Sakshi Ranga Rao

Sakshi Ranga Rao (born Rangavajhula Ranga Rao; 1941 or 1942 – 27 June 2005) was an Indian character actor who worked in Telugu cinema and theatre.^[1] He appeared in about 450 films over a career spanning four decades, majority of which were comedies. Ranga Rao made his film debut in 1967 with Sakshi from which he derived his stage name. He then went onto to appear in successful films like Sirivennela, Swarna Kamalam, April 1st Vidudhala, Joker and Swarabhishekam.

Saakshi Ranga Rao
Rao in a scene from Sirivennela (1986)
Born	Rangavajhula Ranga Rao 1941 or 1942 Kalavakuru, Madras Presidency, British India
Died	27 June 2005 (aged 63) Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1967–1995
Spouse	Bala Tripurasundari
Children	4; including Saakshi Siva

Life and career

Rangavajhula Ranga Rao in Kalavakuru village in Prakasam district, was born to Lakshmi Narayana and Ranganayakamma.^[2] As his father died when he was young, he was raised by Buchchi Ravamma, his mother's sister in Machilipatnam. He began his career as a stenographer in Andhra University, Visakhapatnam.^[2]

As Ranga Rao was interested in film and theatre, he worked as an assistant to the stage artist Kuppili Venkateswara Rao. He was encouraged by some his friends at Andhra Viswa Vidyalaya to pursue a full-time career in films. They gathered him some money and sent Ranga Rao to Madras.^[2]

Director Bapu gave break to Ranga Rao with the film Sakshi in 1967. Then onwards, he became known as Sakshi Ranga Rao, also to differentiate himself from S. V. Ranga Rao.^[3] He had the distinction of acting in most of the Telugu films directed by K. Vishwanath, Bapu and Vamsi.

Ranga Rao married Bala Tripurasundari. They had three children–one daughter and three sons. His youngest son, actor Saakshi Siva works in Telugu films and television.^[2]

Ranga Rao died after a prolonged illness on 27 June 2005 in Chennai at the age of 63 years. Incidentally, it was on stage that Ranga Rao collapsed on 5 May 2005 during a rehearsal for the Gurazada play, 'Kanyasulkam'. The apparent cause of his death was diabetes and associated kidney failure.^[4][5]

Filmography

Films

1. Saakshi (1967) (debut film)
2. Bangaru Pichika (1968)
3. Sudigundaalu (1968) as Gumasta
4. Bhale Rangadu (1969)
5. Buddhimanthudu (1969)
6. Balaraju Katha (1970)
7. Dharma Daata (1970)
8. Thaali Bottu (1970) as Rangaiah
9. Pagabattina Paduchu^[6] (1971) as Hanumanthu
10. Basthi Bul Bul^[7] (1971) as Ranga Rao
11. Pattindalla Bangaram^[8] (1971) as Drama Company Owner
12. Attalu Kodallu (1971) as brother of Suryakantam
13. Adrusta Jathakudu (1971)
14. Mattilo Manikyam^[9] (1971) as Seethapathi aka Panthulu
15. Vinta Samsaram (1971)
16. Kalam Marindi (1972)
17. Muhammad bin Tughluq (1972)
18. Anta Mana Manchike (1972)
19. Devudu Chesina Manushulu (1973) as Papa Rao
20. Andala Ramudu (1973) as Subba Rao's father-in-law
21. Nindu Kutumbam^[10] (1973) as Avatharam
22. Bhakta Tukaram (1973)
23. Devudamma (1973) as Kotaiah
24. Manchi Vallaki Manchivadu (1973)
25. Meena^[11] (1973) as Narayana, Meena's driver
26. Mayadari Malligadu^[12] (1973) as Karanam Kamayya
27. Tulabharam (1974) as Hari
28. Mangalya Bhagyam^[13] (1974) as Pullachari
29. Muthyala Muggu (1975)
30. Padi Pantalu^[14] (1976) as Panthulu, Guravayya's accountant
31. Siri Siri Muvva (1976)
32. Alludochadu^[15] (1976) as Panasayya
33. Pichi Maraju (1976)
34. Aadavalu Apanindhalu (1976)
35. Iddaru Iddare^[16] (1976) as Bhujangam
36. Monagadu (1976) as Avatharam
37. Raaja^[17] (1976) as Pawn Broker Prakash
38. Shri Rajeshwari Vilas Coffee Club (1976)
39. Amara Deepam (1977) as Manager
40. Eenati Bandham Yenatido^[18] (1977) as Kanakaiah
41. Edureeta (1977)
42. Manassakshi (1977)
43. Manushulu Chesina Dongalu (1977)
44. Devathalara Deevinchandi (1977)
45. Love Marriage^[19] (1978) as Dance Director
46. Nayudu Bava^[20] (1978) as Gopalam
47. Patnavasam^[21] (1978) as Ramanatham
48. Dongala Veta^[22] (1978) as Seth
49. Lawyer Viswanath (1978)
50. Seetamalakshmi (1978)
51. Dongala Veta (1978)
52. Mugguru Muggure (1978) as Kotilingam the Museum Guard
53. Siri Siri Muvva (1978)
54. Vayasu Pilichindi (1978)
55. Thoorpu Velle Railu (1979)
56. Andadu Aagadu^[23] (1979) as Ling Papa Rao
57. Tiger (1979)
58. I Love You (1979) as Club Owner
59. Saptapadhi (1980)
60. Sirimalle Navvindi (1980)
61. Subhodhayam (1980)
62. Bhale Krishnudu (1980)
63. Gopala Rao Gari Ammayi (1980)
64. Alludu Pattina Bharatam (1980)
65. Sankarabharanam (1980)
66. Amavasya Chandrudu (1981)
67. Thyagayya (1981)
68. Radha Kalyanam (1981)
69. Madhura Swapnam (1982)
70. Pratigna^[24] (1982) as Karanam
71. Manchu Pallaki (1982) as Gita's father
72. Kalavari Samsaram (1982) as Subbaramaiah
73. Kalahala Kapuram^[25] (1982) as Drunkard
74. Subhalekha (1982)
75. Sagara Sangamam (1983)
76. Ikanaina Marandi (1983)
77. Bezawada Bebbuli (1983)
78. Sitaara (1983)
79. Amarajeevi (1983)
80. Nelavanka (1983)
81. Rendu Jella Sita (1983)
82. Lanke Bindelu^[26] (1983) as Aachari
83. Koteeswarudu (1984) as Ranganatham
84. Janani Janmabhoomi (1984)
85. Railu Dopidi^[27] (1984) as Arjun's father
86. Chattamtho Poratam (1985)
87. Punnami Ratri^[28] (1985) as Brahmanandam
88. Mogudu Pellalu (1985)
89. Vande Mataram (1985)
90. Mayadari Maridi (1985)
91. Bhale Tammudu (1985)
92. Ooriki Soggadu (1985) as Master
93. Mantradandham (1985)
94. Rendu Rella Aaru (1985)
95. Jailu Pakshi (1986)
96. Dharmapeetam Daddarillindi (1986)
97. Santhi Nivasam (1986)
98. Maruthi (1986)
99. Poojaku Panikiraani Puvvu (1986)
100. Vivaha Bandham (1986)
101. Brahmastram (1986) as Lingaraju
102. Chantabbai (1986)
103. Sirivennela (1986)
104. Sri Vemana Charithra (1986)
105. Kaliyuga Pandavulu (1986)
106. Kaliyuga Krishnudu (1986)
107. Chanakya Sapadham^[29] (1986) as Dr. Arogyam
108. Chakravarthy (1987) as Avatharam
109. Sankeerthana (1987)
110. Marana Homam (1987)
111. Dayamayudu (1987)
112. Saradhamba (1987)
113. Chakravarthy (1987)
114. Ida Prapancham (1987)
115. Krishna Leela (1987)
116. President Gari Abbai (1987) as Seshavatharam
117. Sruthi Layalu (1987)
118. Raaga Leela (1987)
119. Nyayam Kosam (1988) as Narayana
120. Janaki Ramudu (1988)
121. Aadade Aadharam (1988)
122. Ramudu Bheemudu (1988) as Govindaiah
123. Rowdy No.1 (1988) as Avadhani
124. Station Master (1988)
125. Bharya Bhartalu^[30] (1988) as Aachari
126. Marana Mrudangam (1988)
127. Swarna Kamalam (1988)
128. Bamma Maata Bangaru Baata (1989)
129. Swathi Chinukulu (1989)
130. Two Town Rowdy (1989)
131. Preminchi Choodu (1989)
132. Lankeswarudu (1989)
133. Manchi Kutumbam (1989)
134. Sutradhaarulu (1990)
135. Rambha Rambabu (1990)
136. Chevilo Puvvu (1990)
137. Karthavyam (1990) as Constable Ranganayakulu
138. Shanti Kranti (1991)
139. Manchi Roju (1991 film) (1991)
140. Erra Mandaram (1991)
141. Naa Pellam Naa Ishtam (1991)
142. Mugguru Attala Muddula Alludu (1991)
143. Pelli Pustakam (1991)
144. April 1st Vidudhala (1991)
145. Dharma Kshetram (1992) as Madhava Rao
146. Aa Okkati Adakku (1992)
147. Sukravaram Mahalakshmi (1992)
148. Kalarathrilo Kannepilla (1992)
149. Detective Narada (1992)
150. Sahasam (1992)
151. Gharana Mogudu (1992) as Bhawani's father
152. Swathi Kiranam (1992)
153. Joker (1993)
154. Kunti Puthrudu (1993)
155. Chittemma Mogudu (1993)
156. Nippu Ravva (1993)
157. Vintha Kodallu (1993)
158. Alludu Poru Ammayi Joru (1994) as Kanakachari
159. Presidentgari Alludu^[31] (1994) as Ranga Rao
160. Yamaleela (1994)
161. Madam (1994)
162. Subha Sankalpam (1995)
163. Street Fighter^[32] (1995) as Insurance Officer
164. Lingababu Love Story (1995)
165. Desa Drohulu (1995)
166. Vajram (1995)
167. Sampradayam^[33] (1996) as Rangaiah
168. Neti Savithri (1996)
169. Shri Krishnarjuna Vijayam (1996)
170. Swarabhishekam (2004)
171. Vijay IPS (2006)

Television

• Lady Detective (1996–1997) as Bobby
• Popula Pette (1997) as Anjaneyulu

References

1. "Saakshi Siva about his father at the personal website". saakshisivaa.com. Archived from the original on 11 September 2010.
2. నాన్నకు స్వాతిముత్యంలో అవకాశం రాలేదు | Special Interview With Sakshi Ranga Rao Son Siva – Sakshi. Sakshi (in Telugu). 17 January 2021. Archived from the original on 16 April 2021. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
3. Raman, Mohan V. (8 November 2014). "What's in a name?". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 20 June 2018. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
4. "Actor Sakshi Ranga Rao dead". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 20 August 2006.
5. "'Saakshi' Rangarao is no more at Telugu Cinema.com". Archived from the original on 7 May 2009.
6. "Pagabattina Paduchu". AVclub. Archived from the original on 21 April 2023. Retrieved 21 April 2023.
7. "Basthi Bul Bul (1971)". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 23 October 2023. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
8. Pattindalla Bangaram (1971), retrieved 3 February 2024
9. "Mattilo Manikyam (1971)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 2 March 2024.
10. "Nindu Kutumbam on Moviebuff.com". Moviebuff.com. Archived from the original on 10 October 2023. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
11. "Meena (1973)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
12. "Mayadari Malligadu (1973)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
13. "Mangalya Bhagyam (1974)". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 13 June 2023. Retrieved 13 June 2023.
14. "Padi Pantalu (1976)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
15. "Alludochadu (1976)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
16. "Iddaru Iddare (1976)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
17. "Raaja (1976)". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 1 May 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
18. "Eenati Bandham Enatido (1977)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
19. Love Marriage Telugu Full Length Movie || Ranganath, JayaChitra. Retrieved 25 April 2024 – via www.youtube.com.
20. "Nayudu Bava (1978)". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 9 December 2023. Retrieved 9 December 2023.
21. "Patnavasam (1978)". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 13 December 2023. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
22. "Dongala Veta (1978)". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 26 April 2023. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
23. "Andhadu Aagadu (1979)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
24. "Prathignya (1982)". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 17 April 2023. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
25. "Kalahala Kapuram (1982) | V CINEMA – Movie, Review, Cast, Songs & Release Date". www.vcinema.com. Archived from the original on 7 July 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
26. "Lanke Bindelu (1983)". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 27 June 2023. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
27. Rail Dopidee | Telugu Full Movie | Bhanuchander | Prabha| V9 Videos, archived from the original on 27 April 2023, retrieved 27 April 2023
28. "Punnami Rathri 1985 Full Movie Online – Watch HD Movies on Airtel Xstream Play". Airtel Xstream (Airtel TV). Archived from the original on 18 December 2023. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
29. "Chanakya Sapadam (1986)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
30. BHARYA BARTHALU | TELUGU FULL MOVIE | SHOBAN BABU | SUHASINI | RAADHA | V9 VIDEOS, archived from the original on 30 April 2023, retrieved 30 April 2023
31. PRESIDENT GARI ALLUDU | TELUGU FULL MOVIE | BHANU CHANDER | VANI VISWANATH | TELUGU MOVIE ZONE, archived from the original on 30 October 2023, retrieved 30 October 2023
32. "Street Fighter (1995)". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 4 July 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
33. FilmiClub. "Sampradayam (1996) Complete Cast & Crew". FilmiClub. Retrieved 26 March 2024.

External links

• Sakshi Ranga Rao at IMDb