WikiDwarfBOT (talk | contribs) Cleanup: |
m slightly refine article after review further and updated info after review |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{ | {{Short description|Indian actor (born 1994)}} | ||
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2017}} | {{Use Indian English|date=August 2017}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date= | {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2025}} | ||
{{Infobox person | {{Infobox person | ||
| name = Akhil Akkineni | | name = Akhil Akkineni | ||
| image = Akkineni Akhil.jpg | | image = Akkineni Akhil.jpg | ||
| caption = Akkineni in 2017 | | caption = Akkineni in 2017 | ||
| birth_date = {{birth date and age | | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1994|04|08|df=yes}}<ref name="birthdate">{{cite web|date=29 October 2018|title=Tollywood's rising stars under 30|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/tollywoods-rising-stars-under-30/photostory/66416903.cms|access-date=14 August 2020|website=The Times of India}}</ref> | ||
| birth_place = [[San Jose, California|San Jose]], [[California]], | | birth_place = [[San Jose, California|San Jose]], [[California]], United States | ||
| alma_mater = [[University of South Florida | | alma_mater = [[University of South Florida]] | ||
| occupation = Actor | | occupation = Actor | ||
| years_active = | | years_active = 2015–present | ||
| mother = [[Amala Akkineni|Amala]] | | mother = [[Amala Akkineni|Amala]] | ||
| father = [[Nagarjuna (actor)|Nagarjuna]] | | father = [[Nagarjuna (actor)|Nagarjuna]] | ||
| relatives = [[Naga Chaitanya]] (half-brother) | |||
|spouse = {{marriage|Zainab Ravdjee|6 June 2025}} | |||
| family = See [[Daggubati–Akkineni family]] | | family = See [[Daggubati–Akkineni family]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Akhil Akkineni''' (born 8 April 1994) is an | '''Akhil Akkineni''' (born 8 April 1994) is an [[India|Indian]] actor known for his work in [[Telugu cinema]]. He debuted as a child artist in the film ''[[Sisindri]]'' (1994), for which he won a [[Filmfare Special Award – South|Filmfare Special Award]]. | ||
Akkineni made his debut as a lead actor with ''[[Akhil (film)|Akhil]]'' (2015), which won him the [[Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut – South|Filmfare Best Male Debut]]. He later went on to star in ''[[Hello (2017 film)|Hello]]'' (2017) and ''[[Mr. Majnu]]'' (2019). He achieved his commercial breakthrough with the romantic comedy ''[[Most Eligible Bachelor]]'' (2021). Akkineni is the son of Indian actors [[Nagarjuna (actor)|Nagarjuna]] and [[Amala Akkineni|Amala]]. | |||
== Early life == | == Early life == | ||
Akkineni was born on 8 April 1994, in [[San Jose, California|San Jose]], [[California]], [[United States]],<ref name="birthdate" /><ref name="borninUS">{{cite AV media|people=[[Vemuri Radhakrishna]] and [[Nagarjuna (actor)|Nagarjuna]]|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izfEJHzhLrk&t=31m55s|title= Akkineni Nagarjuna Open Heart With RK Full Episode {{!}} Nagarjuna Reveals About Remake Of Gundamma Katha|publisher=[[ABN Andhra Jyothi]]|date=24 July 2019|lang=te|quote=Akhil was born in the U.S.}}</ref> to actors [[Nagarjuna (actor)|Nagarjuna]] and [[Amala Akkineni|Amala]]. He is of [[Telugu people|Telugu]] descent from his father's side, and has [[Bengalis|Bengali]] and [[Irish people|Irish]] ancestry from his mother's side.<ref>{{cite news|title=Amala Akkineni can't speak Bengali|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Amala-Akkineni-cant-speak-Bengali/articleshow/9185371.cms|access-date=3 December 2020|website=The Times of India|date=14 January 2017}}</ref> He is the grandson of actor [[Akkineni Nageswara Rao]], and half-brother of [[Naga Chaitanya]]. | |||
Akkineni studied at Chaitanya Vidyalaya | Akkineni studied at Chaitanya Vidyalaya and later headed to Australia for two years. He returned to complete his studies at [[Oakridge International School]], [[Hyderabad]]. He pursued acting as a career at age 16 and enrolled in an acting course at the [[Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute]] in New York.<ref name="akhindu">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/akhil-akkineni-theres-no-guarantee-for-success/article7846059.ece?secpage=true&secname=entertainment|title=Akhil Akkineni: There's no guarantee for success|date=15 November 2015|author=Sangeetha Devi Dundoo|work=The Hindu }}</ref> He also holds a [[Bachelor of Business Administration|BBA]] from the [[University of South Florida]].<ref name="ibt">{{cite web |last1=Hooli |first1=Sekhar H.|title=VV Vinayak Treats Akhil Akkineni Like Prince on Sets of his Debut Movie? |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/vv-vinayak-treats-akhil-akkineni-like-prince-sets-his-debut-movie-623706 |website=IB Times |date=17 February 2015}}</ref> | ||
Later in his teens, he pursued cricket and became a member in his father's Nag Kings team, in the 2010 celebrity Tollywood Trophy, which was a fundraiser for the Movie Artistes' Association. His match-winning half-century in the final against [[Venkatesh (actor)|Venkatesh]]'s Venky Warriors, saw him secure the man-of-the-match and man-of-the-series awards.<ref>{{Cite news|date=14 June 2010|title=Nag Kings lift Tollywood trophy | Later in his teens, he pursued [[cricket]] and became a member in his father's Nag Kings team, in the 2010 celebrity Tollywood Trophy, which was a fundraiser for the [[Movie Artists Association|Movie Artistes' Association]]. His match-winning half-century in the final against [[Venkatesh (actor)|Venkatesh]]'s Venky Warriors, saw him secure the man-of-the-match and man-of-the-series awards.<ref>{{Cite news|date=14 June 2010|title=Nag Kings lift Tollywood trophy|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/Nag-Kings-lift-Tollywood-trophy/article16243642.ece|access-date=12 June 2021|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> His performance saw him get called up to play for the Telugu Warriors in the inaugural [[Celebrity Cricket League]] (CCL) in 2011. Since then he has regularly participated in the CCL tournament, winning the [[2015 Celebrity Cricket League|2016 edition]] as captain of his team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/akhil-to-play-in-ccl-matches-telugu-news-67289.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208203203/http://www.indiaglitz.com/akhil-to-play-in-ccl-matches-telugu-news-67289.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 December 2015|title=Akhil to play in CCL matches|work=indiaglitz.com}}</ref> | ||
== Career == | == Career == | ||
As an infant, | As an infant, Akkineni debuted in his father's production, [[Shiva Nageswara Rao]]'s comedy, ''[[Sisindri]]'' (1995), an Indian adaptation of ''[[Baby's Day Out]]'' (1994).<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|date=5 December 2009|title=Mama's boy|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/Mamas-boy/article16369665.ece|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> | ||
In 2014, | In 2014, Akkineni appeared in a [[cameo appearance]] in the family drama, ''[[Manam (film)|Manam]]'' (2014), directed by [[Vikram Kumar]]. It featured three generations of actors from the [[Daggubati–Akkineni family|Akkineni family]]. His cameo in the climax of the film was an instant rage with the audience.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kamal |first1=S. S |title=Samantha's tweet has Nag fuming |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/samantha-ruth-prabhu-akhil-akkineni-nagarjuna-akkineni-nageswara-rao-naga-chaitanya/articleshow/26324058.cms |access-date=9 September 2023 |work=Bangalore Mirror |date=25 November 2013}}</ref> He described his shoot for the film alongside his grandfather, father and half-brother, as "nervous and exciting".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofap.com/cinema/i-felt-very-nervous-that-day-akhil-akkineni.html|title=Akhil Akkineni Interview, Akhil Akkineni interview about manam, Akhil Akkineni interview on manam I felt very nervous that day: Akhil Akkineni|work=timesofap.com|access-date=5 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905153158/http://timesofap.com/cinema/i-felt-very-nervous-that-day-akhil-akkineni.html|archive-date=5 September 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Manam'' went on to become one of the most profitable Telugu films of 2014, whilst also considered to be one of the greatest Telugu films of all-time. Critics dubbed the film a "classic" en-route to it winning several awards, including [[Filmfare Award for Best Film – Telugu|Best Film]] at the [[Filmfare Awards South|Filmfare Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/small-was-big-for-southern-cinema-ians-special-2014-in-retrospect-news-others-omsmuojhgjhjd.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210081634/http://www.sify.com/movies/small-was-big-for-southern-cinema-ians-special-2014-in-retrospect-news-others-omsmuojhgjhjd.html|title=Small was big for southern cinema (IANS Special: 2014 In Retrospect)|archive-date=10 February 2015|url-status=dead|work=Sify}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Winners-62nd-Britannia-Filmfare-Awards-South/articleshow/47836755.cms?|title=Winners: 62nd Britannia Filmfare Awards (South)|work=The Times of India|date=16 January 2017 }}</ref> He subsequently went on to make appearances in several commercials, notably for [[Karbonn Mobiles|Karbonn]], [[Mountain Dew]], and [[Titan Company|Titan]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rajamani |first1=Radhika |title=Nagarjuna's son Akhil Akkineni to make his debut |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/nagarjunas-son-akhil-akkineni-to-make-his-debut-south/20141225.htm |access-date=9 September 2023 |work=Rediff |date=25 December 2014 |language=en}}</ref> | ||
Akkineni's debut film, as a full-fledged lead, was in ''[[Akhil (film)|Akhil]]'' (2015), directed by [[V. V. Vinayak]]. It was produced by [[Nithiin]] and his family<ref name=":2">{{cite news|title=I was mobbed by girls a few times: Akhil|url= | Akkineni's debut film, as a full-fledged lead, was in ''[[Akhil (film)|Akhil]]'' (2015), directed by [[V. V. Vinayak]]. It was produced by [[Nithiin]] and his family.<ref name=":2">{{cite news |last1=Afreen |first1=Sama |title=I was mobbed by girls a few times: Akhil |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/I-was-mobbed-by-girls-a-few-times-Akhil/articleshow/46252275.cms |access-date=9 September 2023 |work=The Times of India |date=15 January 2017}}</ref> In order to prepare for the role, he enrolled in a stunt workshop with his personal trainer, Kicha, and attended workshops in [[Thailand]], for two months.<ref name="akhindu" /> The film began production in December 2014 and featured him alongside fellow debutante, [[Sayyeshaa|Sayesha Saigal]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/nagarjunas-son-akhils-debut-film-launched/article6700454.ece|title=Nagarjuna's son Akhil's debut film launched|via=Inter Asian News Service|work=The Hindu|date=17 December 2014 }}</ref> The film opened to a mixed response, and despite high expectations, it was a flop at the box-office. Following this, he went on a two-year hiatus. | ||
In 2017, his second film, ''[[Hello (2017 film)|Hello]]'' (2017), | In 2017, his second film, ''[[Hello (2017 film)|Hello]]'' (2017), directed by Vikram Kumar, was released along with ''[[Middle Class Abbayi]]'' and turned out to be a below-average grosser at the box-office, despite garnering generally positive reviews.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/hello/movie-review/62207206.cms|title=Hello movie review|work=[[Times of India]]}}</ref> Following that, Akkineni's third film was ''[[Mr. Majnu]]'' (2019), directed by [[Venky Atluri]] and co-starring [[Niddhi Agerwal]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|last=kavirayani|first=suresh|date=26 January 2019|title=Mr Majnu movie review: Akhil steals the show!|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/260119/mr-majnu-movie-review-akhil-steals-the-show.html|website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> Despite a great pre-release buzz and successful album, it opened to mixed reviews upon release. It eventually bombed commercially, becoming Akkineni's third consecutive failure. | ||
In October 2021, his fourth film, the [[rom com]], ''[[Most Eligible Bachelor]]'' was released. It co-starred [[Pooja Hegde]] and was directed by ''[[Bommarillu]]'' and ''[[Parugu]]'' fame, [[Bhaskar (director)|Bhaskar]]. It was produced by [[Bunny Vas]] and [[Vasu Varma]], under [[Geetha Arts|GA2]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=28 August 2021|title=Akhil Akkineni-Pooja Hegde's Most Eligible Bachelor to hit screens on October 8|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/telugu/news/2021/aug/28/akhil-akkineni-pooja-hegdes-most-eligible-bachelor-to-hit-screens-on-october-8-26313.html|website=[[Cinema Express]]}}</ref> It became a hit and gave | In October 2021, his fourth film, the [[rom com]], ''[[Most Eligible Bachelor]]'' was released. It co-starred [[Pooja Hegde]] and was directed by ''[[Bommarillu]]'' and ''[[Parugu]]'' fame, [[Bhaskar (director)|Bhaskar]]. It was produced by [[Bunny Vas]] and [[Vasu Varma]], under [[Geetha Arts|GA2]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=28 August 2021|title=Akhil Akkineni-Pooja Hegde's Most Eligible Bachelor to hit screens on October 8|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/telugu/news/2021/aug/28/akhil-akkineni-pooja-hegdes-most-eligible-bachelor-to-hit-screens-on-october-8-26313.html|website=[[Cinema Express]]}}</ref> It became a hit and gave Akkineni a long-awaited box office success.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/most-eligible-bachelor-hits-half-century-at-tollywood-box-office/articleshow/87481126.cms|title=Most Eligible Bachelor hits half century at box office |work=[[Times of India]]|date=2 November 2021 }}</ref> | ||
Akkineni's next film, ''[[Agent (film)|Agent]]'', directed by [[Surender Reddy]] and produced by [[Anil Sunkara]], released on 28 April 2023. It was made on a huge budget of 80 crores. Upon release, it received highly negative reviews from both the critics and audience, alike. It had an extremely low opening and was a commercial disaster.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Agent movie review and box office collection LIVE updates: Akhil Akkineni's film opens to disappointing box office results |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/agent-movie-review-box-office-collection-live-updates-agent-review-rating-sakshi-vaidya-akhil-akkineni-mammootty-dino-morea-urvashi-rautela-agent-review/liveblog/99829993.cms |access-date=29 April 2023 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> | |||
== Personal life == | == Personal life == | ||
In 2016, | In 2016, Akkineni was engaged to Shriya Bhupal, grand-daughter of the business tycoon, [[G. V. Krishna Reddy]]. Their wedding was planned for 2017. However, it was later called off for undisclosed reasons.<ref>{{cite web|date=23 February 2017|title=Akhil Akkineni-Shriya Bhupal wedding called off: Is this the reason?|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/akhil-akkineni-shriya-bhupal-wedding-called-off-962178-2017-02-23|access-date=1 February 2021|website=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=23 February 2017|title=Real reason why Nagarjuna's son Akhil Akkineni, Shriya Bhupal called off wedding?|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/real-reason-why-nagarjuna-son-akhil-akkineni-shriya-bhupal-called-off-wedding-4539732/|access-date=7 July 2020|website=The Indian Express}}</ref> | ||
He got engaged to [[Mumbai]]-based artist Zainab Ravdjee, the daughter of industrialist Zulfi Ravdjee, on 26 November 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-26 |title=Akhil Akkineni gets engaged to Zainab Ravdjee, see photos |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/akhil-akkineni-gets-engaged-to-zainab-ravdjee-see-photos-9691599/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-26 |title=Nagarjuna announces son Akhil Akkineni's engagement to Zainab: Couldn't be happier |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/nagarjuna-son-akhil-akkineni-zainab-ravdjee-engagement-2640469-2024-11-26 |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> The couple tied the knot on 6 June 2025, in a traditional Telugu wedding ceremony held in [[Hyderabad]].<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2025-06-06 |title=Actor Akhil Akkineni ties the knot with Zainab Ravdjee |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/actor-akhil-akkineni-marries-zainab-ravdjee-entrepreneur-nagarjuna-naga-chaitanya-ram-charan/article69664144.ece |access-date=2025-06-06 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> | |||
== Filmography == | == Filmography == | ||
| Line 62: | Line 67: | ||
|2014 | |2014 | ||
|''[[Manam (film)|Manam]]'' | |''[[Manam (film)|Manam]]'' | ||
|Akhil | | rowspan="2" |Akhil | ||
|Cameo appearance | |Cameo appearance | ||
|<ref>{{Cite web|date=25 May 2014|title=Nagarjuna's son Akhil Akkineni debuts in 'Manam'|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/140525/entertainment-tollywood/article/akhil-akkineni-debuts-manam|website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> | |<ref>{{Cite web|date=25 May 2014|title=Nagarjuna's son Akhil Akkineni debuts in 'Manam'|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/140525/entertainment-tollywood/article/akhil-akkineni-debuts-manam|website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> | ||
| Line 68: | Line 73: | ||
| 2015 | | 2015 | ||
|''[[Akhil (film)|Akhil]]'' | |''[[Akhil (film)|Akhil]]'' | ||
|Debut as adult lead actor | |||
|Debut as lead | |||
|<ref name=":2" /> | |<ref name=":2" /> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 76: | Line 80: | ||
|Himself | |Himself | ||
|Special appearance in title song | |Special appearance in title song | ||
|<ref>{{Cite web|date=18 August 2016|title=Akhil Cameo Role Teaser – Aatadukundam Raa Movie – Sushanth, Sonam Bajwa|url=https://www.ap7am.com/lv-231485-akhil-cameo-role-teaser-aatadukundam-raa-movie-sushanth-sonam-bajwa|website=ap7am.com}}</ref> | |<ref>{{Cite web|date=18 August 2016|title=Akhil Cameo Role Teaser – Aatadukundam Raa Movie – Sushanth, Sonam Bajwa|url=https://www.ap7am.com/lv-231485-akhil-cameo-role-teaser-aatadukundam-raa-movie-sushanth-sonam-bajwa|website=ap7am.com|access-date=18 December 2021|archive-date=18 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218051527/https://www.ap7am.com/lv-231485-akhil-cameo-role-teaser-aatadukundam-raa-movie-sushanth-sonam-bajwa|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 2017 | | 2017 | ||
| Line 86: | Line 90: | ||
| 2019 | | 2019 | ||
|''[[Mr. Majnu]]'' | |''[[Mr. Majnu]]'' | ||
| Vikram | | Vikram "Vicky" Krishna | ||
| | | | ||
|<ref name=":3" /> | |<ref name=":3" /> | ||
| Line 98: | Line 102: | ||
| 2023 | | 2023 | ||
| ''[[Agent (film)|Agent]]'' | | ''[[Agent (film)|Agent]]'' | ||
| Ramakrishna | | Ramakrishna "Ricky" / "Wild Saala" | ||
| | | | ||
| <ref>{{cite | | | ||
|- | |||
| 2026 | |||
| {{Pending film|Lenin}} | |||
| {{TableTBA}} | |||
| Pre-Production | |||
|<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.news18.com/movies/on-akhil-akkinenis-birthday-tomorrow-makers-of-akhil-6-plan-grand-surprise-for-fans-aa-9290300.html | title=On Akhil Akkineni's Birthday Tomorrow, Makers of Akhil 6 Plan Grand Surprise for Fans }}</ref> | |||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 109: | Line 119: | ||
| image_size = | | image_size = | ||
| alt = | | alt = | ||
| caption = | | caption = | ||
| wins = 6 | | wins = 6 | ||
| nominations = 6 | | nominations = 6 | ||
| Line 165: | Line 175: | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
{{Commons category}} | |||
* {{IMDb name}} | * {{IMDb name}} | ||
* {{Facebook}} | * {{Facebook}} | ||
| Line 174: | Line 184: | ||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Akkineni, Akhil}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Akkineni, Akhil}} | ||
[[Category:Living people]] | [[Category:Living people]] | ||
[[Category:Akkineni–Daggubati family|Akhil Akkineni]] | |||
[[Category:American male film actors]] | [[Category:American male film actors]] | ||
[[Category:Male actors from San Jose, California]] | [[Category:Male actors from San Jose, California]] | ||
| Line 181: | Line 192: | ||
[[Category:1994 births]] | [[Category:1994 births]] | ||
[[Category:American people of Telugu descent]] | [[Category:American people of Telugu descent]] | ||
[[Category:American people of Bengali descent]] | |||
[[Category:American people of Irish descent]] | [[Category:American people of Irish descent]] | ||
[[Category:American male actors of Indian descent]] | [[Category:American male actors of Indian descent]] | ||
[[Category:South Indian International Movie Awards winners]] | [[Category:South Indian International Movie Awards winners]] | ||
[[Category:University of South Florida alumni]] | [[Category:University of South Florida alumni]] | ||
[[Category:Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute alumni]] | [[Category:Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute alumni]] | ||
[[Category:Santosham Film Awards winners]] | [[Category:Santosham Film Awards winners]] | ||
[[Category:American expatriate actors in India]] | |||
[[Category:Expatriate male actors in India]] | |||
[[Category:People with Overseas Citizenship of India]] | |||
Latest revision as of 00:24, 25 February 2026
Akhil Akkineni | |
|---|---|
 Akkineni in 2017 | |
| Born | 8 April 1994[1] San Jose, California, United States |
| Alma mater | University of South Florida |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 2015–present |
| Spouse(s) | Zainab Ravdjee ( m. 2025) |
| Parents | |
| Relatives | Naga Chaitanya (half-brother) |
| Family | See Daggubati–Akkineni family |
Akhil Akkineni (born 8 April 1994) is an Indian actor known for his work in Telugu cinema. He debuted as a child artist in the film Sisindri (1994), for which he won a Filmfare Special Award.
Akkineni made his debut as a lead actor with Akhil (2015), which won him the Filmfare Best Male Debut. He later went on to star in Hello (2017) and Mr. Majnu (2019). He achieved his commercial breakthrough with the romantic comedy Most Eligible Bachelor (2021). Akkineni is the son of Indian actors Nagarjuna and Amala.
Early life[edit | edit source]
Akkineni was born on 8 April 1994, in San Jose, California, United States,[1][2] to actors Nagarjuna and Amala. He is of Telugu descent from his father's side, and has Bengali and Irish ancestry from his mother's side.[3] He is the grandson of actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao, and half-brother of Naga Chaitanya.
Akkineni studied at Chaitanya Vidyalaya and later headed to Australia for two years. He returned to complete his studies at Oakridge International School, Hyderabad. He pursued acting as a career at age 16 and enrolled in an acting course at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York.[4] He also holds a BBA from the University of South Florida.[5]
Later in his teens, he pursued cricket and became a member in his father's Nag Kings team, in the 2010 celebrity Tollywood Trophy, which was a fundraiser for the Movie Artistes' Association. His match-winning half-century in the final against Venkatesh's Venky Warriors, saw him secure the man-of-the-match and man-of-the-series awards.[6] His performance saw him get called up to play for the Telugu Warriors in the inaugural Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) in 2011. Since then he has regularly participated in the CCL tournament, winning the 2016 edition as captain of his team.[7]
Career[edit | edit source]
As an infant, Akkineni debuted in his father's production, Shiva Nageswara Rao's comedy, Sisindri (1995), an Indian adaptation of Baby's Day Out (1994).[8]
In 2014, Akkineni appeared in a cameo appearance in the family drama, Manam (2014), directed by Vikram Kumar. It featured three generations of actors from the Akkineni family. His cameo in the climax of the film was an instant rage with the audience.[9] He described his shoot for the film alongside his grandfather, father and half-brother, as "nervous and exciting".[10] Manam went on to become one of the most profitable Telugu films of 2014, whilst also considered to be one of the greatest Telugu films of all-time. Critics dubbed the film a "classic" en-route to it winning several awards, including Best Film at the Filmfare Awards.[11][12] He subsequently went on to make appearances in several commercials, notably for Karbonn, Mountain Dew, and Titan.[13]
Akkineni's debut film, as a full-fledged lead, was in Akhil (2015), directed by V. V. Vinayak. It was produced by Nithiin and his family.[14] In order to prepare for the role, he enrolled in a stunt workshop with his personal trainer, Kicha, and attended workshops in Thailand, for two months.[4] The film began production in December 2014 and featured him alongside fellow debutante, Sayesha Saigal.[15] The film opened to a mixed response, and despite high expectations, it was a flop at the box-office. Following this, he went on a two-year hiatus.
In 2017, his second film, Hello (2017), directed by Vikram Kumar, was released along with Middle Class Abbayi and turned out to be a below-average grosser at the box-office, despite garnering generally positive reviews.[16] Following that, Akkineni's third film was Mr. Majnu (2019), directed by Venky Atluri and co-starring Niddhi Agerwal.[17] Despite a great pre-release buzz and successful album, it opened to mixed reviews upon release. It eventually bombed commercially, becoming Akkineni's third consecutive failure.
In October 2021, his fourth film, the rom com, Most Eligible Bachelor was released. It co-starred Pooja Hegde and was directed by Bommarillu and Parugu fame, Bhaskar. It was produced by Bunny Vas and Vasu Varma, under GA2.[18] It became a hit and gave Akkineni a long-awaited box office success.[19]
Akkineni's next film, Agent, directed by Surender Reddy and produced by Anil Sunkara, released on 28 April 2023. It was made on a huge budget of 80 crores. Upon release, it received highly negative reviews from both the critics and audience, alike. It had an extremely low opening and was a commercial disaster.[20]
Personal life[edit | edit source]
In 2016, Akkineni was engaged to Shriya Bhupal, grand-daughter of the business tycoon, G. V. Krishna Reddy. Their wedding was planned for 2017. However, it was later called off for undisclosed reasons.[21][22]
He got engaged to Mumbai-based artist Zainab Ravdjee, the daughter of industrialist Zulfi Ravdjee, on 26 November 2024.[23][24] The couple tied the knot on 6 June 2025, in a traditional Telugu wedding ceremony held in Hyderabad.[25]
Filmography[edit | edit source]
|
Denotes films that have not yet been released |
| Year | Title | Role(s) | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Sisindri | Sisindri | Child artist | [8] |
| 2014 | Manam | Akhil | Cameo appearance | [26] |
| 2015 | Akhil | Debut as adult lead actor | [14] | |
| 2016 | Aatadukundam Raa | Himself | Special appearance in title song | [27] |
| 2017 | Hello | Avinash / Seenu | Also singer for "Yevevo" | [28] |
| 2019 | Mr. Majnu | Vikram "Vicky" Krishna | [17] | |
| 2021 | Most Eligible Bachelor | Harsha | [18] | |
| 2023 | Agent | Ramakrishna "Ricky" / "Wild Saala" | ||
| 2026 | Lenin
|
Template:TableTBA | Pre-Production | [29] |
Awards and nominations[edit | edit source]
| ||||||||
| Totals[lower-alpha 1] | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wins | 6 | |||||||
| Nominations | 6 | |||||||
Note
| ||||||||
| Year | Award | Category | Film | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 43rd Filmfare Awards South | Special Award (Child actor) | Sisindri | Won | [30] |
| 2016 | 63rd Filmfare Awards South | Best Male Debut – South | Akhil | Won | [31] |
| 5th South Indian International Movie Awards | Best Male Debut – Telugu | Won | [32] | ||
| CineMAA Awards 2016 | Best Male Debut | Won | [33] | ||
| 14th Santosham Film Awards | Best Debut Actor | Won | [34] | ||
| 2019 | TSR – TV9 National Film Awards | Special Jury Award | Hello | Won | [35] |
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Tollywood's rising stars under 30". The Times of India. 29 October 2018. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
- ↑ Vemuri Radhakrishna and Nagarjuna (24 July 2019). Akkineni Nagarjuna Open Heart With RK Full Episode | Nagarjuna Reveals About Remake Of Gundamma Katha (in తెలుగు). ABN Andhra Jyothi.
Akhil was born in the U.S.
- ↑ "Amala Akkineni can't speak Bengali". The Times of India. 14 January 2017. Retrieved 3 December 2020.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Sangeetha Devi Dundoo (15 November 2015). "Akhil Akkineni: There's no guarantee for success". The Hindu.
- ↑ Hooli, Sekhar H. (17 February 2015). "VV Vinayak Treats Akhil Akkineni Like Prince on Sets of his Debut Movie?". IB Times.
- ↑ "Nag Kings lift Tollywood trophy". The Hindu. 14 June 2010. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
- ↑ "Akhil to play in CCL matches". indiaglitz.com. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Mama's boy". The Hindu. 5 December 2009. ISSN 0971-751X.
- ↑ Kamal, S. S (25 November 2013). "Samantha's tweet has Nag fuming". Bangalore Mirror. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
- ↑ "Akhil Akkineni Interview, Akhil Akkineni interview about manam, Akhil Akkineni interview on manam I felt very nervous that day: Akhil Akkineni". timesofap.com. Archived from the original on 5 September 2019. Retrieved 5 November 2015.
- ↑ "Small was big for southern cinema (IANS Special: 2014 In Retrospect)". Sify. Archived from the original on 10 February 2015.
- ↑ "Winners: 62nd Britannia Filmfare Awards (South)". The Times of India. 16 January 2017.
- ↑ Rajamani, Radhika (25 December 2014). "Nagarjuna's son Akhil Akkineni to make his debut". Rediff. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 Afreen, Sama (15 January 2017). "I was mobbed by girls a few times: Akhil". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
- ↑ "Nagarjuna's son Akhil's debut film launched". The Hindu. 17 December 2014 – via Inter Asian News Service.
- ↑ "Hello movie review". Times of India.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 kavirayani, suresh (26 January 2019). "Mr Majnu movie review: Akhil steals the show!". Deccan Chronicle.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 "Akhil Akkineni-Pooja Hegde's Most Eligible Bachelor to hit screens on October 8". Cinema Express. 28 August 2021.
- ↑ "Most Eligible Bachelor hits half century at box office". Times of India. 2 November 2021.
- ↑ "Agent movie review and box office collection LIVE updates: Akhil Akkineni's film opens to disappointing box office results". The Times of India. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
- ↑ "Akhil Akkineni-Shriya Bhupal wedding called off: Is this the reason?". India Today. 23 February 2017. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
- ↑ "Real reason why Nagarjuna's son Akhil Akkineni, Shriya Bhupal called off wedding?". The Indian Express. 23 February 2017. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
- ↑ "Akhil Akkineni gets engaged to Zainab Ravdjee, see photos". The Indian Express. 26 November 2024. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
- ↑ "Nagarjuna announces son Akhil Akkineni's engagement to Zainab: Couldn't be happier". India Today. 26 November 2024. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
- ↑ "Actor Akhil Akkineni ties the knot with Zainab Ravdjee". The Hindu. 6 June 2025. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 6 June 2025.
- ↑ "Nagarjuna's son Akhil Akkineni debuts in 'Manam'". Deccan Chronicle. 25 May 2014.
- ↑ "Akhil Cameo Role Teaser – Aatadukundam Raa Movie – Sushanth, Sonam Bajwa". ap7am.com. 18 August 2016. Archived from the original on 18 December 2021. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
- ↑ "Hello movie review: Akhil Akkineni and Kalyani Priyadarshan starrer leave us with a heart full of good feelings". The Indian Express. 23 December 2017.
- ↑ "On Akhil Akkineni's Birthday Tomorrow, Makers of Akhil 6 Plan Grand Surprise for Fans".
- ↑ "Sisindri Awards: List of Awards won by Telugu movie Sisindri", The Times of India, retrieved 12 February 2021
- ↑ "Winners of 63rd Britannia Filmfare Awards South 2016 (Telugu)". The Times of India. 16 January 2017. Retrieved 25 December 2019.
- ↑ "SIIMA 2016 Telugu movie nominations revealed; 'Baahubali,' 'Srimanthudu' lead the list5". International Business Times. Archived from the original on 26 May 2016.
- ↑ "List of Winners CineMAA Awards 2016 – Complete Details". Scooptimes. 12 June 2016. Retrieved 19 November 2019.
- ↑ "List of Winners Santosham Awards 2016 – Complete Details". Scooptimes. 16 August 2016. Retrieved 19 November 2019.
- ↑ "Balakrishna, Nagarjuna and Keerthy Suresh among TSR-TV9 film award winners". The News Minute. 16 February 2019. Retrieved 17 December 2019.