Krishna Vamsi
Krishna Vamsi | |
---|---|
Born | Pasupuleti Venkata Bangarraju[1] 28 July 1962 |
Occupations |
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Years active | 1995–present |
Spouse | |
Children | 1 |
Pasupuleti Venkata Bangarraju (born 28 July 1962), known professionally as Krishna Vamsi, is an Indian film director, screenwriter, and producer known for his work in Telugu cinema.[2][3] Over a career spanning three decades, he has received three National Film Awards, nine Nandi Awards, and three Filmfare Awards South.[4][5]
Krishna Vamsi began his career as an assistant director to Ram Gopal Varma and made his directorial debut with the 1995 romantic crime film Gulabi. In 1996, he directed Ninne Pelladata, which became one of the highest-grossing Telugu films at the time. He later directed the critically acclaimed Sindhooram (1997), under his production house Andhra Talkies. Both films won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu.[6][7] Other notable films directed by Krishna Vamsi include Anthahpuram (1998), Murari (2001), Khadgam (2002), Danger (2005), Chandamama (2007), Mahatma (2009), Govindudu Andarivadele (2014), and Rangamarthanda (2023).
Early life
[edit]Krishna Vamsi was born as Pasupuleti Venkata Bangarraju into a family that frequently relocated due to his father’s job in the Public Works Department, spending his childhood in various towns including Rayalaseema, Godavari, Vizag, and Ongole. He developed a passion for films early on, often watching multiple films a day during his school years. He completed a B.Sc. degree from Tadepalligudem and an M.A. in Agricultural Economics from Agra University.[8]
Career
[edit]Although his father encouraged him to pursue civil services, Krishna Vamsi chose to work as an exhibitor in Tadepalligudem, where he gained insights into the film industry. He moved to Madras (now Chennai) to seek opportunities in cinema, starting as a light boy and later working as an assistant cameraman. Krishna Vamsi’s initial career experiences were shaped by observing filmmakers, particularly directors and technicians, and learning the craft of filmmaking.[8]
In 1987, he began working as an assistant director for a film produced by Silk Smitha. Despite facing financial difficulties and production delays, he persisted and gained further experience working with editor Goutam Raju and assistant director Siva Nageswara Rao. Krishna Vamsi’s breakthrough came when he met Ram Gopal Varma, an emerging filmmaker. Krishna Vamsi worked as an assistant director on Varma’s projects, including Siva (1989), and gained a deeper understanding of filmmaking.[8]
After Siva, Krishna Vamsi continued working with Ram Gopal Varma on several films, including Kshana Kshanam (1991), Raat (1992), and Antham (1992). He later directed Money Money (1994), a sequel to Money (1993), under Varma’s banner but was not credited for his work. His next project, Anaganaga Oka Roju (1995), faced financial difficulties and creative differences with Ram Gopal Varma, leading to Varma taking over the direction.[8]
Krishna Vamsi’s subsequent film, Gulabi (1995), marked his directorial debut, though it faced challenges with its cast and production. Despite initial setbacks, the film caught the attention of actor Nagarjuna, who offered Vamsi the opportunity to direct a film for Annapurna Studios titled Ninne Pelladatha (1996), which became one of the highest-grossing Telugu films at the time.[8]
Personal life
[edit]Krishna Vamsi is married to actress Ramya Krishna, a South Indian actress.[9][10] Before their marriage, Ramya Krishna appeared in his film Chandralekha (1998).[11]
Krishna Vamsi is an admirer of lyricist Sirivennela Sitarama Sastry, who wrote lyrics for several of Vamsi's films. Sitarama Sastry also adopted Krishna Vamsi in the traditional Hindu manner, though not legally.
Filmography
[edit]Year | Name | Notes |
---|---|---|
1995 | Gulabi | Nandi Award for Best First Film of a Director |
1996 | Ninne Pelladata | National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu Filmfare Best Director Award (Telugu) |
1997 | Sindhooram | National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu (Producer & Director) Nandi Award for Second Best Feature Film – Silver |
1998 | Chandralekha | Remake of Chandralekha |
1998 | Anthahpuram | Filmfare Best Director Award (Telugu) |
1999 | Samudram | |
2001 | Murari | Nandi Award for Second Best Feature Film |
2002 | Shakti: The Power | Hindi remake of Antahpuram |
2002 | Khadgam | Nandi Award for Best Director
Sarojini Devi Award for a Film on National Integration |
2004 | Sri Anjaneyam | |
2005 | Chakram | Nandi Award for Best Director |
2005 | Danger | |
2006 | Rakhi | |
2007 | Chandamama | Nandi Award for Best Director |
2009 | Sasirekha Parinayam | |
2009 | Mahatma | |
2011 | Mogudu | |
2014 | Paisa | |
2014 | Govindudu Andarivadele | Nandi Award for Best Story Writer |
2017 | Nakshatram | |
2023 | Rangamarthanda | Adaptation of Natsamrat |
References
[edit]- ^ Krishna (28 July 2019). "తెలుగు సినిమా సింధూరం 'కృష్ణవంశీ'". HMTV (in Telugu). Retrieved 2 August 2021.
- ^ Chat with Telugu director Krishna Vamsi. Rediff.com (4 February 2009). Retrieved on 8 July 2012.
- ^ Arts / Cinema : 'I wanted to do something real'. The Hindu (12 November 2011). Retrieved on 7 July 2012.
- ^ "'Rangamarthanda' Shows How Money Has Infiltrated Our Sanity: Krishna Vamsi". 11 July 2022.
- ^ "Krishna Vamsi: Rangamarthanda is about an actor's life and psyche after his career is over". Cinema Express. 4 January 2023.
- ^ "45th National Film Awards" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. Retrieved 11 March 2012.
- ^ "44th National Film Awards" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. Retrieved 9 January 2012.
- ^ a b c d e Jeevi (16 July 1999). "Interview with Krishna Vamsi Part - 1". Idlebrain.com. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
- ^ "Ramya weds Krishna Vamsi". Rediff.com. 11 June 2003.
- ^ "Krishna Vamsi is jealous of Ramya Krishna". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 13 February 2014. Retrieved 16 July 2012.
- ^ "Krishna Vamsi to marry Ramyakrishna". The Times of India. 10 June 2003. Archived from the original on 30 April 2013. Retrieved 2 December 2013.