Brahmanandam: The Undisputed Comedy King of Indian Cinema

Star Comedian Kanneganti Brahmanandam, who has a place in guinness world records for acting as a comedian in 1000+ movies, was born on 1 February 1956 at Chagantivari Palem, Palnadu district, Andhra Pradesh, as the 7th child to his parents Nagalingachari and Lakshmi Narsamma. His father was a carpenter who was also an occasional drama artist. During his childhood his family had financial issues and the income earned in the family wasn't enough for a big family and hence Brahmanandam could not afford to even watch movies though he had huge interest in them. He then did his schooling and got a good mark in 10th. He completed his Masters in Telugu Literature and joined as a Telugu lecturer in Attili of West Godavari district.

While working as a lecturer, Brahmanandam also worked in theatre and as a mimicry artist. He drew attention from students through his style of delivering the lectures in a comedy style, imitating movie artists. Novelist and playwright Adi Vishnu introduced him to NCV Sashidhar of Doordarshan (DD) for a program called Pakapakalu, DD being the only TV channel those days, his performance was well received and also attracted the Director. B. Bhaskara Rao picked him for a small character in the movie Sri Tatavataram but it was director Jandhyala who casted him in the film Satyagraham, and then in Aha Naa-Pellanta! (1987), which became a breakthrough role for him. Sri Tatavataram, Directed by. B. Bhaskara Rao released later in 1988. 

Jandhyala introduced Bramhanandam during the shoot of Chantabbai and star hero Chiranjeevi took him in his next successful films Pasivadi Pranam and Swayam Krushi. The following years Bramhanandam appeared in several Telugu films, of which, his performance was were well noted, in the films Vivaha Bhojanambu (1988), Choopulu Kalisina Shubhavela (1988), Bandhuvulostunnaru Jagratha (1989), Muddula Mavayya (1989), Jagadeka Veerudu Atiloka Sundari (1990), Bobbili Raja (1990) and Bamma Maata Bangaru Baata (1990). During this time there was no other comedian who could bring laughter with facial expressions like him.

From 1991, Brahmanandam appeared in a variety of comedic roles and a few intense comedy roles. It is also said that his roles in in films like Kshana Kshanam (1991), Rowdy Alludu (1991), Chitram Bhalare Vichitram (1991), Jamba Lakidi Pamba (1992), Yamaleela (1994) areone of the main reasons for these films to be successful. He then became the choice for distributors to buy any films and the movies with his comedy role promised a minimum theatre run. In 1992, he played the lead role in Babai Hotel directed by Jandhyala.]

He won several Nandi Awards, CineMAA Awards, filmfare awards, Doctorate honours from Telugu Universities and felicitations from Telugu Associations world wide. He holds a Guinness World Record for the most screen credits for a living actor. Until the end of 1990s when many other actors considered comedian roles, he was the only choice from top production houses to star heroes and directors. In January 2009, the Government of India bestowed Padma Shri on Brahmanandam which was taken back for the violation of rules accompanying them. It is also observed in recent times that Bramhanadam started demanding respect, remuneration, displaying his authority with seniority. The young generation movie artists are now giving opportunities to younger upcoming comedians and Bramhanandam has now become a selected pick. Bramhanandam appeared on screen as Justice Balwant Chowdary in a comedy flick Jathi Ratnalu (2021) and as Judge K. B. Ananda Rao in Pawan Kalyan’s Bheemla Nayak (2022)

Brahmanandam married Lakshmi and has two sons, Raja Gautham and Siddharth. Gautham is also an actor, very vaguely known for films Pallakilo Pellikoothuru (2004), Basanthi (2014) and Manu (2018). In January 2019, Brahmanandam underwent a successful heart bypass surgery at Asian Heart Institute (AHI). Apart from acting, Brahmanandam is also an amateur sculptor and a sketch artist.