T. L. Kanta Rao
| Tadepalli Lakshmi Kanta Rao | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
16 November 1923 Kodad, Nalgonda, Hyderabad State (Now in Telangana) |
| Died | 22 March 2009 (aged 85) Hyderabad, Telangana (Then in Andhra Pradesh), India |
| Other names | Nata Prapoorna Kattula Kanta Rao |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1950s–1990s |
| Spouse(s) | Susheela, Hymavati |
Tadepalli Lakshmi Kanta Rao (Telugu: తాడేపల్లి లక్ష్మీ కాంతారావు) (16 November 1923 – 22 March 2009), more popularly known as Kanta Rao, was an Indian film actor and producer from Telugu cinema. He was starred in more than 400 Telugu mythological, social and folklore films. He has also acted in a few Hindi, Kannada and Tamil movies. He has produced about five films under the Hyma Films. In the 1960s he was one of the primary actors in Telugu cinema, along with N. T. Rama Rao and Akkineni Nageswara Rao. Kanta Rao was known for portraying the roles of Narada, Lord Krishna, and Arjuna. He played Lakshmana in the blockbuster film Lava Kusha for which he has won the Rashtrapati Award for best actor in 1963.
Kanta Rao was born to Kesavarao and Seetaramamma at Gudibanda village on 16 November 1923. According to the Hindu calendar, it corresponds to Rudhirodgari Samvatsara Kartika Sudha Ashtami day. His grandparents belonged to Tadepalli village, Guntur District, hence it became their family name. He lost his father next year. His primary education was done in Gudibanda and Khammam. He was exposed to puranas and Hindu epic stories from his grandmother.
Surabhi Drama troupe has visited their village. Impressed by their professional performances, he established "Balamitra Natya Mandali" and used to play Gayopakhyanam and Madhuseva plays with his friends. He played the character Brahma in Sri Krishna Leelalu in Surabhi group and subsequently in Madhuseva, Kanakatara, Telugu Talli plays.
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