Rajasekhar (actor)

Rajasekhar was born on 4 February 1962 in Lakshmipuram, Theni district, Tamil Nadu.^[5] Although his mother tongue is Tamil, he identifies himself as Telugu.^[6] His father, Varadharajan Gopal, originally from Chittoor district, worked as a Sub-Inspector of Police in Guntur district, where his mother, Andalu, also hails from. According to Rajasekhar, the family migrated to Tamil Nadu and later returned to Andhra Pradesh.^[6][7][8] His brother, Selva, has acted in Tamil films as a lead actor. Before entering the film industry, Rajasekhar studied medicine (M.B.B.S.) and practiced in Aminjikarai, Chennai while also studying acting course at Adyar film institute to pursue his acting dreams.^[9][5]

Rajasekhar is a practicing Saiva Hindu, after undergoing a transformative personal experience during his formative years.^[10]

He married erstwhile actress Jeevitha and has two daughters.^[11] Their younger daughter Shivathmika debuted with Dorasaani, in 2019 while their elder daughter Shivani debuted with Adbhutham, in 2021.

Recently, Jeevitha was named as one of the nine members of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), with Pahlaj Nihalani as chairman.^[12]

Rajashekhar made his acting debut in Tamil with Pudhumai Penn (1984) and also had a character role in Puthiya Theerpu (1985) with Vijayakanth. His Telugu film debut was in 1985 with Vande Mataram. Since then, he has acted in variety of films such as Pratighatana, Repati Pourulu, Station Master, Sruthilayalu, Kashmora, Aradhana, Talambralu, Aruna Kiranam, Mamatala Kovela and Akka Mogudu.

Some of his notable films include Aahuthi, Aartanaadam Nyayam Kosam, Ankusam, Magaadu, Rowdyism Nasinchali, Papa Kosam, Moratodu Naa Mogudu, Anna, Balarama Krishnulu, Agraham, Sivayya, and Evadaithe Nakenti. He is known as the angry young man of Telugu cinema. ^[5]

He has acted in more than 75 movies though he is mocked for his diction. His voice for most of his Telugu movies was dubbed by Telugu actor Saikumar till 1996 and then was taken over by Srinivasa Moorthy who started dubbing for him in 1997, when he won his first Nandi award for the movie Sivayya. Except for the 2003 film Villain, where Sai's younger brother P. Ravi Shankar dubbed for both Rajasekhar and Vijayan, respectively.

Later, he also gained fame for his family drama films such as Maa Aayana Bangaram, Suryudu, Simharasi, Maa Annayya, Deergha Sumangali Bhava, Manasunna Maaraju and Gorintaku. He was also applauded for his performance in the romance film Allari Priyudu.

He is considered a versatile actor.^[13] His performance in Omkaram is a classic example of that, which was directed by Kannada director Upendra. His electrifying performance in the movie Sheshu was applauded critically. His biggest hit of the career came in the year 2007 with Evadaithe Nakenti and his last genuine hit as a lead actor was Gorintaku in the year 2008 until he again tasted success with PSV Garuda Vega in 2017.

Ithu Thaanda Police, the Tamil dub of Ankusam was a hit.^[14] His Telugu films were dubbed in Tamil such as Magaadu as Meesaikaran.

• All films are in Telugu, unless otherwise noted.

• Nandi Award for Best Villain - Talambralu (1986)^[18]
• Filmfare Award for Best Actor - Telugu - Magaadu (1990)^[19]
• Filmfare Award for Best Actor - Telugu - Anna (1994)^[20][21]