Rao Gopal Rao (14 January 1937 – 13 August 1994) was an Indian actor who primarily worked in Telugu cinema and theater. Rao was also a Member of Parliament.
During a career that spanned over forty years, Rao starred in more than four hundred feature films. Rao was known for his gruesome portrayals of lead antagonist roles with a touch of humor. He was an actor and assistant director, known for Thyagayya (1981), Ooriki Monagadu (1981) and Kondaveeti Donga (1990).
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Acting and Politics
Gopal Rao was born on 14 January 1937 in Ganganaparu, East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, India. In his early career, he ran his own company, Associated Amateur Drama Company, and did a bunch of plays. S. V. Ranga Rao saw his plays and recommended him to Gutta Ramineedu, who was making Bhakta Potana (1966). He was an assistant director on this movie. As an assistant director, he worked on Bangaru Sankellu and Mooga Prema. Then he became an actor. He acted as a villain in the film Jagat Kiladilu, which was led by Krishna. He also produced hit films like Station Master. N.T.R. influenced Rao Gopal Rao into joining the Telugu Desam Party and appointed him to the legislative council. From 1986 to 1992, he was a member of the Rajya Sabha. He served in the Rajya Sabha from 3 April 1986 to 2 April 1992.
He was married to Rao Kamala Kumari.
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Award and Legacy
In 1990, Rao was awarded the Kala Prapoorna by Andhra University, and in 1987 he was awarded the Natavirat and the Chittoru Nagayya Award, Gutta Ramineedu, S. V. Ranga Rao, Telugu Desam Party
Death
He died on 13 August 1994, aged 57.
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