On February 1, let us tell you an interesting story. There was once a man, content and knowledgeable. He taught the Telugu language to students in a college in the small town of Attili in West Godavari. We don’t know how or why, but we’re thankful that he stepped out of the classroom and stepped in front of the camera. The year was 1987 and the sets were of filmmaker Jandhyala’s Aha Naa Pellanta. On this set, there was a young man, short and stout. We saw him in the film as Ara Gundu, a comical character. His expressions changed every few moments and his dialogues hit the bullseyes. Initially a comic character on paper, this man emerged to be the legend of comedy, in the times to come. This man is, none other than, Brahmanandam garu.
33 years and thousands of films later, Brahmanandam has become synonymous with ‘comedy’ and ‘punch dialogues’. Having been part of almost every second film, this man holds the Guinness World Record for screen-credits, for a living man, in over 1000 films. For decades, Brahmanandam has been making people smile and laugh endlessly with his many roles. He has also been making us teary-eyed and grateful, every time we see he talks his heart out.
Not only us, but the government of the country also recognised his talent and awarded him with the Padma Shri in 2009. The state honours of Nandi Award has been conferred upon him five times, so far. And, an endless collection of awards and honour continue to take his legacy ahead.
The 2013 film, Balupu, starring Ravi Teja and Shruti Haasan, is an action-drama which has Brahmanandam in a pivotal role. And, that means a laughter fest, right? His role as Crazy Mohan makes the character of every protective and over-protective uncle comical. The film proves there can never be a replacement or substitute for Brahmanandam.