Rajanala Kaleswara Rao


Rajanala Kaleswara Rao Naidu, popularly known as Rajanala, was an Indian film actor known for his works predominantly in Telugu cinema, Telugu theatre, and few Tamil, Kannada and Bollywood films. In a film career spanning more than forty years, Rajanala starred in more than four hundred feature films in a variety of characters. Regarded as one of the finest method actors, Rajanala was known for his gruesome portrayals of lead antagonist roles during the Golden age of Telugu cinema as well as numerous comedy roles such as in Jagadeka Veeruni Katha.

Early life and characteristics

Rajanala was born on January 3, 1925 in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India. While working as a revenue inspector in Nellore from 1944–51 he made his entry into theatre. A post graduate in philosophy from University of Lucknow and a voracious reader of English literature.

Death

Being a diabetic, his right leg could not withstand the rigors of outdoor shooting in Araku valley in 1995 when he was playing a full-fledged role in Telugu Veera Levara. His leg which was injured during the shooting had to be amputated at Nizams Institute of Medical Sciences. Later Rajanala had severe cardiac arrest, was admitted in Vijaya Hospital in Chennai. He died on 21 May 1998 in Chennai.

Selected filmography