Sakshi Ranga Rao

Biography:

Sakshi Ranga Rao, originally named Rangavajhula Ranga Rao, was a renowned Indian character actor celebrated for his contributions to Telugu cinema and theatre. Born on September 15, 1942, in the village of Kalavakuru in Prakasham district, he was the child of Lakshmi Narayana and Ranganayakamma.

Sadly, his father’s early demise led to his upbringing by his maternal aunt, Buchchi Ravamma, in Machilipatnam. His journey into the world of entertainment began when he embarked on a career as a stenographer at Andhra University, Visakhapatnam.

Director Bapu provided Ranga Rao with his first big break in the 1967 film “Sakshi,” which also inspired his stage name. He chose this moniker to distinguish himself from the legendary actor S. V. Ranga Rao. Ranga Rao had the privilege of featuring in numerous Telugu films directed by luminaries such as K. Vishwanath, Bapu, and Vamsi.

In his personal life, Ranga Rao married Bala Tripurasundari, and the couple had three children, including a daughter and three sons. His youngest son, actor Saakshi Siva, made a name for himself in Telugu films and television.

Tragically, Ranga Rao passed away on June 27, 2005, in Chennai, after battling a prolonged illness. Notably, his collapse during a rehearsal for the Gurazada play “Kanyasulkam” on May 5, 2005, marked the beginning of his health struggles.