Tollywood actor Jr NTR has become a global sensation, largely due to his past film RRR, which has garnered international acclaim. As he turns 41 today, his fans are celebrating his birthday on social media. Fondly called as Young Tiger, Jr NTR’s two decades in the film industry showcase his remarkable talent and undeniable appeal. Here are some lesser-known facts about this extraordinary actor that even his die-hard fans might not be aware of.
The Story Behind His Name
Many know him as Jr NTR, but his full name is Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr. He was named after his grandfather, the legendary actor and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao. His grandfather’s iconic initials, NTR, were passed on to him, creating a legacy that Jr NTR has lived up to since his childhood acting debut at the age of 8 in ‘Brahmashri Vishwamitra,’ directed by his grandfather.
Lucky Number 9
Jr NTR is a firm believer in numerology, with a particular fondness for the number 9. Born on May 19, 1983, he considers 9 his lucky number. His BMW 7 series car sports the license plate number 9999, for which he paid INR 10.5 lakh. All of his cars feature this number, and he even encourages his associates to use it.
A Dancer Par Excellence
Jr NTR is not just a talented actor; he is also a trained Kuchipudi dancer, a classical dance form from Andhra Pradesh. He started learning dance during his school days encouraged by his mother who saw dance as a vital form of self-expression. His dance skills have been showcased in many of his films, most notably in ‘RRR,’ where he performed the highly energetic dance number “Naatu Naatu.
A Talented Singer
Jr NTR’s talents extend beyond acting and dancing; he is also a skilled singer. He made his singing debut with the song “Olammi Thikka Regindha” in SS Rajamouli’s film ‘Yamadonga.’ Since then he has lent his voice to several songs in his films such as “123 Nenoka Kantri” in ‘Kantri,’ “Chari” in ‘Adhurs,’ “Raakasi Raakasi” in ‘Rabhasa,’ and “Geleya Geleya” in ‘Chakravyuha.’
Linguistic Abilities
Jr NTR is known for his impressive linguistic skills. He can speak six languages: Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, English, and Japanese. For ‘RRR,’ he dubbed his own lines in Kannada, Hindi, and Tamil, showcasing his ability to adapt to different languages and accents with ease.
Political Lineage
Jr NTR hails from a prominent political family. His grandfather, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, was not only a celebrated actor but also a former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Jr NTR’s father, Nandamuri Harikrishna, was a well-known Telugu film actor and a Rajya Sabha Member. This strong political lineage adds another layer to Jr NTR’s multifaceted persona.
Early Career as a Child Artist
Jr NTR began his acting career as a child artist in his grandfather’s film ‘Brahmarshi Vishwamitra’ in 1991. He later played the lead role in the mythological film ‘Bala Ramayanam,’ directed by Gunasekhar. This film won the National Film Award for Best Children’s Film and two Nandi Awards, setting the stage for Jr NTR’s future success.
Breakthrough with ‘Student No 1
Jr NTR’s career took off with SS Rajamouli’s directorial debut ‘Student No 1,’ released in 2001. This film turned him into a youth icon almost overnight. His good looks, acting skills, and the film’s chart-topping songs helped it become a massive hit, solidifying Jr NTR’s status as a rising star in Tollywood.
Grand Audio Launch of Andhrawala
The audio launch event for Jr NTR’s film ‘Andhrawala’ in 2003 was a grand celebration. Held in Nimmarkuru, the event attracted an enormous crowd, with Indian Railways running ten special trains to transport nearly one million fans. It remains one of the most significant events in Telugu cinema history.
Cult Following in Japan
Jr NTR has a significant fan base in Japan, which began in 2013 with the release of his film ‘Baadshah.’ The movie was a massive hit in Japan, marking one of the first times a Telugu film received such a warm reception there. This success created a devoted following for Jr NTR in the country.
Forbes India’s Celebrity List
Jr NTR has featured twice on Forbes India’s Celebrity List, in 2012 and 2016, making him one of the few Tollywood actors to achieve this distinction. Despite a drop in his ranking over the years, his inclusion in the Top 100 list underscores his popularity and influence in the Indian entertainment industry.
