Kanneganti Brahmanandam (born 1 February 1956), known mononymously as Brahmanandam, is an Indian actor, comedian, impersonator, and voice actor known for his works predominantly in Telugu cinema.[1] He is particularly known for his comic performances.[2][3] He holds the Guinness World Record for the most screen credits for a living actor, appearing in over 1000 films to date.[4][5][6] He was awarded an honorary doctorate by Acharya Nagarjuna University.[7] Regarded as one of the finest and highest-paid comic actors of India,[8][9] he was honoured with the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in India, for his contribution to Film Art.[10]
While working as a lecturer, Brahmanandam also worked in theatre and as a mimicry artist. Novelist and playwright Adi Vishnu introduced him to NCV Sashidhar of Doordarshan (DD). Soon after, he made his television debut in 1985 with DD Telugu's Pakapakalu.[11][12] His performance in the show received good response from the audience.[13] After watching his performance in the show, director Jandhyala cast him in the film Aha Naa-Pellanta! (1987), which became a breakthrough role for him.[20] The same year he appeared in the successful films Pasivadi Pranam and Swayam Krushi. The first film he acted in was Sri Tatavataram, second film was Satyagraham, and the third film was Aha Naa Pellanta!.[12]Sri Tatavataram released later in 1988.
Beginning from 1991, Brahmanandam has appeared in variety of comedic roles and a few intense roles. In 1991, he starred in major films such as Kshana Kshanam (1991) and Rowdy Alludu (1991).[22]The Times of India considered the films Chitram Bhalare Vichitram (1991), Jamba Lakidi Pamba (1992), and Yamaleela (1994) as the films that one can never get bored of. Brahmanandam has appeared in each of these, with him being considered as one of the main reasons for these films to be successful.[23] In 1992, he has played the lead role in Babai Hotel for the first time.[24]
At a felicitation ceremony in January 2008, he listed the following films as his top 11 films — Aha Naa Pellanta! (1987), Vivaha Bhojanambu (1988), Chitram Bhalare Vichitram (1991), Pattukondi Chuddam (1997), Money (1993), Anaganaga Oka Roju (1997), Anna (1994), Amma (1991), Bavagaru Bagunnara? (1998), Manmadhudu (2002), Dhee (2007).[12]
Personal life
Brahmanandam married Lakshmi and has two sons, Raja Gautham and Siddharth. Gautham is also an actor who starred in films such as Pallakilo Pellikoothuru (2004), and Manu (2018).[27] Gautham is married and has a son born in 2017.[28]
In January 2019, Brahmanandam underwent a successful heart bypass surgery at Asian Heart Institute (AHI) in Mumbai.[29]
In January 2009, the government of India bestowed Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award of India, on Brahmanandam for his contributions to art.[31]
^Narasimham, M.L. (22 August 2011). "It's a mad mad comedy". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Archived from the original on 30 August 2011. Retrieved 20 September 2011.