Tirumala Sundara Sri Ranganath (17 July 1949 – 19 December 2015) was an Indian actor known for his works primarily 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, Hy ...

, Telugu Theater, television, and a few

Tamil film Tamil cinema, also known as Kollywood is a part of Indian Cinema; primarily engaged in production of motion pictures in the Tamil language. Based out of the Kodambakkam neighbourhood in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, it is popularly called ''Kollywood' ...

s. In a film career spanning more than forty years, Ranganath starred in more than three hundred feature films in a variety of roles. He made his debut with the 1969 Telugu film ''Budhimantudu''. Subsequently, he starred in films such as ''Chandana'', ''Zamindarugari Ammayi'', ''Devathalara Deevinchandi'', ''Panthulamma'', ''Intinti Ramayanam'', ''America Ammayi'', ''Andame Anandam'' while establishing himself as one of the finest actors in

. Ranganath received state

Nandi Awards The Nandi Awards are the awards that recognise the excellence in Telugu cinema, Telugu theatre and Telugu television, and Lifetime achievements in Indian cinema. Presented annually by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, the award is named after ...

for his works. Ranganath committed suicide at his residence in Hyderabad on 19 December 2015.

Personal life

Ranganath was born Tirumala Sundara Sri Ranganath in

Madras Chennai (, ), formerly known as Madras ( the official name until 1996), is the capital city of Tamil Nadu, the southernmost Indian state. The largest city of the state in area and population, Chennai is located on the Coromandel Coast of th ...

on 17 July 1949 into the family of T. R. Sundara Raju and T. R. Janaki Devi. He then graduated with a B.A. degree from Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati. Ranganath then worked as ticket collector for the

Indian Railways Indian Railways (IR) is a statutory body under the ownership of Ministry of Railways, Government of India that operates India's national railway system. It manages the fourth largest national railway system in the world by size, with a tot ...

before becoming an actor. His wife Tirumala Chaithanya died in 2009. They had two daughters, and a son, Tirumala Nagendra Kumar.

Career

He got his first break in 1969 in the film ‘Buddimantudu’. It was in 1974 that he was chosen to play the lead role in the film ''Chandana''. The actor endeared himself to the audience through his sensitive portrayal of various roles. Some of his most popular films include ''Intinti Ramayanam'', ''America Ammayi'', ''Love In Singapore'', ''Zamindaru Gari Ammayyi'', ''Panthulamma'', ''Andame Anandam'', ''Mavuri Devatha'', ''Kondaveeti Donga'', ''Thayaramma Bangarayya'', ''Rama Chiluka'', ''Khaidi'', ''Devathalara Deevinchandi'' and ''Sriramadasu''. Apart from acting in several serials, he has also directed a feature film titled '' Moguds Pellams'' (2005), starring

Sivaji Raja Sivaji Raja (born 26 February 1962) is an Indian actor who primarily appears in Telugu films and television series. He appeared in more than 400 films. He is also known for his work in TV serials '' Amrutam'', ''Alasyam Amrutham Visham'', ''Mr.R ...

and Rathi.

Death

Ranganath was found hanging in his residence at Hyderabad on 19 December 2015 at about 5 pm by his housemaid. Family members rushed him to the hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival. Police investigated the situation, and upon autopsy and further evidence, confirmed suicide.

Selected filmography

# Buddhimantudu (1969) # Chandana (1974) .. First movie as Hero # Palleseema (1974) # Chaduvu Samskaram (1974) #Zamindaru Gari Ammayi (1975) #Ramaya Tandri (1975) # America Ammayi (1976) #Pellade Bomma (1976) #Rattalu Rambabu (1976) #

Secretary A secretary, administrative professional, administrative assistant, executive assistant, administrative officer, administrative support specialist, clerk, military assistant, management assistant, office secretary, or personal assistant is a w ...

(1976) #Andame Anandam (1977) #

Devathalara Deevinchandi Devathalara Deevinchandi is a Telugu-language film directed by Kommineni Seshagiri Rao. His debut film was hit and resulted in many successful films later. It is remake of '' Nagin'', a highly successful 1976 Hindi film, which in turn was inspir ...

(1977) #

Panthulamma ''Pantulamma'' is a 1978 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. The film won four Nandi Awards & one Filmfare Award. The song ''Sirimalle Neeve'' was borrowed from music director's own composition ''Baanallu Neen ...

(1977) #Chiranjeevi Rambabu (1977) as Madhu #Ramachilaka (1978) #Gammattu Gudhachari (1978) #

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'' (197 ...

(Nov 17, 1978) #

Tayaramma Bangarayya ''Tayaramma Bangarayya'' is a 1979 Indian Telugu-language film starring Sowcar Janaki as Tayaramma and Kaikala Satyanarayana as Bangarayya. Chandra Mohan, Ranganath, Madhavi, Sangeetha play supporting characters. Chiranjeevi makes a guest a ...

(1979) #Intinti Ramayanam (1979) #Maavuri Devatha (1979) #Priya Bhandavi (1979) #Andamaina Anubhavam (1979) #Madana manjari (1980) #Love in Singapore (Sep 27, 1980) #Mama Allulla Saval (1980) as Sathish #Navvuthu Brathakali (1980) #Menatta kuthuru (1980) #Dharmam daari tappithe (1980) #

Alludu Pattina Bharatam ''Alludu Pattina Bharatam'' is a 1980 Telugu-language drama film directed by K. Viswanath and produced by D. V. S. Raju under D. V. S. Productions. The film stars Krishnam Raju, Jayasudha, Kavita and Nagabhushanam. The music was composed by ...

(1980) #Snehamera Jeevitham (1980) #Lokam pokada (1980) #Pasidi Moggalu (Dec 18, 1980) #

Erra Mallelu ''Erra Mallelu'' () is a 1981 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by Dhavala Satyam from a story written by Madala Ranga Rao. The film stars Ranga Rao, Murali Mohan, Giri Babu and Ranganath. It has music composed by K. Chakravarthy. ...

(1981) #Guvvala Janta (1981) #Nayudu garabbai (1981) #Kala rathri (1981) .. Latha #Nampally Nagu (1981) #

Gruha Pravesam ''Gruha Pravesam'' is a 1982 Telugu-language drama film directed by Bairisetty Bhaskara Rao and produced by Yadavalli Vijayendra Reddy. The film stars Mohan Babu, Jayasudha, Gummadi, and Prabhakar Reddy. The film had musical score by Sat ...

(1982) #Ee Charitra ye sira tho(1982) # Khaidi (1983) #

Aalaya Sikharam ''Aalaya Sikharam'' is a 1983 Telugu film directed by Kodi Ramakrishna. The film stars Chiranjeevi and Sumalatha Sumalatha (born 27 August 1963) is an Indian actress, politician who is the current Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha from ...

(1983) #

Adavalle Aligithe ''Adavalle Aligithe'' () is a 1983 Indian Telugu language, Telugu-language comedy film produced by Akkineni Srinivasa Rao and Yarramshetty Anjineeyulu and directed by Vejella Satyanarayana. It stars Gummadi (actor), Gummadi, Nutan Prasad, Rajend ...

(1983) #Idi Kaadu Mugimpu (1983) #Manishiki Maro Peru (1983) #Ee Chaduvulu Makkodu (1984) # Kai Kodukkum Kai

amil Amil Kahala Whitehead (born September 19, 1973) is an American former rapper and singer. She was prominent in the late 1990s as a Jay-Z protégé, and recorded the single " Can I Get A..." with him for the '' Rush Hour'' soundtrack. Amil's d ...

(1984) #Disco Dancer (1984) #

Merupu Daadi ''Merupu'' () is a 1996 Indian Telugu romantic thriller film, written by Ganapathi Rao Kommanapall and directed by Gopichand Nadella. The film stars Anand, Kasthuri, and Vikram in the leading roles, while Brahmanandam plays a supporting role. ...

(1984) #

Vijetha Vijetha () is a 1985 Indian Telugu-language film directed by A. Kodandarami Reddy and produced by Allu Aravind starring Chiranjeevi, Bhanupriya, and J. V. Somayajulu. The film released on 23 October 1985. The film was a remake of the 1981 Ben ...

(1985) # Palnati Simham (1985) # Adavi Donga (1985) #

Chiranjeevi Chiranjeevi (born Konidela Sivasankara Varaprasad; 22 August 1955) is an Indian actor, film producer and former politician, who predominantly works in Telugu cinema. Chiranjeevi starred in over 150 feature films in Telugu language, Telugu, as ...

(1985) #Edadugula Bandham (1985) #Intiko Rudramma (1985) #

Raja Rishi ''Raja Rishi'' is a 1985 Indian Tamil-language Hindu mythological film directed by K. Shankar and produced by N. Sakunthala. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan, Prabhu, M. N. Nambiar and Nalini. It was released on 20 September 1985. Plot Cast ...

(1985; Tamil) #Sri Datta Darshanam (1985) #Ashtalakshmi Vaibhavam (1986) #

Veta ''Veta'' () is a 1986 Indian Telugu-language period action film starring Chiranjeevi, Jaya Prada and Sumalatha. It was released on 28 May 1986. The film was made by Samyuktha Movies, whose earlier blockbuster was '' Khaidi''. The movie is based ...

(1986) #

Jayam Manade ''Jayam Manade'' () is a 1956 Indian Telugu-language swashbuckler film, produced by Sundarlal Nahatha and directed by T. Prakash Rao. It stars N. T. Rama Rao and Anjali Devi, with music composed by Ghantasala. The film was dubbed into Tamil ...

(1986) as Ravindra # Kaliyuga Krishnudu (1986) #

Chanakya Sapatham ''Chanakya Sapatham'' () is a 1986 Indian Telugu language action film starring Chiranjeevi, Vijayashanti, Rao Gopal Rao and Satyanarayana, produced by D. V. S. Raju and directed by K. Raghavendra Rao. The film has musical score by Chakrava ...

(1986) #

Donga Mogudu ''Donga Mogudu'' () is a 1987 Indian Telugu-language film starring Chiranjeevi, Bhanupriya, Madhavi and Raadhika. This film was directed by A. Kodandarami Reddy. Chiranjeevi portrayed a dual role in this film. The film is based on Yandamuri Veer ...

(1987) #

Gandhinagar Rendava Veedhi '' Gandhinagar Rendava Veedhi'' () is a 1987 Indian Telugu-language comedy film, produced by G. Reddy Shekar, J.Gopal Reddy and P. Pardhasaradhi Reddy under the Suseela Arts banner, Presented by Sarath Babu and directed by P. N. Ramachandra Ra ...

(1987) # Bhale Mogudu (1987) # Rikshawala (1987) #

Viswanatha Nayakudu ''Viswanatha Nayakudu'' is a 1987 Telugu historical film directed by Dasari Narayana Rao. The film won four Nandi Awards. Plot The story is based on an Indian historical event during the 16th century. It narrates the victory of Viswanatha Naya ...

(1987) ... Rajaraja Chola #

Thandri Kodukula Challenge ''Thandri Kodukula Challenge'' is an Indian Telugu film released on 14 January 1987 starring Krishna Ghattamaneni, Krishna, Radha (actress), Radha, Sumalatha and Kaikala Satyanarayana in the main roles with a musical score by K. Chakravarthy. The ...

(1987) ... as Adv. Ramu # Antima Theerpu (1988) # Chikkadu Dorakadu (1988) #

Trinetrudu ''Trinetrudu'' () is a 1988 Indian Telugu-language film starring Chiranjeevi, Kaikala Satyanarayana, Ranganath and Nagendra Babu. It is based on the Hindi movie ''Jalwa'' (1987), and was directed by A. Kodandarami Reddy and produced by Chiranj ...

(1988) # Rudranetra (1989) #

Muthyamantha Muddu '' Muthyamantha Muddu'' () is a 1989 Telugu-language thriller film produced by K. Benarjee under the Pramoda Art Films banner, Presented by K. S. Rama Rao and directed by Ravi Raja Pinisetty. It stars Rajendra Prasad and Seetha, with music comp ...

(1989) # Adavilo Abhimanyudu (1989) ... Col. Raghuram # Kokila (1990) #

Kodama Simham ''Kodama Simham'' () is a 1990 Indian Telugu-language revisionist western action film directed by K. Murali Mohana Rao, starring Chiranjeevi, Mohan Babu, Sonam, Radha, and Pran in pivotal roles. The film was simultaneously dubbed into Englis ...

(1990) #

Kondaveeti Donga ''Kondaveeti Donga'' () is a 1990 Indian Telugu-language vigilante film directed by A. Kodandarami Reddy starring Chiranjeevi, Vijayashanti and Radha in main lead roles. Upon release on 9 April 1990, the film received positive reviews, and emerg ...

(1990) # Iddaru Iddare (1990) #

Brundavanam ''Brundavanam'' is a 1992 Indian Telugu-language comedy film co-written and directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. It stars Rajendra Prasad and Ramya Krishna, with music composed by Madhavapeddi Suresh. The film was produced by B. Venkatarama R ...

(1992) #

Samrat Ashoka ''Samrat Ashoka'' is a 1992 Indian Telugu language, Telugu-language historical drama film produced and directed by N. T. Rama Rao under his Ramakrishna Studios, Ramakrishna Horticultural Cine Studios banner. It stars Rama Rao and Vani Viswanath ...

(1992) ... Bindusara # Mugguru Monagallu (1994) #Ungal Anbu Thangachi (1994; Tamil) #

Premante Idera ''Premante Idera'' () is 1998 Indian Telugu language, Telugu-language romantic drama film directed by Jayanth C. Paranjee, and produced by Burugupalli Siva Rama Krishna and K. Ashok Kumar under the Sri Lakshmi Venteswara Art Films banner. The f ...

(1998) ... Venkatramayya #Snethihulu (1998) #

Premaku Velayera ''Premaku Velayara'' ( It's time for love) is a 1999 Indian Telugu-language romantic comedy film co-written and directed by S. V. Krishna Reddy. The film stars J. D. Chakravarthy, Soundarya and Prakash Raj while Srihari and Ravi Teja play support ...

(1999) ... Rama #Aasala Sandadi (1999) #

Ravoyi Chandamama ''Raavoyi Chandamama'' () is a 1999 Indian Telugu-language romance film directed by Jayanth C. Paranjee. It stars Nagarjuna, Jagapathi Babu, Anjala Zhaveri, Keerthi Reddy, and the music was composed by Mani Sharma. The film was produced by C. ...

(1999) #

Vijayaramaraju ''Vijayaramaraju'' is a 2000 Telugu action film directed by Veera Shankar. The film stars Srihari, Kota Srinivasa Rao and Urvasi in the lead roles. The film had musical score by Vandemataram Srinivas.The film won three Nandi Awards. Cast *Sri ...

(2000) #

Kalisundam Raa ''Kalisundham Raa'' () is a 2000 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by Udayasankar and produced by D. Suresh Babu. It stars Venkatesh and Simran, with music composed by S. A. Rajkumar. It received the National Film Award for Best Featur ...

(2000) ... Ram Mohan #Ammaye Navvithe (2001) ... Seshadri Naidu # Eduruleni Manishi (2001) # Sampangi (2001) #

Naalo Unna Prema ''Naalo Unna Prema'' () is a 2001 Telugu-language romantic drama film, produced by K.L.N. Raju on Sri Sairam Productions banner and directed by V. R. Pratap. The film stars Jagapati Babu, Laya, Gajala and music was composed by Koti. This fil ...

(2001) #Apparao Ki Oka Nela Tappindi (2001) #

Premalo Pavani Kalyan ''Premalo... Pavani Kalyan'' () is a 2002 Indian Telugu-language romantic drama film directed by Polur Ghatika Chalam and starring Deepak and Ankitha. Cast * Deepak as Kalyan *Ankitha as Pavani *Sunil *Kota Srinivasa Rao as Sitarama Raju * Ra ...

(2002) # Raghava (2002) # Manmadhudu (2002) #

Kondaveeti Simhasanam ''Kondaveeti Simhasanam'' () is a 2002 Indian Telugu-language action drama film directed by Dasari Narayana Rao and starring himself, Mohan Babu and Soundarya with Hamsavardhan, Harshavardhan, Deepti Bhatnagar, Laya (actress), Laya and Udaya Bha ...

(2002) #

Nijam ''Nijam'' () is a 2003 Indian Telugu-language action film written, directed and produced by Teja on Chitram Movies banner. The film stars Mahesh Babu, Rakshita, Gopichand, and Raasi, with music was composed by R. P. Patnaik. Babu and Rames ...

(2003) ... Venkateswarlu # 3 Deewarein (2003) ... Chief Justice S.S. Murthy #

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(2003) #

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(2004) # Adavi Ramudu (2004) #

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(2004) # Laxmi (2004) #

Radha Gopalam ''Radha Gopalam'' () is a 2005 Telugu-language film which stars Srikanth and Sneha; it is based on the Hollywood movie ''Adam's Rib''. This film was directed by Bapu, with music by Mani Sharma and lyrics penned by Veturi, Jonnavittula, Mullapud ...

(2005) # Kunkuma (2005) #

Aanai ''Aanai'' ( Order) is a 2005 Indian Tamil language action drama film written and directed by Selva. It stars Arjun, Namitha and Keerthi Chawla in the lead, while Vadivelu, Sanghavi and Manoj K. Jayan play pivotal roles. D. Imman composed the ...

(2005; Tamil) # Moguds Pellams (2005) - Director #

Annavaram Annavaram is a temple town on the banks of the Pampa River. It is located in Kakinada district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The village has the temple of Veera Venkata Satyanarayana, a form of Vishnu on the Ratnagiri Hill. Etymolog ...

(2006) #

Samanyudu ''Samanyudu'' () is a 2006 Indian Telugu-language political action film produced by R. R. Venkat on R.R. Movie Makers banner and directed by Ravi C Kumar. The film stars Jagapati Babu, Kamna Jethmalani, while Sai Kumar, Ranganath, Archana ...

(2006) ... Chandra Shekhar #

Sri Ramadasu ''Sri Ramadasu'' is 2006 Indian Telugu-language biographical film, based on the life of musician saint ''Kancharla Gopanna'', produced by Konda Krishnam Raju on Aditya Movies banner and directed by K. Raghavendra Rao. Starring Akkineni Nageswa ...

(2006) #

Lakshmi Lakshmi (; , sometimes spelled Laxmi, ), also known as Shri (, ), is one of the principal goddesses in Hinduism. She is the goddess of wealth, fortune, power, beauty, fertility and prosperity, and associated with ''Maya'' ("Illusion"). Alo ...

(2006) #Hanumanthu (2006) #

Evadaithe Nakenti ''Evadaithe Nakenti'' is a 2007 Telugu film directed by V. Samudra and Jeevitha. Rajasekhar plays the lead role. The film was released on 9 February 2007. This film has been dubbed in Tamil with the title ''Udambu Eppadi Irukku''. The film is a ...

(2007) #Sri Satyanarayana Swamy (2007) #Bhadradri (2008) # Sundarakanda (2008) #

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(2008) #

Mitrudu ''Mitrudu'' () is a 2009 Indian Telugu-language drama film produced by Sivalenka Krishna Prasad under Vaishavi Cinema banner and directed by Mahadev. Starring Nandamuri Balakrishna, Priyamani and music composed by Mani Sharma. This film was la ...

(2009) # Aha Naa Pellanta (2011) #Sanchalanam (2011) # Daggaraga Dooramga (2011) #

Solo Solo or SOLO may refer to: Arts and entertainment Comics * ''Solo'' (DC Comics), a DC comics series * Solo, a 1996 mini-series from Dark Horse Comics Characters * Han Solo, a ''Star Wars'' character * Jacen Solo, a Jedi in the non-canonical ''S ...

(2011) #

Dammu ''Dammu'' () is a 2012 Indian Telugu-language action film written and directed by Boyapati Srinu. Starring Jr. NTR, Trisha and Karthika Nair, the film follows an orphan who agrees to pose as the heir to a rich and powerful family, eventually ...

(2012) # Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari Charitra (2014) #I am in Love (2014) #Cut Cheste (2014) #Vengamamba (2014) # Gopala Gopala (2015)

Television

*''Shanti Nivasam'' (

ETV ETV may stand for: Television * e.tv, a South African terrestrial television channel * Educational Television (Hong Kong), a television series * Educational television, the use of television in education * Enhanced TV, an interactive television ap ...

) *''My Name Is Mangathayaaru'' as KMR (

Zee Telugu Zee Telugu is an Indian Telugu-language general entertainment pay television channel in India. It was launched on 12 September 2004 as ''Alpha Telugu'' and was rebranded as ''Zee Telugu'' on 18 May 2005. The channel is owned by Zee Entertainmen ...

) *''Iddaru Ammayilu'' as Venkata Raju (

) *''Atto Attama Kooturo'' ( Gemini TV) *''Mogalirekulu'' ( Gemini TV)

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ranganath Telugu male actors 1949 births 2015 deaths Sri Venkateswara University alumni Indian male film actors Indian male stage actors Male actors in Tamil cinema Nandi Award winners Male actors from Andhra Pradesh Male actors in Telugu theatre Male actors in Telugu television Indian male television actors 20th-century Indian male actors 21st-century Indian male actors Male actors from Chennai 2015 suicides Suicides by hanging in India Artists who committed suicide