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Only actor to play both Lord Rama and Ravana had temples built for him, is still worshipped in parts of India

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2 months ago

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Only actor to play both Lord Rama and Ravana had temples built for him, is still worshipped in parts of India

Though he played Lord Krishna in a record 17 films, this superstar is best remembered for being the only actor to play both Lord Rama and Ravana.

Dussehra is celebrated across India as a symbolic victory of good over evil. As per Hindu tradition, the day marks the anniversary of when Lord Rama registered his victory over the asura king Ravana of Lanka. This tale, which forms the crux of Ramayana, has been retold on screen several times. Many actors have become icons through their portrayals of both Lord Rama and Ravana. But there has only been one who has played both the hero and the villain in this story, and done it in such iconic fashion that he has temples built in his name. (Also read: On NTR’s birth anniversary, a look at how the Tollywood star transformed into an icon of Telugu pride)

Only actor to play both Lord Rama and Ravana

To the Gen Z, NTR may mean Jr but to ardent fans of Telugu cinema, the initials will always refer to the original NT Rama Rao, one of the biggest icons of Indian cinema. Sr NTR is the actor who played both Lord Rama and Ravana on the big screen. In fact, he did one better and even played Lord Krishna, whom he played in a record 17 films. NTR first played Lord Rama in the 1963 film Lava Kusa and reprised the role in several films after that. But prior to that, he had already played Ravana in the 1958 release Bhookailas. However, that film was not a success and NTR’s definitive portrayal of the demon king came in the cult classic Seetharama Kalyanam (1961). NTR became a messiah-like figure for Telugu audiences through his mastery over the mythological drama genre, which he lorded over through the 1960s and 70s. He later moved to playing Robin Hood-like characters, solidifying his mass hero stature, something that helped him graduate to politics later in life.

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When NTR had temples built for him

By the mid-1960s, NTR had attained stardom in Telugu cinema. He was even accorded a ‘divine’ status through his roles as Lord Rama, Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, and Lord Vishnu. His house in Hyderabad was considered a pilgrimage site with many fans/devotees paying obescience there before going to actual shrines. In 1970s, half a dozen temples came up in his name in various parts of Andhra Pradesh, depicting him in his Rama and Krishna avatar. As per reports, NTR wasn’t too pleased about the practice though.

NTR’s later life and legacy

In 1982, NTR distanced himself from films and founded the Telugu Desam Party. The party won the Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections the following year and NTR became the Chief Minister of the state, a posy he would hold for three terms till 1995. The actor-politician died in January 1996 at the age of 72. His legacy in cinema is more than just his roles though. He was also the patriarch of the Nandamuri family of Telugu cinema. Two of his sons – Chaitanya Krishna and Saikrishna – are film producers. His fifth son Nandamuri Balakrishna is one of the most celebrated actors of his generation. His fourth son Harikrishna, was an actor, who died young. Jr NTR is Harikrishna’s son.

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Hollywood

JLo’s love for Ben Affleck, his kids and the holiday season could lead to blended family special celebrations after all

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4 days ago

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November 29, 2024

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JLo’s love for Ben Affleck, his kids and the holiday season could lead to blended family special celebrations after all

Jennifer Lopez is reportedly determined not to let her divorce from Ben Affleck sabotage the affectionate ties she and her kids share with his children.

As Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck stand knee-deep in divorce proceedings, they’ve been struck with their first major family holiday. Tabloid reports repeatedly continue to emphasise how the Marry Me singer-actress shares immense love for the Oscar winner’s kids despite their personally estranged ties.

HT.com previously reported that Affleck, who’s currently working with his best buddy Matt Damon on their upcoming crime thriller RIP, is taking his days off in the spirit of the Turkey Day festivities. A source told PEOPLE that the chirpier-than-ever Hollywood actor is enjoying his work, but the “family man” side to his personality will be back to celebrate Thanksgiving with his kids.

Also read | Inside Ben Affleck-Jennifer Lopez’s 1st Thanksgiving apart since divorce filing

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Lopez, on the other hand, is also known to go all out during the holiday season, surrounded by family and friends. At this time of the year, she reportedly has major plans to reunite with Ben and his children and break bread by blending their families together. It’s no shocker as the famous exes were pictured at a September brunch together with four of their children. Despite revealing the April 26 separation date from Affleck in her personally filed divorce papers, the “On the Floor” songbird even took the Air actor’s eldest child, Violet, shopping in the Hamptons in July.

What does Jennifer Lopez have planned for the holiday season amid Ben Affleck divorce?

“Jen loves the holiday season and she always goes all out,” a source told InTouchWeekly, as per a Thursday report. The insider spilling alleged details of a JLo-Ben Affleck reunion dug into how ‘Jenny from the Block’ is “determined not to let the pain of the divorce dictate her actions.” By prioritising peace and maintaining the “friendly exes” status with The Accountant star, she presumably hopes to strike a dynamic similar to his amicable relationship with Jennifer Garner despite their preceding 2015 split.

“Even though she and Ben aren’t together, she’s still planning to treat him and his kids like family. That means loads of extravagant presents and big gatherings with home-cooked meals,” the insider added.

“She has so much love for Ben and his kids, and her kids feel the same way, so she really wants to have a celebration with all of them together. She wants to prove that they can consciously uncouple and for her that means having a special holiday celebration together.”

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Is Ben Affleck in for the big holiday reunion?

The source asserted that the Good Will Hunting star is “on board” with the idea as he “has been making a big effort to be nicer and more agreeable with” Lopez. She has continued to be “so wonderful to his kids since they split up,” and that has supposedly helped her score “huge points” with him.

The insider also alleged that JLo’s warm approach towards Ben’s kids has “really softened his heart towards her.”

Although on their separate paths now, Affleck is believed to have returned to his “family man” roots thanks to his decades-old romance with his Gigli co-star. In a separate PEOPLE report, a source affirmed, “Family is very important to both of them, and together they were family people – and the connection doesn’t end.”

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