Padmanabham

Biography:

Basavaraju Venkata Padmanabha Rao, popularly known as Padmanabham, was an Indian actor, comedian, director, and producer who primarily worked in Telugu cinema and theatre. He was renowned for his comedic talent and witty dialogue delivery. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he appeared in over 400 films.

Padmanabham’s entry into the film industry began as a child actor in 1945 with “Mayalokam.” He gained recognition as a comedian with the success of “Shavukaru” in 1949, establishing himself in Telugu cinema. “Pathala Bhairavi” in 1951 further solidified his position in the industry. During the golden era of Telugu cinema in the 1950s and 1960s, he played supporting roles alongside prominent actors like Relangi and Ramana Reddy. Subsequently, he became a prominent comedian and held that position until the mid-1970s when Rajababu emerged as a new comic talent.

In addition to his acting career, Padmanabham also directed eight films, including the biographical film “Kathanayika Molla” in 1969, which earned him the state Nandi Award. Notably, he introduced the legendary playback singer S. P. Balasubrahmanyam to the film industry through “Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna” in 1967.

Born on August 20, 1931, in Simhadripuram near Pulivendula, Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, Padmanabham was the son of Basavaraju Venkata Seshayya and Santhamma. He maintained good health throughout his life, attributed in part to his regular practice of yoga. Padmanabham continued to make significant contributions to Telugu cinema until his passing on February 20, 2010.