Brahmanandam

Kanneganti Brahmanandam (born 1 February 1956) is an Indian actor, comedian, and director known for his works predominantly in Telugu cinema. He currently holds the Guinness World Record for the most screen credits for a living actor, appearing in over 1,000 films to date. He was honoured with the Padma Shri, for his contribution to Indian cinema in 2009. Brahmanandam is regarded as one of the finest comic actors of India, noted particularly for his comic expressions. One of the highest-paid comedy actors in India, Brahmanandam has garnered six state Nandi Awards, one Filmfare Award South, six CineMAA Awards, and three South Indian International Movie Awards.

Early and personal life

Brahmanandam was born on 1 February 1956 in Sattenapalli, Guntur district of present-day Andhra Pradesh. Bramhanandam married Lakshmi and has two sons, Raja Gautham and Siddarth. Gautham is also an actor who starred in films such as Pallakilo Pellikuthuru (2004) and Manu (2018). Gautham is married and has a son born in 2017.

In January 2019, Brahmanandam underwent a successful heart bypass surgery at Asian Heart Institute (AHI) in Mumbai. 

Career

Brahmanandam initially worked as Telugu language lecturer in Attili of West Godavari district. He then made his film debut in Jandhyala’s directorial Aha Naa-Pellanta! (1987). He then played the lead role in Babai Hotel (1992).

Awards and honours

Civilian honors

• In January 2009, the government of India bestowed the title of Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award, on Brahmanandam for his contributions to art.

Guinness Book

• Guinness World Record for the most screen credits for a living actor.

Filmfare Awards

• Filmfare Award for Best Comedian – Telugu – Manmadhudu (2002)

Nandi Awards

• Nandi Award for Best Male Comedian – Money (1993)
• Nandi Award for Best Supporting Actor – Anna (1994)
• Nandi Award for Best Male Comedian – Anaganaga Oka Roju (1995)
• Nandi Award for Best Male Comedian – Vinodam (1996)
• Nandi Award for Best Male Comedian – Ready (2008)
• Nandi Award for Best Male Comedian – Race Gurram (2014)

CineMAA Awards

• CineMAA Award for Best Comedian – Manmadhudu, Dhee, Konchem Ishtam Konchem Kashtam, Adhurs & Dookudu

South Indian International Movie Awards

• SIIMA Award for Best Comedian (Telugu) – Dookudu (2011)
• SIIMA Award for Best Comedian (Telugu) – Baadshah (2013)
• SIIMA Award for Best Comedian (Telugu) – Race Gurram (2014)

Other

• Hyderabad Times Film Awards Best Actor in a Comic Role – Dookudu (2011)
• TSR – TV9 National Film Award for Best Comedian – Attarintiki Daredi (2013)

Filmography

Brahmanandam acted in more than 1,000 films.

Selected filmography