From Ara Gundu Vedava To Jilebi

From Ara Gundu Vedava to Jilebi, Brahmanandam's Prasthanam! 

Getting critical acclaim by appearing in lead roles and winning huge fan base as an actor is probably something that every film industry is aware of. But, a comedian having huge fan following is something that takes place in Telugu cinema only and the person to create such a record is Brahmanandam. Today being Brahmanandam's birthday, we recall some of the meritorious hits of this legendary comedian.

Born on February 1, 1956 in a middle class family in Guntur district, Brahmanandam always used to tickle ribs of his near and dear ones with his expressions and puns. But none ever thought this talent would make him a comedy star on big screen. Brahmanandam himself never knew until he came across the versatile director Jandhyala. When he got a chance in a movie as Aha Naa Pellanta, which was directed by Jandhyala, Brahmanandam utilized the character to the best. As Ara Gundu Vedava (a fool with a half shaven head), Brahmanandam made everyone laugh out their lungs.

Jandhyala was perhaps the first director who showed novelty in comedy leaving no scope to double meanings. And Brahmanandam was equally first actor to live up to the expectations of Jandhyala and showed a different comedy on screen. Who can forget the expressions of Brahmanandam in Vivaha Bhojananbu when he's caught in the clutches of Sutti Veerabhadra Rao who forces him to do yoga.

By exploring the comedy to the maximum and giving out the best even in small roles, Brahmanandam shot into limelight in no time. At one point of time, there were no movies without casting Brahmanandam given that people preferred to go to movies wherein they get to see him. The pains he goes through as brother of Iron Leg Shastry showed that Brahmanandam can even play dark comedy.

While Brahmanandam was on the peak of his career, people almost saw all kinds of comedy genres of Brahmanandam. At that point of time, Ram Gopal Varma showed a different Brahmanandam to the audience. As a serious don with zero intelligence, Khan Dada character is certainly one of the most unique and important comedy characters in Telugu cinema till date. His famous dialogue—I want to talk to Nellore Pedda Reddy right now, is remembered till date. The credit obviously goes to Brahmi since he lived in the role.

Series of offers followed Brahmanandam, he appeared in almost all top star movies and he last appeared as Jilebi in Nayak and became instrumental in movie's success. Looking at the contribution he made to the cinema, the Government of India awarded him the title Padma Shri Brahmanandam in 2009. He entered Guiness World Records for getting most screen credits (587) between 1987 and 2010. Brahmanandam has also received an honorary doctorate.

It's a matter of pride to all of us for having an actor like Brahmanandam. He's the person who's close to all those people who cannot minus humour from their lives. Andhra Wishesh wishesh him a very happy birthday!

(AW Phani)