Celebration
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.
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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Music
Lady Gaga pens note after earning two Grammy nominations, shares pic with Bruno Mars: ‘I’m so grateful for these’
Die With A Smile is nominated in two categories: Song of the Year and Best Pop/Duo Group Performance. So far, she has won 13 Grammys.
Pop icon Lady Gaga is extremely grateful for receiving two Grammy Award nominations. She scored two nominations at the 2025 Grammy Awards for her Bruno Mars duet Die With A Smile. (Also Read | Grammy Awards 2025 nominations: Check out full list here)
Taking to Instagram, Lady Gaga wrote, “I’m so grateful for these 2 GRAMMY NOMINATIONS! Because of our amazing fans, we are so blessed to be nominated for Song of the Year and Best Pop Duo recording for Die With A Smile!! @recordingacademy We love y’all! Monsters and Hooligans did that!”
Reacting to the nominations, Gaga not only penned a gratitude note but also shared a picture with her collaborator Bruno Mars. Die With A Smile is nominated in two categories: Song of the Year and Best Pop/Duo Group Performance. Gaga has now received 38 nominations total and 13 Grammy wins.
Beyonce received the most nominations. This time she leads the pack with 11 nominations for her genre-blending album Cowboy Carter, which is set to compete in major categories including Record, Song, and Album of the Year, according to Variety.
Beyonce, who already holds the record for the most Grammy wins by any artist, has secured nominations in pop, rap, country, and Americana categories. Other major contenders include Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and Post Malone, each with seven nominations.
Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Taylor Swift follow closely with six nominations each.
Here are the nominees for the big four categories:
Album of the Year
1. Andre 3000 – New Blue Sun
2. Beyonce – Cowboy Carter
3. Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft
4. Chappell Roan – The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess
5. Charli XCX – Brat
6. Jacob Collier – Djesse Vol. 4
7. Sabrina Carpenter – Short N’ Sweet
8. Taylor Swift – The Tortured Poets Department
Record of the Year
1. The Beatles – “Now and Then”
2. Beyonce – “Texas Hold ‘Em”
3. Billie Eilish – “Birds of a Feather”
4. Chappell Roan – “Good Luck, Babe!”
5. Charli XCX – “360”
6. Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”
7. Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso”
8. Taylor Swift – “Fortnight (ft. Post Malone)”
Song of the Year
1. Beyonce – “Texas Hold ‘Em”
2. Billie Eilish – “Birds of a Feather”
3. Bruno Mars & Lady Gaga – “Die with a Smile”
4. Chappell Roan – “Good Luck, Babe!”
5. Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”
6. Sabrina Carpenter – “Please Please Please”
7. Shaboozey – “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”
8. Taylor Swift – “Fortnight (ft. Post Malone)”
Best New Artist
1. Benson Boone
2. Chappell Roan
3. Doechii
4. Khruangbin
5. Raye
6. Sabrina Carpenter
7. Shaboozey
8. Teddy Swims
The 67th Grammy Awards will take place on February 2, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, honouring music released between September 16, 2023, and August 30, 2024. (ANI)
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