The ever-charming Nagarjuna Akkineni turns 66 today, and fans across the world are celebrating the man who has been redefining Telugu cinema for more than four decades. Few actors manage to stay relevant across generations the way he has, and it’s not just because of his looks. Nagarjuna is more than a movie star; he’s a scholar, mentor, philanthropist, and an inspiration both on and off the screen.
Here are some fascinating nuggets from his journey.
Started as a Child Artist
Not many remember this, but Nagarjuna’s acting journey began way back in 1961 when he appeared as a child in Velugu Needalu. He later featured in Sudigundalu (1967), directed by his legendary father, Akkineni Nageswara Rao. By 1986, he had his first big break as a hero in Vikram, and from there, there was no turning back.
An Engineer Before an Actor
Before stepping fully into cinema, Nagarjuna was busy with academics. He went abroad and earned a Master’s degree in Automobile Engineering from San Jose State University, USA. That’s not a background you often hear about in the film industry, and it reflects his curiosity and discipline early on.
Animal Lover at Heart
His compassion isn’t just for people but for animals too. Along with his wife Amala, he co-founded the Blue Cross of Hyderabad, which works tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate stray and injured animals. It’s one of those lesser-known sides of him that fans deeply admire.
Defying Age with Discipline
At 66, Nagarjuna continues to surprise everyone with his fitness and youthful energy. His secret? A strict routine – intermittent fasting, early dinners, clean eating, and workouts that he’s maintained for over 35 years. For him, age really is just a number.
Bringing Big Stars to TV
Long before it became common, Nagarjuna took the leap from big screen to television. He hosted Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu in 2014–15, earning praise for his warmth and poise. Later, he became the face of Bigg Boss Telugu, anchoring the show from Season 3 onwards (including Bigg Boss: Non-Stop). His presence gave the show a massive boost and helped television entertainment feel “bigger” in Telugu households.
A Versatile Star Across Genres
Nagarjuna has never been afraid to experiment. From the cult classic Shiva (1989) that changed the face of Telugu cinema, to the romantic Geetanjali, to the devotional masterpiece Annamayya – he’s explored every genre with ease. He’s also made a mark in Tamil and Hindi films. Most recently, audiences were surprised by his menacing turn as Simon in the Tamil film Coolie, a role that reminded everyone of his ability to reinvent himself.
“Nag-Sama” in Japan
Did you know Nagarjuna has a loyal fan base in Japan? Admirers there respectfully call him “Nag-Sama.” In Japanese, “Sama” is a title that conveys deep respect. His films like Shiva, Brahmastra, and more recently Manam have found warm reception among Japanese audiences – proof that his appeal goes beyond borders.
A Mentor Behind the Scenes
Nagarjuna isn’t just about his own stardom. At Annapurna Studios, he has quietly launched or supported nearly 40 directors, giving them the opportunity to shape some of Telugu cinema’s finest films. Many of today’s fresh voices owe their start to his encouragement.
As Nagarjuna Akkineni steps into his 66th year, he shows no signs of slowing down. His 100th film is already in the works, and fans can’t wait to see what he does next. One thing’s for sure, whether on screen, on TV, or behind the scenes, the “King” of Tollywood continues to inspire with his energy, grace, and passion for cinema.