K. Raghavendra Rao was born on Saturday, 23 May 1942 (age 81 years; as of 2023) in Kolavennu, Andhra Pradesh, India. After completing his formal education, Rao pursued his directorial career in Telugu and Hindi cinema.
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 8″
Hair Colour: Bald
Eye Colour: Black
Family
Parents & Siblings
K. Raghavendra Rao is the son of renowned veteran director K. S. Prakash Rao and his first wife Koteswaramma. G.Varalakshmi, an actress, was Rao’s stepmother. There is not much information about his siblings.
K. Raghavendra Rao’s father
K. Raghavendra Rao’s stepmother
Wife & Children
K. Raghavendra Rao is married to Sarala. The couple has a son, Prakash Kovelamudi, a filmmaker, and a daughter, Madhavi.
K. Raghavendra Rao with his children
Other Relatives
K. Raghavendra Rao’s cousin is K. Bapayya, a filmmaker and his son-in-law is Shobu Yarlagadda, a film producer.
Career
Director
Telugu Films
K. Raghavendra Rao began his career as an associate director with the film ‘Vagdanam’ (1961). In 1975, he made his directorial debut with the film ‘Babu.’
Poster of the film ‘Babu’ (1975)
In 1976, he directed two back-to-back films titled ‘Jyothi’ and ‘Raja.’ Some of his notable directorial films include ‘Adavi Ramudu’ (1977), ‘Driver Ramudu’ (1979), ‘Annamayya’ (1997), ‘Bobbili Brahmanna’ (1984), ‘Devata’ (1982), ‘Justice Chowdary’ (1982), ‘Kaliyuga Pandavulu’ (1986), ‘Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari’ (1990), ‘Gharana Bullodu’ (1995), and ‘Shirdi Sai’ (2012).
Poster of the film ‘Shirdi Sai’ (2012)
Rao has supervised direction in films such as ‘Student No. 1’ (2001), ‘Okato Number Kurraadu’ (2002), ‘Pallakilo Pellikoothuru’ (2004), and ‘Pelli SandaD’ (2021).
Poster of the film ‘Pelli SandaD’ (2021)
Hindi Films
Rao made his directorial debut with the Hindi film ‘Nishana’ (1980). He has directed films like ‘Farz Aur Kaanoon’ (1982), ‘Himmatwala’ (1983), ‘Jaani Dost’ (1983), ‘Justice Chaudhury’ (1983), ‘Tohfa’ (1984), ‘Mera Saathi’ (1985), Dharm Adhikari (1986), ‘Mere Sapno Ki Rani’ (1997), and ‘Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiyaa’ (2001).
Poster of the film ‘Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiyaa’ (2001)
Producer
Films
In 1980, K. Raghavendra Rao produced his debut Telugu film named ‘Bhale Krishnudu.’
Poster of the film ‘Bhale Krishnudu’ (1980)
Subsequently, he produced many films like ‘Allari Priyudu’ (1993), ‘Iddaru Mitrulu’ (1999), ‘Pelli Sambandham’ (2000), ‘Okato Number Kurradu’ (2002), and ‘Bommalata’ (2004). Rao has produced a Hindi language film, ‘Naya Kadam’ (1984) and an English language film, ‘Morning Raga’ (2004).
Television
Rao has produced many Telugu television serials including ‘Santhi Nivasam’ (2002), ‘Mangammagari Manavaralu’ (2013), ‘Soundrya Lahari’ (2014), ‘Koyilamma’ (2016), ‘Sye Sye Sayyare’ (2017), ‘Siri Siri Muvvalu’ (2018), ‘C/o Anasuya’ (2020), and ‘Krishna Tulasi’ (2021).
A still from the Telugu serial ‘Santhi Nivasam’ (2002)
Other Assignments
K. Raghavendra Rao worked as a presenter for some notable films like ‘Baahubali: The Conclusion’ (2017), ‘Baahubali: The Beginning’ (2015), ‘Anaganaga O Dheerudu’ (2011), ‘Bobby’ (2002), and ‘Student No. 1’ (2001). He appeared as a choreographer in the film ‘Pelli Sandadi’ (1996). In 2021, he played the role of ‘Vasishta’ in the sequel film ‘Pelli SandaD.’
Awards
Filmfare Awards South
- Won the Best Director award for the film ‘Prema Lekhalu’ (1977)
- Won the Best Director award for the film ‘Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari’ (1990)
- Won the Best Director award for the film ‘Allari Priyudu’ (1993)
- Won the Best Director award for the film ‘Annamayya’ (1997)
- Won the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002
Nandi Awards
- Won the Best Director award for the film ‘Bobbili Brahmanna’ (1984)
- Won the Best Director award for the film ‘Allari Priyudu’ (1993)
- Won the Best Director award for the film ‘Pelli Sandadi’ (1996)
- Won the Best Director award for the film ‘Annamayya’ (1997)
- Won the Best Choreographer award for the film ‘Pelli Sandadi’ (1996)
CineMAA Awards
- Won the Lifetime Contribution Award in 2012
- Won the Best Film (Jury) award for the film ‘Shirdi Sai’ (2013)
IIFA Awards
- Achieved Outstanding contribution to Indian cinema in 2017