J. V. Somayajulu
Jonnalagadda Venkata Somayajulu (30 July 1920 or c. 1928 – 24 April 2004) was an Indian actor known for his works in Telugu cinema and a few Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi films. In 1981, he received the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu for his work in the classic Sankarabharanam. On the centenary of Indian cinema, Forbes included his performance in the film among the 25 Greatest Acting Performances of Indian Cinema.
J. V. Somayajulu | |
|---|---|
| Born | Jonnalagadda Venkata Somayajulu 30 July 1920 or c. 1928 Srikakulam district, Madras Presidency, British India |
| Died | 24 April 2004 Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Notable work | Sankara Sastry in Sankarabharanam, Tyagaraja in Tyagayya
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| Relatives | J. V. Ramana Murthy (brother) |
Some of the other films that earned Somayajulu a good reputation as an actor were Allari Pillalu, Nelavanka, Rowdy Alludu, Swathi Muthyam, Tyagayya, Saptapadi, Vijeta, Appula Appa Rao, Vamsa Vruksham and the Hindi film Jaag Utha Insan. He portrayed the guru character of Sri Raghavendra in the Tamil film Sri Raghavendrar. He made a 13-episode television serial based on the play Kanyasulkam. He also portrayed A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, in the biographical series Abhay Charan.