. Archived from the original on 15 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  5. "నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964–2008)" [A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008)] (PDF). Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh. Retrieved 21 August 2020.(in Telugu)
  6. Murali, S. (25 September 2020). "S.P. Balasubrahmanyam: The end of an era". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 26 September 2020. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
  7. "A very RARE picture of SP Balasubrahmanyam goes viral". The Times of India. 5 October 2020. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  8. "Krishna Leelalu (1959)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  9. "Loguttu Perumaallu Keruka (1966)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 11 February 2025.
  10. "Mohini Bhasmasura 1966 Telugu Movie Cast Crew, Actors, Director, Mohini Bhasmasura Producer, Banner, Music Director, Singers & Lyricists". MovieGQ. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  11. "Vintha Kapuram Movie Cast".
  12. "Sri Rama Katha (1969)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  13. "Karpura Harathi (1969)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 12 April 2024.
  14. "Mattilo Manikyam (1971)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 2 March 2024.
  15. "Srivaru Maavaru (1973)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  16. "Mayadari Malligadu (1973)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
  17. "Gundelu Teesina Monagadu Cast & Crew". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
  18. "Andharu Bagundali (1976)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
  19. "Iddaru Iddare (1976)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  20. "Neram Nadikadu Akalidi (1976)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
  21. "Eetharam Manishi (1977)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  22. "Indradhanusu (1978)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
  23. "Agent Gopi (1978)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  24. "Sree Vinayaka Vijayamu (1979)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
  25. #పెళ్లి గోల || Pelli Gola Telugu Full Length Movie | Mohan Babu | Murali Mohan | Gayatri, retrieved 13 June 2023
  26. "Kalahala Kapuram (1982) | V CINEMA - Movie, Review, Cast, Songs & Release Date". www.vcinema.com. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
  27. "Mayaladi (1985)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
  28. "Kongumudi (1985)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 17 March 2024.
  29. ETV Cinema (9 September 2024). Intiko Rudramma Full Movie | Bhanuchander,Sumalatha,Ranganath,Sharada,Sujatha,Giribabu | ETV Cinema. Retrieved 13 September 2024 – via YouTube.
  30. Intiko Rudramma (1985) - S.A. Chandrashekhar | Cast and Crew | AllMovie. Retrieved 13 September 2024 – via www.allmovie.com.
  31. "Punnami Rathri 1985 Full Movie Online - Watch HD Movies on Airtel Xstream Play". Airtel Xstream (Airtel TV). Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  32. "Dorakani Donga (1988)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 18 April 2023.