Suthi Veerabhadra Rao


Mamidipalli Veerabhadra Rao, commonly known as Suthi Veerabhadra Rao, was an Indian actor known for his comic and character roles in Telugu cinema. He was also a radio and theatre artist.

Early life

Veerabhadra Rao was the only son, and had two younger sisters. He hailed from the East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, and moved to Vijayawada due to his father's job. He did his schooling in 'AKTP school' and graduated from Andhra University, through 'SRR College', Vijayawada.

Career

Suthi Veerabhadra Rao was one half of the famous "Sutti Janta", the other being Velu. He was a popular Radio and Theater Artist from 1970–1980. He entered the film industry in 1981, and became popular with Naalugu Sthambaalata in 1982. Until his untimely death due to heart attack, at the age of 41, he acted in 200+ films.

Radio and theatre career

Veerabhadra Rao was interested in acting right from his childhood, he used to act in stage plays at school level. During his graduation days at SRR College, Vijayawada, he teamed with Jandhyala who was his classmate, and together, they participated in many competitions at university level. This team went on to become one of the hit teams in film industry with respect to comedy.
After Graduation, with love for theatre, he went on to become an employee of All India Radio, Vijayawada. While working there, he had staged many plays in Thummalapalli Kalakshetram, and Veledandla Hanumantharaya Grandhalayam, Vijayawada. He also participated in many plays that were broadcast from AIR. During his tenure with AIR, VJA, he worked with stalwarts of Telugu Theater and literature, like CSR Anajaneyulu, Vinnakota Ramanna Panthulu, Nanduri Subba Rao, C Rama Mohan Rao, Usha Sri, Vinnakota Vijayaram, Indrakanti Sreekanth Sarma, P Pandurangarao, Peri Kameswara Rao, Koka Sanjeeva Rao, A B Anand etc. Sri Balatranpu RajaniKantha Rao is instrumental for his entry into AIR. Sri Rajani would select his staff only if they could pronounce all the 56 letters of Telugu language, in a clear tone, with correct pronunciation and enunciation. His most popular stage play was Krishna Paksham presented at Konteru Nataka Parishath.

Film artist

He entered the Telugu film industry in 1981, with the film Jatara. However, he got noticed in the industry in 1982, through the film Naalugu Sthambaalata by Jandhayla. He became famous in Tollywood for his lengthy dialogues. From 1982 to 1988, he acted in over 200 films. During this period, he played different kinds of roles.
He was the main character in many of the earlier films of Naresh and Rajendra Prasad. He was approached by few producers and directors for a guest role, with the belief that his presence would make the film a hit. As a result, there are many films where he is seen, sometimes, even without credits. During his short tenure, he acted with most of the heroes of his time. At the time of his death in 1988, he completed the shooting for the film Choopulu Kalisina Subhavela, but, the voice dubbing remained. Jandhyala gave his voice for the character.

Personal life

Veerabhadra Rao married Sekhari in 1970 and has two children, a son and a daughter. His daughter died in 2013 from cancer.
He was an avid reader of Literature in Telugu and English. He had his own personal library consisting of some of the books such as Veyi Padagalu and Srimad Bhagavatham. He also had a big collection of plays written in Telugu.
He used to donate huge amounts of money for the needy, and there were many beneficiaries from him. He led a simple life, helping others, and doing what he liked to do. He was religious.

Death

While shooting for a song in the film Choopulu Kalisina Subhavela, there was a sprain in one of his legs. Being a diabetic, he could not recover immediately and was advised to take some rest, as he was working continuously for a long time.
He was admitted in a hospital for recovery. On 30 June 1988, he died of a drug-induced heart attack.

Filmography

Some of his popular films are:
YearTitleRoleNotes
1974Dorababu
1974Amma Manasu
1975Bharatamlo Oka Ammayi
1978Mallepoovu
1980Jathara
1981Erra Mallelu
1981Kondaveeti Simham
1982Nalugu Stambhalata
1982Kalahala KapuramAnnavaram
1982Brahmaa Nee Raata Taarumaaru
1982Manishiko Charithra
1983Bezawada BebbuliAchari
1983NelavankaAvadhanlu
1983Palletoori Monagadu
1983Rendu Jella Seetha
1983Ramarajyamlo Bheemaraju
1983Durga DeviGowripathi
1983Puttadi BommaMeka / medhavi kavi
1983Ananda Bhairavi
1983Konte Kodallu
1983Mugguru Ammayila MoguduTailor Subba Rao
1983Lanke BindeluMuthaiah
1983Moodu Mullu
1984Mayuri
1984Kanchu KagadaSadanandam
1984Rustum
1984Agni Gundam
1984Sundari Subbarao
1984Rama Rao Gopal Rao a.k.a. Rao Gopal Rao
1984Aparadhi
1984Eduruleni MonagalluSingareni Simhachalam
1984Merupu DaadiOwner of Fool&Son Guns Shop
1984Goonda
1984Srivariki Premalekha
1985Babayi-Abbayi
1985Preminchi Pelladu
1985Chattamtho PoratamPublic Prosecutor
1985Mayadari Maridi
1985Musugu DongaBhadrayya, the drunkard
1985ChiranjeeviThirupathayya
1985Vande Mataram
1985Terror
1985Raktha SindhuramDoctor
1985Mogudu Pellalu
1986Rendu Rella AaruAiravatham
1986Maa Vari Gola
1986Dora Bidda
1986Maruthi
1986Driver BabuDakshinamurthy
1986Swathi Muthyam
1986Chantabbai
1986Oka Radha Iddaru KrishnuluAnjneelu
1986Chadastapu Mogudu
1986Sri Shirdi Saibaba MahathyamBal Bhate
1986Santhi Nivasam
1986Poojaku Panikiraani Puvvu
1986Konte Kapuram
1986Jeevana Poratam
1986Padaharella Ammayi
1987Vijetha VikramS.P.Pithal
1987Rakshasa SamharamRaghava
1987Rowdy Police
1987Dabbevariki Chedu
1987Manmadha Leela Kamaraju GolaPandala Paramasivam
1987Paga SaadhistaHead Constable
1987Daada
1987Ajeyudu
1987Dammit Katha Addam Thirigindi
1987Saradhamba
1987Aha Naa Pellanta
1987Thene ManasuluMadanagopal's father
1987Maavoori Magadu
1987Madana Gopaludu
1988Vivaha Bhojanambu
1988Shri Datta Darshan
1988Sahasam Cheyara Dimbaka
1988Pelli Chesi Choodu
1988Station Master
1988Rowdy No.1Meesala Venkatappaiah
1988BandipotuMinister
1988Nyayaniki Siksha'Sayankalam' newspaper reporter
1988Choopulu Kalisina ShubhavelaPandurangam
1988O Tandri Theerpu
1988Neeku Naku Pellanta
1988Collector Vijaya
1988Chikkadu Dorakadu
1988Chinni Krishnudu
1989Krishna Gari Abbayi
1989Preminchi Choodu