S. V. Ranga Rao (Samarla Venkata Ranga Rao)

Birth and Early Life

• Full Name: Samarla Venkata Ranga Rao
• Popularly Known As: S. V. R.
• Born: July 3, 1918
• Place of Birth: Nuzvidu, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Demise

• Died: July 18, 1974
• Place of Death: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Career Highlights

S. V. Ranga Rao, widely revered as “Viswa Nata Chakravarthi,” was an iconic Indian film actor, director, and producer. He was celebrated for his natural acting style and his ability to portray a wide range of powerful mythological characters.
He immortalised roles such as Ravana, Ghatotkacha, Duryodhana, Kamsa, and Keechaka, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema, particularly Telugu cinema.

Awards and Achievements

• National Rashtrapati Award for Best Actor:
  • Annai (1962)
  • Sarada (1962)
  • Naanum Oru Penn (1963)
  • Karpagam (1963)
  • Nartanasala (1963)
• International Recognition:
  • Best Actor Award at the Indonesian Film Festival, Jakarta (1963) for his legendary performance as Keechaka in Nartanasala.
• Filmfare Special Award – South:
  • For Naanum Oru Penn.
• Nandi Awards (as Director):
  • Best Feature Film from Government of Andhra Pradesh for:
    • Chadarangam (1967)
    • Bandhavyalu (1968)

Philatelic Tribute

A commemorative postage stamp was issued honouring Samarla Venkata Ranga Rao, celebrating him as one of the finest method actors in Indian and Telugu cinema.
This stamp is part of the prestigious series “100 Years of Indian Cinema.”