Sakshi Ranga Rao
Sakshi Ranga Rao (born Rangavajhula Ranga Rao; 15 September 1942 – 27 June 2005) was an Indian character actor who worked in Telugu cinema and Telugu theatre.[1] He appeared in about 450 films over a career spannign four decades, majority of which were comedies. Rao made his film debut in 1967 with Sakshi from which he derived his stage name. He then went onto to appear in successful films like Sirivennela, Swarna Kamalam, April 1st Vidudhala, Joker and Swarabhishekam.
Saakshi Ranga Rao | |
|---|---|
 Rao in a scene from Sirivennela (1986) | |
| Born | Rangavajhula Ranga Rao 15 September 1942 |
| Died | 27 June 2005 (aged 62) Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1967–1995 |
| Spouse(s) | Bala Tripurasundari |
| Children | 4; including Saakshi Siva |
Life and career
Rangavajhula Ranga Rao in Kalavakuru village in Prakasham district, was born to Lakshmi Narayana and Ranganayakamma.[2] As his father died when he was young, he was raised by Buchchi Ravamma, his mother's sister in Machilipatnam. He began his career as a stenographer in Andhra University, Visakhapatnam.[2]
As Rao was interested in film and theatre, he worked as an assistant to the stage artist Kuppili Venkateshwara Rao. He was encouraged by some his friends at Andhra Vishwa Vidyalaya to pursue a full-time career in films. They gathered him some money and sent Rao to Madras.[2]
Directed Bapu gave break to Rao with the film Sakshi in 1967. Then onwards, he became known as Sakshi Ranga Rao, also to differentiate himself from S. V. Ranga Rao.[3] He had the distinction of acting in most of the Telugu films directed by K. Vishwanath, Bapu and Vamsi.
Rao married Bala Tripurasundari. They had three children–one daughter and three sons. His youngest son, actor Saakshi Siva works in Telugu films and television.[2]
Rao died after a prolonged illness on 27 June 2005 in Chennai at the age of 63 years. Incidentally, it was on stage that Rao collapsed on 5 May 2005 during a rehearsal for the Gurazada play, 'Kanyasulkam'. The apparent cause of his death was diabetes and associated kidney failure.[4][5]
Filmography
- Saakshi (1967) (debut film)
- Sudigundaalu (1967) as Gumasta
- Bhale Rangadu (1969)
- Buddhimanthudu (1969)
- Balaraju Katha (1970)
- Dharma Daata (1970)
- Adrusta Jathakudu (1971)
- Attalu Kodallu (1971) as brother of Suryakantam
- Mattilo Manikyam (1971)
- Vinta Samsaram (1971)
- Kalam Marindi (1972)
- Anta Mana Manchike (1972)
- Andala Ramudu (1973) as Subba Rao's father-in-law
- Bhakta Tukaram (1973)
- Manchi Vallaki Manchivadu (1973)
- Muthyala Muggu (1975)
- Shri Rajeshwari Vilas Coffee Club (1976)
- Seetamalakshmi (1978)
- Amara Deepam (1977) as Manager
- Devathalara Deevinchandi (1977)
- Edureeta (1977)
- Manushulu Chesina Dongalu (1977)
- Lawyer Viswanath (1978)
- Siri Siri Muvva (1978)
- Vayasu Pilichindi (1978)
- Thoorpu Velle Railu (1979)
- Sankarabharanam (1980)
- Thyagayya (1981)
- Saptapadhi (1980)
- Sirimalle Navvindi (1980)
- Subhodayam (1980)
- Bhale Krishnudu (1980)
- Gopala Rao Gari Ammayi (1980)
- Amavasya Chandrudu (1981)
- Radha Kalyanam (1981)
- Madhura Swapnam (1982)
- Kalavari Samsaram (1982) as Subbaramaiah
- Manchu Pallaki (1982) at Gita's father
- Subhalekha (1982)
- Nelavanka (1983)
- Rendu Jella Sita (1983)
- Sagara Sangamam (1983)
- Sitaara (1983)
- Janani Janmabhoomi (1984)
- Chattamtho Poratam (1985)
- Rendu Rella Aaru (1985)
- Mogudu Pellalu (1985)
- Chantabbai (1986)
- Kaliyuga Pandavulu (1986)
- Kaliyuga Krishnudu (1986)
- Sirivennela (1986)
- Raaga Leela (1987)
- Sankeerthana (1987)
- Sruthi Layalu (1987)
- Swarna Kamalam (1988)
- Janaki Ramudu (1988)
- Eeshwar (1989)
- Sutradhaarulu (1990)
- April 1st Vidudhala (1991)
- Pelli Pustakam (1991)
- Karthavyam (1991) as Constable Ranganayakulu
- Naa Pellam Naa Ishtam (1991)
- Shanti Kranti (1991)
- Swathi Kiranam (1992)
- Gharana Mogudu (1992) as Bhawani's father
- Joker (1993)
- Dharma Kshetram (1992)
- Detective Narada (1992)
- Aa Okkati Adakku (1993) as Pellilla Peraiah
- Kunti Puthrudu (1993)
- Yamaleela (1994)
- Linga Babu Love Story (1995)
- Subha Sankalpam (1995)
- Vajram (1995)
- Swarabhishekam (2004)
- Vijay IPS (2006)
References
- ↑ Saakshi Siva about his father at the personal website. Archived 11 September 2010 at the Wayback Machine
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "నాన్నకి కారం అంటే ఇష్టం". Sakshi (in తెలుగు). 17 January 2021.
- ↑ Raman, Mohan V. (8 November 2014). "What's in a name?". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
- ↑ Actor Sakshi Ranga Rao dead, The Hindu.
- ↑ 'Saakshi' Rangarao is no more at Telugu Cinema.com Archived 7 May 2009 at the Wayback Machine