Naresh (actor)
Indian actor, politician and social activist
title: "Naresh (actor)" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["telugu-male-actors", "living-people", "bharatiya-janata-party-politicians-from-andhra-pradesh", "telugu-politicians", "male-actors-from-andhra-pradesh", "indian-male-comedians", "telugu-comedians", "filmfare-awards-south-winners", "indian-male-film-actors", "male-actors-in-hindi-cinema", "male-actors-in-tamil-cinema", "nandi-award-winners", "indian-actor-politicians", "ramakrishna-mission-schools-alumni", "people-from-anantapur-district", "male-actors-in-telugu-cinema", "20th-century-indian-male-actors", "santosham-film-awards-winners", "1965-births"] description: "Indian actor, politician and social activist" topic_path: "arts" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naresh_(actor)" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0
::summary Indian actor, politician and social activist ::
::data[format=table title="Infobox person"]
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| name | Naresh |
| birth_name | K. Naresh Murthy |
| birth_date | |
| birth_place | Hindupur, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| occupation | |
| parents | Vijaya Nirmala (mother) K. S. Murthy (father) |
| family | See Nidudavolu Family |
| spouse | Rekha Supriya (divorced) |
| Ramya Raghupati (divorced) |
| | children | 3 | | yearsactive | 1970–1975 (child actor) 1982–present | ::
| name = Naresh | image = | caption = | birth_name = K. Naresh Murthy | birth_date = | birth_place = Hindupur, Andhra Pradesh, India | occupation = | parents = Vijaya Nirmala (mother) K. S. Murthy (father) | family = See Nidudavolu Family | spouse =Rekha Supriya (divorced) Ramya Raghupati (divorced)
| children = 3 | yearsactive = 1970–1975 (child actor) 1982–present
Naresh Murthy (born 20 January 1960), known mononymously as Naresh, is an Indian actor, politician, and activist, known mainly for his work in Telugu cinema and television. He began his acting career as a child artist in 1970 and went on to feature in approximately 200 films. Some of his notable films are Rendu Jella Sita (1983), Sreevariki Prema Lekha (1984), Sri Kanaka Mahalaxmi Recording Dance Troupe (1987), Manasu Mamatha (1990), Chitram! Bhalare Vichitram!! (1991), Jamba Lakidi Pamba (1992) and Samajavaragamana (2023).
Naresh received the state Nandi Award for Best Actor for Sogasu Chuda Taramaa? (1995), the Nandi Special Jury Award for Chitram Bhalare Vichitram (1991), and the platinum award for best feature film, Parampara (2014). He has also received one Television Nandi Award for his work in Doordarshan's Munimanikyam Gari Kantham Kadhalu.
He starred in the films Shrutilayalu (1987), that premiered at the International Film Festival of India and Hindustan The Mother (2000), which premiered at the International Film Festival of India, BFI London Film Festival and Mumbai Film Festival. In 2007 he appeared in Mee Sreyobhilashi, which also premiered at the International Film Festival of India. In 2014, he acted in Parampara, which won the Platinum Award for Best Feature at the International Indonesian Movie Awards, and premiered at the Jakarta International Film Festival.
Naresh received the Servant of the Poor award on the occasion of the 4th national meet of CNRI held during 4–6 November 2009 at New Delhi, presented by the union Minister for Rural Development C. P. Joshi. In 2017, he spoke about displaying arts in Indian films at the University of Bedfordshire in the presence of the vice chancellor.
Early and personal life
Naresh is the son of Telugu cinema actress Vijaya Nirmala and her first husband, K. S. Murthy. His father died when he was young.
Naresh has been married four times and divorced thrice, as of 2023. Naresh first married the daughter of senior dance master Srinu and the couple has a son named Naveen Vijaykrishna. The couple divorced and he married Rekha Supriya, the granddaughter of famous poet and film lyricist Devulapalli Krishna Sastri. The couple has a son named Teja. Naresh divorced his second wife and then married Ramya Raghupathi who was 15 years younger than him. The couple has a son. In 2023, he married Kannada actress Pavitra Lokesh, 19 years younger than him.
Career
Film
Naresh made his debut as a child actor in the film Pandanti Kapuram (1972) as well as Kavitha, and Santosh Sowbhagyam. He later made his debut as a lead actor, at the age of 17, with the box office hit Nalugu Stambhalata (1982), directed by Sri Jandhyala and produced by Navata Krishnam Raju. He followed it up with Prema Sankellu (1982), which was directed by his mother Vijaya Nirmala. His other notable works include Rendu Jella Sita (1983), Sreevariki Prema Lekha (1984), Sri Kanaka Mahalaxmi Recording Dance Troupe (1987), Bava Bava Panneeru (1989), Manasu Mamatha (1990), Jamba Lakidi Pamba (1993), and Gunasekhar's Sogasu Chuda Taramaa? (1995). After a small hiatus, he started his second innings as a supporting actor with Allari Ramudu in 2002, and then went on to appear in many memorable films such as: Dhanalakshmi, I Love You (2002), Malliswari (2004), Oka Oorilo (2005), Mee Sreyobhilashi (2007), Andari Bandhuvaya (2010), 100% Love (2011), Chandamama Kathalu and Drushyam (2014), Bhale Bhale Magadivoy (2015), Guntur Talkies (2016), Sathamanam Bhavati (2017), Rangasthalam (2018), and Sammohanam (2018).
Naresh served as the president of the Movie Artists Association.
Politics
Naresh is also an active politician, and a member of Bharatiya Janata Party state leader.
He worked as a state youth wing president of AP, and state secretary BJP, state general secretary vice president of BJP and also contested from Hindupur parliamentary seat. He also did a 125 km Padayatra from Icchampally Project to Warangal alongside C. Vidyasagar Rao for linking of "Krishna and Godavari" waters and is active in the Rayalaseema development. He is the founder president of KIV Kalakarula Ikya Vidika an NGO a non-profit and non-governmental organization, which works to protect ancient arts and support artists.
Filmography
Telugu films
::data[format=table]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Pandanti Kapuram | ||
| 1974 | Devadasu | ||
| 1975 | Santanam Sowbhagyam | ||
| 1982 | Nalugu Stambhalata | ||
| Prema Sankellu | |||
| 1983 | Puttadi Bomma | ||
| Agni Samadhi | |||
| Puli Debba | Naresh | ||
| Rendu Jella Sita | Gopi | ||
| 1984 | Yama Doothalu | ||
| Ooha Sundari | |||
| Chadarangam | Raja | ||
| Mukkopi | |||
| Kotha Dampathulu | |||
| Sreevariki Prema Lekha | |||
| 1985 | Shrivaari Sobhanam | ||
| Mogudu Pellalu | |||
| 1986 | Jeevana Poratam | ||
| Maavari Gola | |||
| Bhayam Bhayam | |||
| Aadi Dampatulu | |||
| Kirayi Mogudu | |||
| 1987 | Dammit Katha Addam Thirigindi | ||
| Pelliloyi Pellillu | |||
| Kulala Kurukshetram | |||
| Paga Sadistha | |||
| Srimathi Oka Bahumathi | |||
| Shrutilayalu | |||
| Sri Kanaka Mahalaxmi Recording Dance Troupe | Gopalam | ||
| 1988 | Choopulu Kalasina Shubhavela | ||
| Collector Vijaya | |||
| Premayanam | |||
| Nava Bharatham | |||
| 1989 | Bava Bava Panneeru | ||
| Two Town Rowdy | |||
| Sahasame Naa Oopiri | Shankar | ||
| Pinni | |||
| Gandipeta Rahasyam | |||
| Hai Hai Nayaka | Ramakrishna | ||
| Police Report | |||
| 1990 | Alajadi | ||
| Justice Rudrama Devi | |||
| Kokila | Siddhartha | ||
| Manasu Mamatha | |||
| Bujjigadi Babai | |||
| Irugilli Porugillu | |||
| Padmavati Kalyanam | |||
| Prajala Manishi | Vikram | ||
| Police Bharya | |||
| 1991 | Nenera Police | ||
| Naa Pellam Naa Ishtam | |||
| Prema Enta Madhuram | |||
| Shiva Shakti | |||
| Pichchi Pullayya | |||
| 1992 | Adrishtam | ||
| Chitram Bhalare Vichitram | Nimmagadda Rajeswara Rao "Raja"/Prema | Also singer for "Brahmachaarulam" | |
| Mogudu Pellala Dongata | |||
| Hello Darling | |||
| Pelli Neeku Shubham Naaku | |||
| 1993 | Enti Bava Mareenu | ||
| Chitikela Pandiri | |||
| Ladies Special | himself | ||
| Asale Pellaina Vanni | |||
| Jamba Lakidi Pamba | |||
| Konguchaatu Krishnaudu | |||
| Prema Chitram Pelli Vichitram | |||
| 1994 | Aame | Vikram | |
| Prema & Co | |||
| Pelli Koduku | |||
| 1995 | Sogasu Chuda Taramaa? | ||
| 1996 | Shri Krishnarjuna Vijayam | Narada | |
| Rendu Kutumbala Katha | |||
| 1997 | Mama Bagunnaavaa | ||
| Thoka Leni Pitta | |||
| 1998 | Life Lo Wife | ||
| 2000 | Hindustan The Mother | ||
| 2002 | Chandravamsam | ||
| Sontham | |||
| Allari Ramudu | |||
| Dhanalakshmi, I Love You | Babu Rao | ||
| 2003 | Villain | ||
| 2004 | Gowri | ||
| Malliswari | Prasad 's elder brother | ||
| 2005 | Chandra Vamsham | ||
| Oka Oorilo | |||
| Orey Pandu | |||
| 2006 | Nandanavanam 120km | ||
| Premante Inte | |||
| 2007 | Madhumasam | Sanjay's elder brother | |
| Maharathi | |||
| Mee Sreyobhilashi | Surya Prakash Rao | ||
| Veduka | |||
| Yamadonga | |||
| Yamagola Malli Modalayindi | Aishwarya's father | ||
| 2008 | Ankit, Pallavi & Friends | ||
| Naa Manasukemaindi | |||
| Ontari | |||
| Vaana | |||
| Andamaina Abaddam | |||
| 2009 | Maska | Krish's brother | |
| Vaade Kaavaali | |||
| 2010 | Maro Charitra | ||
| Andari Bandhuvaya | Nandu's father | ||
| Varudu | Deepthi's father | ||
| 2011 | 100% Love | Ramesh, Balu's father | |
| Mogudu | Shankar Rao | ||
| 2012 | Yamudiki Mogudu | Narada, Trishanku | |
| 2013 | 1000 Abaddalu | Satya’s father | |
| Aadu Magaadra Bujji | Siddhu’s father | ||
| 2014 | Anaamika | Home Minister | |
| Chandamama Kathalu | Mohan | ||
| Drushyam | Prabhakar | ||
| Mike Testing 143 | |||
| Ori Devudoy | |||
| Parampara | |||
| Chinnadana Nee Kosam | Nithin's father | ||
| 2015 | Beeruva | Surya Narayana | |
| Gaddam Gang | Dharmaraju | ||
| Bhale Bhale Magadivoy | Hanumantha Rao | ||
| Subramanyam for Sale | Subramanyam's father | ||
| 2016 | Eedu Gold Ehe | Buchchaiah Chowdary | |
| Guntur Talkies | Giri | ||
| Hyper | Narayana Murthy's friend | ||
| A...Aa | Ramalingam | ||
| Brahmotsavam | Mahalakshmi's brother | ||
| Garam | Ravi’s father | ||
| Nenu Sailaja | Hari's father | ||
| Sri Sri | |||
| 2017 | Sathamanam Bhavati | Bangarraju | |
| MCA (Middle Class Abbayi) | Nani's uncle | ||
| 2018 | Chalo | Abhi's Father | |
| Toli Prema | House Owner | ||
| Chal Mohan Ranga | Mohan's father | ||
| Rangasthalam | Koteswara Rao | ||
| Sammohanam | Sarvesh "Sarva" | ||
| Pedavi Datani Matokatundhi | |||
| Happy Wedding | Anand's father | ||
| Srinivasa Kalyanam | Raju | ||
| Sailaja Reddy Alludu | Venu Reddy | ||
| Mahanati | Cameraman Keshava | ||
| Devadas | Mohan, Das's brother | ||
| Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava | Saradhi | ||
| NTR: Kathanayakudu | B. A. Subba Rao | ||
| 24 Kisses | Sri Lakshmi's father | ||
| 2019 | 1st Rank Raju | Shoban Babu | |
| RDX Love | Villager | ||
| Prati Roju Pandage | Naresh Prasad | ||
| 2020 | Entha Manchivaadavuraa | Vijayakrishna | |
| Disco Raja | Kukuteshwar Rao | ||
| Bheeshma | Anand Prasad | ||
| Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya | Babji | ||
| V | Aditya's father | ||
| Amaram Akhilam Prema | Amar's father | ||
| Orey Bujjiga | Krishnaveni's father | ||
| Miss India | Siva Rama Krishna | ||
| Solo Brathuke So Better | Virat's father | ||
| 2021 | Jathi Ratnalu | Satish Janardhan | |
| Sreekaram | Ramana | ||
| Rang De | Arjun's father | ||
| Sridevi Soda Center | Sanjeev Rao | ||
| Tuck Jagadish | Sathi Babu | ||
| Maestro | Mohan | ||
| Pushpaka Vimanam | School headmaster | ||
| Drushyam 2 | Prabhakar | ||
| Arjuna Phalguna | Village Sarpanch | ||
| 2022 | Super Machi | ||
| Hero | Arjun's father | ||
| Ghani | Ghani's college coach | ||
| Ante Sundaraniki | Sundar's father | ||
| Ranga Ranga Vaibhavanga | Rishi's father | ||
| Swathi Muthyam | Bhagi's father | ||
| Ginna | Veera Swamy | ||
| 2023 | Anni Manchi Sakunamule | Sudhakar | Nominated–SIIMA Award for Best Supporting Actor – Telugu |
| Malli Pelli | Narendra | Also Producer | |
| Samajavaragamana | Uma Maheshwara Rao | ||
| The Great Indian Suicide | Ballari Neelakantam | ||
| Martin Luther King | Jogi | ||
| 2024 | Veeranjaneyulu Viharayatra | Vididhinti Nageswara Rao | |
| Mechanic Rocky | Nagumomu Ramakrishna | ||
| 2025 | Game Changer | Ram’s adoptive father | |
| Sankranthiki Vasthunam | D. Keshava | ||
| Jack | Prasad | ||
| Sri Sri Sri Raja Vaaru | Subbaraju | ||
| Show Time | A. Varada Rajulu | ||
| Sundarakanda | Surendra | ||
| Beauty | Narayana | ||
| K-Ramp | Naresh | ||
| Enuguthondam Ghatikachalam | Ghatikachalam | ||
| Mass Jathara | Dharmaraju | ||
| 2026 | Nari Nari Naduma Murari | Karthik | |
| :: |
Tamil films
::data[format=table]
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Nenjathai Allitha | Murali |
| 1985 | Porutham | |
| 2014 | Malini 22 Palayamkottai | Prakash |
| Nee Enge En Anbe | Home Minister | |
| 2015 | Sandamarutham | DGP |
| 2016 | Peigal Jaakkirathai | Saravanan's father |
| :: |
Television
::data[format=table]
| Year | Title | Role | Network | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Munimanikyam gari Kantham Kathalu | Venkata Rao | Doordarshan | ||
| 1997 | Popula Pette | Kameswara Rao "Kamesam" | ETV | ||
| 2003 | Amrutham | Icchapurapu Amrutha Rao | Gemini TV | Episodes 63–105 | |
| 2008 | Open Heart with RK | Himself | ABN Andhra Jyothi | ||
| 2009 | Count Down | Himself | ETV | ||
| 2012 | Maa Nanna | Sivayya | Gemini TV | ||
| 2013 | Mahalakshmi Nivasam | Viswanatha Raju | Gemini TV | ||
| 2019 | Alitho Saradaga | Himself | ETV | Episode 114 | |
| 2021 | Oka Chinna Family Story | Haridas | ZEE5 | ||
| 2022 | Modern Love Hyderabad | Amazon Prime Video | |||
| 2023 | Maya Bazaar For Sale | ZEE5 | |||
| :: |
Awards
- Nandi Award for Best Actor – Sogasu Chuda Taramaa? (1995)
- Nandi Special Jury Award – Chitram Bhalare Vichitram (1992)
- Nandi Award for Best Character Actor – Parampara (2013)
- Nandi Award for Best Character Actor – Sathamanam Bhavati (2017)
- Best Character Actor Award – Sathamanam Bhavati (2017) at 17th Santosham Film Awards
- Nandi Best Actor Television – Munimanikyam Gari Kantham Kadhalu (1991)
- SVR Character Award – Sathamanam Bhavati (2017)
- Received the title H.E. (his Excellency) and received a PhD in arts from the U.N. ICDRHRP (2018)
References
References
- (27 June 2019). "Telugu actor-director, Guinness Record holder, Vijaya Nirmala passes away at 73".
- Atluri, Sri. (7 February 2016). "Nalugu Stambhalata (1982)".
- Srinivas, M.. (2 November 2014). "Acting my profession, politics passion: Naresh". The Hindu.
- "Check out lists of Movies by #Naresh(teluguActor) #Filmography".
- (11 December 2009). "Actor Naresh plays father roles – Telugu Movie News".
- "United Nations Organization To Honour Naresh Photos".
- (20 March 2018). "United Nations organization to Honour Naresh".
- (26 September 2014). "Naresh's Parampara Awarded Platinum Award in Indonesia".
- "Hey hhro Naresh Open Heart with RK part 2 of 2".
- "Directorate of Film Festival".
- "Latest Releases".
- "HINDUSTAN THE MOTHER". British Film Institute.
- "Mumbai Film Festival – Archives".
- "Telugu cinema news -".
- (25 September 2014). "International recognition for 'Parampara'".
- "Parampara Telugu Movie 2014".
- "Tollywood movie star pays a visit to Bedfordshire". University of Bedfordshire.
- (27 November 2019). "I want to be an all-rounder actor: Actor Naresh VK".
- (23 October 2017). "Senior Actor Naresh Over His Marriage Controversies {{!}} Open Heart With RK {{!}} ABN Telugu".
- Kavirayani, Suresh. (5 April 2016). "Rekha and I are still friends: Naresh".
- Chowdhoury, Sunita Y. (8 August 2011). "With hope in her heart". [[The Hindu]].
- Kavirayani, Suresh. (11 February 2014). "We are Family". Deccan Chronicle.
- (9 July 2022). "Actor Naresh 3 Wives: You will be shocked to know who Naresh's 3 wives and children are..! {{!}} Naresh three wives full details in this video".
- (30 May 2023). "“We Can, But…”: Naresh Opens Up About Having A Kid With Wife Pavitra Lokesh".
- (30 June 2019). "Senior Actor Naresh {{!}} Open Heart With RK Full Episode {{!}} ABN Telugu".
- (26 June 2011). "my first break NARESH". The Hindu.
- "MAA New Committee – Movie Artist Association".
- (22 December 2013). "The new beginning". Deccan Chronicle.
- "Naresh Actor's Foundation to protect Arts and Artists, Kalakaarula Ikya Vedika Ananthapur".
- (20 November 2018). "State bifurcation has affected traditional art forms, says Naresh". The Hindu.
- "Telugu Tv Serials No 23 Mahalakshmi Nivasam – Nettv4u".
- Stories, Prajasakti News. "యుఎన్ఓ కౌన్సిల్ జనరల్గా నరేశ్".
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