Dhulipala Sitarama Sastry (24 September 1921 – 13 April 2007), known
mononym
A mononym is a name composed of only one word. An individual who is known and addressed by a mononym is a mononymous person. In some cases, a mononym selected by an individual may have originally been from a polynym, a word which refers to one o ...
ously by the
surname Dhulipala, was an Indian actor and
thespian, known for his works predominantly in
Telugu cinema
Telugu cinema, also known as Tollywood, is the segment of Indian cinema dedicated to the production of motion pictures in the Telugu language, widely spoken in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Telugu cinema is based in Film Nagar, ...
.
[The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Guntur News : Dhulipala no more]
/ref>
He was noted for playing mythological roles, particularly the role of Shakuni. He began his acting career at the young age of 13 and went on to work in about 300 films. He shot to fame with '' Bhishma'' and '' Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam'', acting alongside N. T. Rama Rao
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (28 May 1923 – 18 January 1996), often referred to by his initials NTR, was an Indian actor, filmmaker and politician who served as List of Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh fo ...
.
Life and career
Born on September 24, 1921, to Sankarayya and Ratnamma of Dachepalli village in Palnadu taluk of Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, he dropped out of school after Class. 8th and spent a year at Sankara Vidyalayam, Bapatla, studying Vedas. Subsequently, he worked as a clerk for an advocate. Simultaneously entering the stage, initially portraying female characters. He was introduced to film industry by his preceptor Mr. Gayudu (1927-2005), who was a famous actor, director, writer, singer and music director, make-up artist and also owned the costumes related to mythological dramas. Initially, Mr. Gayudu was selected for the role of Bhishma in the movie '' Bhishma'' and N. T. Rama Rao
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (28 May 1923 – 18 January 1996), often referred to by his initials NTR, was an Indian actor, filmmaker and politician who served as List of Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh fo ...
was offered the role of Duryodhana, but, due to a conspiracy to wedge Mr.Gayudu from entering the film industry, the Art Director of the movie, Mr. Vali, was arrested and made a deal out of it with Mr. Gayudu that if he drops out of the role of Bheeshma which he was offered and instead play the role of Duryodhana, he could get Vali released. Mr. Gayudu wasn't ready to accept the deal but for the sake of his friend Vali, he dropped out of the movie stating, his student Dhulipala, is capable enough to play Duryodhana. When NTR thanked him for dropping out of the movie, Mr.Gayudu replied showing him all the letters and telegrams that he received earlier, "I am backing off for the sake of my friend Vali. No matter how much you succeed in your career, don't forget that I was the first preference for the lead role of every movie and you had always been the second choice, as I couldn't make it on time and you grabbed the opportunities. I received Vendi Gada (Silver Gada) from Mysore Maharaja as a token of gratitude. That's my greatest achievement". Mr.Gayudu headed back home and never turned around. He realized that his brothers were right, as they said "Talent is injurious to career and life".
Hence, Dhulipala who was popular on the stage in the role of Duryodhana, made his debut with that film. Mr. Gayudu was the first choice for every lead role in mythological movies but his family members didn't want him to enter the film industry as they feared for his well-being after his uncle, the great actor Dommeti Surya Narayana was assassinated by his rivals, as he was the first generation superstar of Telugu film industry and was still thriving. so they concealed every letter and telegram that Mr.Gayudu received offering him the lead roles to work for their movies.
Dhulipala entered film industry in 1960, with the movie ''Bhishma'', portraying the role of Duryodhana. He acted in around 300 movies and won several accolades and awards. He was a staunch devotee of Hanuman and was inspired by Swami Jayendra Saraswati of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham to take sanyas in 2001 and establish Maruthi Ashram at Guntur City
Guntur () is a city and the administrative headquarters of Guntur district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Guntur is spread across 168.49 km square and is the third-largest city in the state. It is situated to the west of the Bay ...
. He died on 13 April 2007. He was survived by his wife and two sons.idleburra.com
Selected filmography
* ''
Murari'' (2001)
* ''
Choodalani Vundi
''Choodalani Vundi'' () is a 1998 Indian Telugu-language action drama film written and directed by Gunasekhar, and produced by C. Aswani Dutt under Vyjayanthi Movies. This film stars Chiranjeevi, Soundarya, Anjala Zaveri and Prakash Raj. The fi ...
'' (1998)
* ''Sangeeta Samrat'' ( 1984)
*''
Bobbili Puli
''Bobbili Puli'' () is a 1982 Indian Telugu-language action film written and directed by Dasari Narayana Rao. The film stars N. T. Rama Rao and Sridevi, with music composed by J. V. Raghavulu. The film was a big hit, collecting 3.5 Crore in i ...
'' (1982)
* ''Mahashakti'' (1980)
*''
Punnami Naagu'' (1980)
*''
Sri Tirupati Venkateswara Kalyanam'' (1979) as
Bhrigu Maharshi
*''
Sri Vinayaka Vijayamu
''Sri Vinayaka Vijayamu'' is a 1979 Telugu-language Hindu mythological film directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao and produced by Jagarlamudi Radhakrishna Murthy under Jaganmatha Arts. The film stars Krishnam Raju, Rama Krishna, Vanisri, M. G. V. ...
'' (1979)
*''
Sri Madvirata Parvam'' (1979)
*''
Lawyer Viswanath
''Lawyer Viswanath'' is a 1978 Indian Telugu-language action film produced by Y. V. Rao and directed by S. D. Lal. The film stars N. T. Rama Rao and Jayasudha, with music composed by Satyam. It is a remake of the Hindi film '' Vishwanath'' (1 ...
'' (1978) as Judge
* ''
Yuga Purushudu
''Yuga Purushudu'' () is a 1978 Indian Telugu-language action film produced by C. Ashwini Dutt under the Vyjayanthi Movies banner and directed by K. Bapayya. It stars N. T. Rama Rao and Jaya Prada, with music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. The ...
'' (1978)
* ''
Jaganmohini'' (1978)
* ''
Daana Veera Soora Karna
''Daana Veera Soora Karna'' () is a 1977 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film co-written, produced and directed by N. T. Rama Rao under his banner, Ramakrishna Cine Studios. Based on the life of Karna from the ''Mahabharata'', ...
'' (1977) as
Shakuni
* ''
Kurukshetram'' (1977) as
Indra
*''Bangaru Bommalu'' (1977) as Ranganna
*''Pichi Maraju'' (1976) as Dharma Rao
* ''
Seeta Kalyanam'' (1976) as
Vasishtha Mahamuni
* ''
Mahakavi Kshetrayya
''Mahakavi Kshetrayya'' is a 1976 Telugu-language biographical film, based on the life of Kshetrayya, produced by P. Adinarayana Rao under the Anjali Pictures banner and directed by Adurthi Subba Rao & C. S. Rao. It stars Akkineni Nageswar ...
'' (1976)
* ''
Gunavantudu'' (1975)
*''
Manushullo Devudu
''Manushullo Devudu'' () is a 1974 Indian Telugu-language drama film, produced by A. Pundarikakshaiah under the Sri Bhaskara Chitra banner and directed by B. V. Prasad. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, Vanisri and music composed by T. V. Raju as his l ...
'' (1974) as Garudachalam
*''
Manchi Manushulu
''Manchi Manushulu'' () is a 1974 Indian Telugu-language drama film produced & directed by V. B. Rajendra Prasad under his Jagapathi Art Pictures banner. It stars Sobhan Babu and Manjula, with music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. It is a remake of ...
'' (1974) as Dr. Anand
* ''
Sri Ramanjaneya Yuddham'' (1974)
*''
Ganga Manga
''Ganga Manga'' is a 1973 Indian Telugu-language comedy drama film in which Vanisri played a dual role as Ganga and Manga. Krishna and Sobhan Babu played main roles. The film was a remake of the Hindi film ''Seeta Aur Geeta''.
Plot
Ganga, wh ...
'' (1973)
*''Kanna Koduku'' (1973) as Buchi Raju
*
Desoddharakulu
''Desoddharakulu'' () is a 1973 Indian Telugu language, Telugu-language drama (film and television), drama film, produced by U. Viswaswara Rao under the Deepthi International banner and directed by C. S. Rao. It stars N. T. Rama Rao and Vanisri, ...
(1973)
* ''
Andala Ramudu'' (1973) as Secretary
* ''
Bala Bharatam'' (1972) as
Shakuni
*''
Sri Krishna Satya
''Sri Krishna Satya'' is a 1971 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film directed by K. V. Reddy. It stars N. T. Rama Rao and Jayalalithaa, with music composed by Pendyala. The film was produced by N. Trivikrama Rao. It was the last fi ...
'' (1972) as
Karna
Karna (Sanskrit: कर्ण, IAST: ''Karṇa''), also known as Vasusena, Anga-raja, and Radheya, is one of the main protagonists of the Hindu epic '' Mahābhārata''. He is the son of the sun god Surya and princess Kunti (mother of the ...
*''Collector Janaki'' (1972)
*''
Pattukunte Laksha'' (1971)
* ''
Mattilo Manikyam'' (1971)
*''
Rajakota Rahasyam'' (1971)
*''
Adrusta Jathakudu
''Adrusta Jathakudu'' () is a 1971 Telugu-language drama film, produced and directed by K. Hemambaradhara Rao under the Subhashini Art Pictures banner. It stars N. T. Rama Rao and Vanisri, with music composed by T. Chalapathi Rao.
Plot
Ananth ...
'' (1971) as Parandhamaiah
*''
Pavitra Hrudayalu
''Pavitra Hrudayalu'' () is a 1971 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by A. C. Tirulokchandar. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, Jamuna, Chandrakala and music composed by T. Chalapathi Rao. The film is produced by C. S. Raju under the Sri Vij ...
'' (1971) as Sivaiah
* ''
Sampoorna Ramayanam'' (1971) as
Vibhishana
Vibhishana () is the younger brother of Ravana, the King of Lanka, in the ancient Indian epic Ramayana. Though a rakshasa himself, Vibhishana turned his back on Ravana, and defected to Rama's side, owing to his dharma. After Rama defeated Ra ...
*''
Mayani Mamata
''Mayani Mamata'' () is a 1970 Indian Telugu-language drama film, produced by Bhamidipati Bapaiah Panthulu under the Bhavani Pictures banner and directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, B. Saroja Devi and Sobhan Babu, with ...
'' (1970) as Janakiramaiah
* ''
Balaraju Katha'' (1970)
* ''
Bhale Rangadu'' (1969)
* ''
Ekaveera
Ekaveera ( Telugu: ఏకవీర) is an Indian novel written by Kavi Samrat Viswanatha Satyanarayana in Telugu language. It was penned between 1929–31 and was published in Bharathi magazine in 1935. Originally written in Telugu, it has sin ...
'' (1969) as Father of Veerabhupati
* ''
Aatmiyulu
Aatmiyulu () is a 1969 Indian Telugu-language drama film, produced by D. Madhusudhana Rao under the Saradhi Studios banner and directed by V. Madhusudhana Rao. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Vanisree
Vanisri (born Rathna Kumari) i ...
'' (1969) as Veerayya
* ''
Nene Monaganni'' (1968)
* ''
Kalisochina Adrushtam'' (1968)
* ''
Bandhavyalu'' (1968)
* ''
Undamma Bottu Pedata'' (1968)
*''
Nindu Manasulu
''Nindu Manasulu'' () is a 1967 Indian Telugu language, Telugu-language drama (film and television), drama film, produced by M. Jaganatha Rao under the banner S.V.S. Films and directed by S. D. Lal. The film stars N. T. Rama Rao and Devika, with ...
'' (1967)
* ''
Sri Krishnavataram'' (1967) as
Satrajit
Satrajit (), also rendered Satrajita, is a Yadava king in Hinduism. He is the father of the goddess Satyabhama, Krishna's third wife. He is described to be a great devotee of Surya, the sun god. He is known for his role in the legend of the Syam ...
* ''
Bhakta Prahlada'' (1967) as
Indra
* ''
Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam'' (1966) as
Shakuni
*''
Dorikithe Dongalu
''Dorikithe Dongalu'' () is a 1965 Indian Telugu-language science fiction action film directed by P. Subrahmanyam. It stars N. T. Rama Rao and Jamuna. The music was composed by S. Rajeswara Rao. The film was produced by D. L. Narayana on the ...
'' (1965)
* ''
Pandava Vanavasam
''Pandava Vanavasam'' () is a 1965 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao and written by Samudrala Sr. It stars N. T. Rama Rao and Savitri, with music composed by Ghantasala. It was produced by A ...
'' (1965) as Chitragupta
* ''
Amara Silpi Jakkanna
''Amarasilpi Jakkanna'' is a 1964 Telugu-language biographical film, produced and directed by B. S. Ranga under the Vikram Studios banner. The film stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao in the title role of Jakanachari, a legendary sculptor credited w ...
'' (1964)
* ''
Bobbili Yuddham'' (1964) as Narasarayalu
* ''
Nartanasala Nartanasala may refer to:
* Nartanasala (1963 film)
''Nartanasala'' () is a 1963 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao and written by Samudrala Sr. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, Savitri, S. V. Ranga ...
'' (1963) as
Duryodhana
* ''
Sri Krishnarjuna Yuddham
''Sri Krishnarjuna Yuddhamu'' () is a 1963 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film, produced and directed by K. V. Reddy under the Jayanthi Pictures banner.Naati 101 Chitralu, S. V. Rama Rao, Kinnera Publications, Hyderabad, 2006, pp: ...
'' (1963) as Gayudu
*''Madana Kamaraju Katha'' (1962)
* ''
Mahamantri Timmarusu'' (1962)
*''
Kalimilemulu'' (1962) as Narasaiah
* ''
Bhishma'' (1962) as
Duryodhana
Awards
*
Nandi Award for Best Actor
The Nandi Award for Best Actor was commissioned by the Nandi Awards committee in 1977. The winner is awarded a "Silver Nandi", "Sri Rajendra Prasad Gold Medal", cash award and a commendation certificate. Venkatesh has won the most Best Actor awa ...
- 1968 -
Bandhavyalu
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sastry, Dhulipala
Male actors in Telugu cinema
Indian male film actors
People from Guntur
1921 births
Nandi Award winners
2007 deaths
Telugu people
Male actors from Andhra Pradesh
20th-century Indian male actors