Nagarjuna Biography, career, Early Life, Net Worth, Age 2025

Akkineni Nagarjuna is a well known actor in Indian movies, mostly in Telugu films. He is also a producer and businessman. Born on August 29, 1959, he comes from a famous family in Telugu cinema. His father was the legendary actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao. Nagarjuna has acted in over 90 films and has won many awards, including national honors. He is famous for playing different kinds of roles, from action heroes to real life figures like saints and composers. Besides acting, he hosts TV shows and owns studios. This article looks at his life and work to help readers learn about him in a simple way. It covers his start in life, school years, how he began in films, key movies, TV work, his time on Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9, family, honors, money matters, upcoming work, his lasting impact, and ends with some common questions.

Nagarjuna’s story shows how hard work and family background can lead to success in entertainment. He has helped shape Telugu cinema by trying new styles and supporting fresh talent. Readers can see how he balances acting with business and charity. This makes him a role model for many.

Early Life

Akkineni Nagarjuna was born on August 29, 1959, in Chennai, which was called Madras back then. His parents were Akkineni Nageswara Rao, a big star in Telugu films, and Annapurna Akkineni. The family spoke Telugu at home and came from Ramapuram village in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh. They moved to Hyderabad soon after his birth. Growing up in a film family meant Nagarjuna saw the movie world from a young age. His father was a pioneer in Telugu cinema, acting in hundreds of films and winning top awards like the Padma Vibhushan.

As a child, Nagarjuna appeared in films even before he could walk. In 1961, at just eight months old, he was in Velugu Needalu, a movie with his father. Then in 1967, he played a small role in Sudigundalu as a child artist. These early spots were not planned careers but family fun. Life in Hyderabad was normal for him, away from too much spotlight at first. He had an elder brother named Akkineni Venkat, who later became a producer, and sisters like Akkineni Sathyavathi. The family was close, and his parents taught him values like hard work and kindness.

Nagarjuna’s early years shaped his love for stories and performance. Being around sets made him curious about acting, but he also liked sports and studies. He was college friends with cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth during his school time. This mix of film and normal life helped him stay grounded.

Education

Nagarjuna went to Hyderabad Public School for his basic schooling. This school is known for good education in Hyderabad. After that, he did his intermediate studies at Little Flower Junior College, also in Hyderabad. He was a good student and interested in science.

For higher studies, he started a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the College of Engineering, Guindy, part of Anna University in Chennai. He studied there for some time but then moved to the United States. In 1980, he finished his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

His education in engineering shows he had skills beyond acting. He could have worked as an engineer, but films called him back. This background helped him in business later, like running studios. Education made him think clearly and plan well, which is useful in movies and life.

Entry into the Entertainment Industry

Nagarjuna entered films as a baby in 1961 with Velugu Needalu. As a kid, he was in Sudigundalu in 1967. These were small parts because of his family.

His real start as a lead actor was in 1986 with Vikram. Directed by V. Madhusudhana Rao, it was a remake of the Hindi film Hero from 1983. People were curious to see the son of Akkineni Nageswara Rao act, so it did well at the box office. This launched him as a hero in Telugu cinema.

Soon after, he did films like Majnu in 1987 and Aakhari Poratam in 1988. These showed his range in romance and action. In 1989, Geetanjali by Mani Ratnam was a big hit and won a national award. Also in 1989, Siva by Ram Gopal Varma made him a star. It was a trendsetter with new style.

He entered Bollywood in 1990 with Shiva, a Hindi remake of Siva. It was successful too. His entry was smooth because of family ties, but he worked hard to prove himself.

Film Career Highlights

Nagarjuna’s film work spans many years with different roles. In the 1980s, after Vikram in 1986, he did Sankeertana in 1987 and Janaki Ramudu in 1988. Geetanjali in 1989 won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film. Siva in 1989 was a blockbuster and shown at international festivals.

In the 1990s, he did Neti Siddhartha in 1990, Nirnayam in 1991, and Khuda Gawah in 1992 with Amitabh Bachchan. Hello Brother in 1994 was fun, and Criminal in 1994 was action packed. Ninne Pelladata in 1996, which he produced, won a national award. Annamayya in 1997 had him as composer Annamacharya, earning him a special mention national award.

In the 2000s, Azad in 2000, Manmadhudu in 2002, and Mass in 2004 were hits. Super in 2005 and Don in 2007 showed his action side. Sri Ramadasu in 2006 was about composer Ramadasu.

In the 2010s, Rajanna in 2011, Shirdi Sai in 2012 as Sai Baba, and Manam in 2014 with family members were special. Soggade Chinni Nayana in 2016 had dual roles and was a success. Om Namo Venkatesaya in 2017 was devotional.

Recently, Wild Dog in 2021, Brahmastra Part One Shiva in 2022, and Naa Saami Ranga in 2024 kept him active. Coolie in 2025 is upcoming. He likes biographical films and has influenced trends like raw action in Siva.

Here is a list of some key films:

• Vikram (1986): Debut as lead.
• Geetanjali (1989): Romantic hit.
• Siva (1989): Action trendsetter.
• Shiva (1990): Bollywood entry.
• Ninne Pelladata (1996): Produced and acted.
• Annamayya (1997): As saint composer.
• Manmadhudu (2002): Comedy success.
• Mass (2004): Mass appeal.
• Sri Ramadasu (2006): Devotional role.
• Manam (2014): Family drama.
• Soggade Chinni Nayana (2016): Dual roles.

His films often mix entertainment with culture, like devotional stories.

Television Serial Successes

Nagarjuna started in TV as a producer. In 2009, he produced Yuva, a soap opera. He was a big owner in Maa TV channel until it sold to Star Network in 2015.

He hosted Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu, the Telugu Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, from June 9, 2014, to August 7, 2014, for 40 episodes, and then from December 9, 2014, to February 27, 2015, for 55 episodes. He won an award for TV leadership in 2015.

He acted in some Kannada TV like Garva in 2002. But his big success is hosting Bigg Boss Telugu from season 3 in 2019 onward. He brings charm and fairness to the show.

TV helped him reach more people beyond films. His hosting style is calm and wise, making shows popular.

Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9 Journey

Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9 started on September 7, 2025, on Star Maa and JioHotstar. Nagarjuna hosted it for the seventh time since season 3 in 2019. He earns about 30 crores for the season.

The season has new twists, like owners and tenants switching roles. Nagarjuna addresses issues firmly, like using paint to mark rule breakers on September 22, 2025. On day 13, September 20, 2025, he talked about behavior.

The premiere on September 7, 2025, was grand with Nagarjuna in stylish clothes. He locks contestants in the house and guides the game. This season includes common people too, first time. His hosting keeps the show exciting and fair.

As host, Nagarjuna shares life lessons and handles drama well. By October 2025, the season is ongoing with tasks and evictions. His journey shows his skill in reality TV.

Personal Life

Nagarjuna married Lakshmi Daggubati on February 14, 1984. She is from the Daggubati family, sister of actor Venkatesh. They had a son, Naga Chaitanya, born on November 23, 1986, who is now an actor. They divorced in 1990.

He married actress Amala Mukherjee on June 11, 1992. They met during a film shoot. They have a son, Akhil Akkineni, born on April 8, 1994, also an actor. The family is close, often working together in films like Manam in 2014.

Nagarjuna lives in Hyderabad. He does charity, like co founding Blue Cross of Hyderabad for animals with Amala. He supports HIV awareness and education. His personal life is stable, focusing on family and work

Net Worth

Nagarjuna has won two National Film Awards: Best Feature Film in Telugu for Ninne Pelladata in 1996, and Special Mention for Annamayya in 1997. He has ten Nandi Awards from Andhra Pradesh, including Best Actor for Annamayya in 1997 and Sri Ramadasu in 2006. He has three Filmfare Awards South, like Best Actor for Annamayya.

Other achievements include owning Annapurna Studios since 1976, started by his father. He is president of Annapurna College of Film and Media. He co owns sports teams like Mumbai Masters in badminton since 2013, Mahi Racing Team India, and Kerala Blasters FC in football.

He endorses brands like Kalyan Jewellers. In 2012 and 2013, he was in Forbes India’s top 100 celebrities. He produced animations and won an Emmy for a company he helped.

His net worth in 2025 is about 3500 crores. This comes from acting, production, real estate like N3 Realty, and businesses. He is one of the richest in South Indian cinema.

Here is a list of major awards:

• National Film Award Best Feature Film Telugu: Ninne Pelladata (1996)
• National Film Award Special Mention: Annamayya (1997)
• Nandi Award Best Actor: Annamayya (1997)
• Nandi Award Best Actor: Sri Ramadasu (2006)
• Filmfare Award Best Actor Telugu: Annamayya (1997)
• And more Nandi and Filmfare wins.

Future Projects

Nagarjuna has exciting work ahead. In 2025, he is in Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, with Dhanush. It is an action film about a coolie leader fighting crime.

His 100th film, tentatively King100, started shooting in October 2025. Directed by Ra Karthik, it may release in 2026. His sons Naga Chaitanya and Akhil will appear in cameos.

Old films like Shiva from 1990 re release on November 14, 2025, in 4K. Geetanjali from 1989 may re release too. These keep his work alive.

He may continue hosting Bigg Boss or do more TV. His projects mix action, family, and new ideas.

Legacy and Cultural Influence

Nagarjuna’s legacy is big in Telugu cinema. He comes from the Akkineni family, which has over 80 years in films. His father Akkineni Nageswara Rao was a pioneer, and Nagarjuna carried it forward with modern touches.

He influenced culture by playing saints like Annamacharya in 1997 and Sai Baba in 2012. These films spread devotion and history to young people. Siva in 1989 changed action styles, making them raw and real.

He supports education through his college and charity for animals and health. In 2010, he did an animated video for HIV awareness. He represented Telugu films at events like the 2013 Delhi Film Festival.

His family, with sons in acting, keeps the legacy going. He bridges old and new cinema, influencing stars today. His work promotes Telugu culture globally.

Conclusion

Akkineni Nagarjuna is a star who grew from a film family to a leader in cinema and beyond. From his early days in Hyderabad to hosting big shows and winning awards, his story inspires. He shows how education, hard work, and kindness lead to success. With future films and his impact on culture, he remains important. Readers can learn from his balanced life in entertainment.

FAQs

What is Nagarjuna’s full name?

Akkineni Nagarjuna.

When was he born? August 29, 1959.

What was his debut film as lead?

Vikram in 1986.

How many national awards has he won? Two.

What is his net worth in 2025?

About 3500 crores.

Who are his sons?

Naga Chaitanya and Akhil Akkineni.

What TV show does he host?

Bigg Boss Telugu.

What is his upcoming film?

Coolie in 2025.

What business does he own?

Annapurna Studios.

What charity does he support?

Blue Cross of Hyderabad for animals.