# Gummadi (actor)

Gummadi Venkateswara Rao (born 9 July 1926 – 26 January 2010), known mononymously by his surname Gummadi, was an Indian actor and producer, who worked predominantly in Telugu cinema and a few Tamil films. Known as one of the finest supporting/character actors in Telugu cinema, Gummadi acted in around five hundred feature films. He received critical recognition for his work in Thodu Dongalu (1954) and Mahamantri Timmarusu (1962), for which he received the erstwhile Rashtrapati Award. Gummadi was an official member of the Indian delegation from South India to the Tashkent Film Festival in 1978 and 1982.
Gummadi served as a jury member thrice for the 28th, 33rd and 39th National Film Awards. He served twice on the state Nandi Awards Committee.
In 1977, he was awarded India's fourth-highest civilian honor Padma Shri for his contribution to Indian cinema. He is widely known for his roles in films such as Mayabazar (1957), Maa Inti Mahalakshmi (1959), Kula Daivam (1960), Kula Gothralu (1962), Jyothi (1976), Nelavanka (1981), Maro Malupu (1982), Ekalavya (1982), Ee Charitra Ye Siraatho? (1982), Gaaju Bommalu (1983) and Pelli Pustakam (1991).
In 2008, he starred in Jagadguru Sree Kasinayana Charitra, which would be his last film.

## Personal life

Gummadi was married and had five daughters and two sons. He died of multiple organ failure at Care hospital, Hyderabad on 26 January 2010. His last public appearance was at the screening of Maya Bazar, which had been colourised. Here he expressed his happiness and said, "Watching this great movie in colour probably could have been the only reason for me to have stayed alive for so long."

## Written works

Gummadi wrote his memoirs of Telugu cinema in Teepi Gurthulu and Chedu Gnapakalu.

## Awards
### Civilian honors

* Padma Shri - Government of India - 1977

### Rashtrapati Awards

* Best acting for Mahamantri Timmarusu (1963)

### Nandi Awards

* Raghupathi Venkaiah Award for contribution to Telugu cinema (1998)
* Nandi Award for Best Supporting Actor - Maro Malupu (1982)

### Other Honors

* 1963 - Honorary Doctorate - Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University
* 1976 - Filmfare Special Award for Excellent Performance - Jyothi

## Selected filmography

List of Gummadi film credits :
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1950 | Adrushta Deepudu | | |
| 1953 | Pichi Pullayya | Bhopala Rao | |
| 1954 | Thodu Dongalu | Lokanatham | |
| 1955 | Kanyasulkam | Sowjanya Rao Pantulu | |
| 1955 | Ardhangi | Zameendaar | |
| 1955 | Jayasimha | Ranadhir | |
| 1955 | Missamma | Employer (guest role) | |
| 1955 | Rani Ratnaprabha | Dharmapala | |
| 1956 | Chiranjeevulu | Dr. Krishna | |
| 1956 | Edi Nijam | Munusabu | |
| 1956 | Ilavelpu | Sekhar's father | |
| 1956 | Pennin Perumai | | |
| 1957 | Suvarna Sundari | Tata | |
| 1957 | Maya Bazaar | Balarama | |
| 1957 | Dampatyam | | |
| 1957 | Dongallo Dora | Inspector Ram Murthy | |
| 1957 | MLA | Damodaram | |
| 1957 | Premada Putri | | Kannada film |
| 1957 | Preme Daivam | | |
| 1957 | Sarangadhara | | |
| 1957 | Sati Anasuya | | |
| 1957 | Veera Kankanam | | |
| 1957 | Vinayaka Chaviti | Satrajit | |
| 1958 | Aadapettanam | | |
| 1958 | Chenchu Lakshmi | Durvasa | |
| 1958 | Dongalunnaru Jagratha | | |
| 1958 | Ettuku Pai Ettu | Govindaiah | |
| 1958 | Intiguttu | Tirumala Rao | |
| 1959 | Illarikam | Zamindar | |
| 1959 | Jayabheri | Viswanatha Sastri | |
| 1959 | Krishna Leelalu | Vasudeva | |
| 1959 | Maa Inti Mahalakshmi | | |
| 1959 | Nammina Bantu | Zamindar Bhujanga Rao | |
| 1959 | Pelli Sandadi | | |
| 1959 | Raja Makutam | Prachandudu | |
| 1959 | Sabhash Ramudu | | |
| 1959 | Sati Tulasi | | |
| 1959 | Sipayi Kooturu | | |
| 1960 | Deepavali | Nagadattudu | |
| 1960 | Harishchandra | Vishwamitra Maharshi | |
| 1960 | Pelli Kaanuka | | |
| 1960 | Renukadevi Mahatyam | | |
| 1960 | Sahasra Siracheda Apoorva Chintamani | Evil sorcerer | |
| 1960 | Shantinivasam | | |
| 1960 | Sri Venkateswara Mahatyam | Bhrigu Maharshi | |
| 1961 | Bharya Bharthalu | Anand's father | |
| 1961 | Iddaru Mitrulu | Bhanoji Rao | |
| 1961 | Rishyashringar | | |
| 1961 | Rushyashrunga | | |
| 1961 | Santa | | |
| 1961 | Sri Seetha Rama Kalyanam | Vishwamitra Maharshi | |
| 1961 | Tandrulu Kodukulu | | |
| 1961 | Vagdanam | Ranganatham | |
| 1961 | Velugu Needalu | | |
| 1962 | Aradhana | Principal | |
| 1962 | Bhishma | Karna | |
| 1962 | Constable Koothuru | | |
| 1962 | Kalimilemulu | | |
| 1962 | Khaidi Kannaiah | | |
| 1962 | Kula Gothralu | Bhushaiah | |
| 1962 | Mahamantri Timmarusu | Mahamantri Timmarusu | |
| 1962 | Siri Sampadalu | Jagapati Naidu | |
| 1963 | Chaduvukunna Ammayilu | Venkat Rangayya | |
| 1963 | Irugu – Porugu | | |
| 1963 | Lakshadhikari | Seetayya | |
| 1963 | Mooga Manasulu | Zamindar | |
| 1963 | Paruvu Prathishta | | |
| 1963 | Punarjanma | Zamindar | |
| 1963 | Savati Koduku | | |
| 1963 | Sri Krishnarjuna Yudham | Yudhishthira | |
| 1963 | Tirupathamma Katha | | |
| 1964 | Aatmabalam | Psychiatrist | |
| 1964 | Aggimeedha Guggilam | as king | |
| 1964 | Dr. Chakravarthy | Inspector Sridhar | |
| 1964 | Manchi Manishi | | |
| 1964 | Murali Krishna | | |
| 1964 | Pooja Phalam | Diwan Ramakrishnaiah | |
| 1964 | Ramadasu | Kabir | |
| 1964 | Varasatwam | | |
| 1965 | Pandava Vanavasam | Yudhishthira | |
| 1965 | Aatma Gowravam | Ramaiah | |
| 1965 | Antastulu | Zamindar | |
| 1965 | Chandrahasa | | |
| 1965 | CID | Chalapathi | |
| 1965 | Keelu Bommalu | | |
| 1965 | Naadi Aada Janme | | |
| 1965 | Preminchi Choodu | Subbarayudu | |
| 1965 | Satya Harishchandra | | |
| 1965 | Visala Hrudayalu | Viswanatham | |
| 1966 | Aastiparulu | Zamindar | |
| 1966 | Bhakta Potana | Pothana | |
| 1966 | Loguttu Perumallukeruka | Chidambaram | |
| 1966 | Kanne Manasulu | | |
| 1966 | Navarathri | Radha's father | |
| 1966 | Palnati Yuddham | | |
| 1966 | Shri Krishna Pandaviyam | | |
| 1967 | Kambojaraju Katha | | |
| 1967 | Poola Rangadu | Chalapathi | |
| 1967 | Prana Mithrulu | Diwan | |
| 1967 | Pattukunte Padivelu | Satyamurthy | |
| 1967 | Private Master | Sundari's father | |
| 1967 | Rahasyam | Sriganda Prabhu | |
| 1968 | Bandhipotu Dongalu | Doctor | |
| 1968 | Sudigundalu | Defence Lawyer | |
| 1968 | Bangaru Gaajulu | Chandra Shekaram | |
| 1968 | Bangaru Sankellu | | |
| 1968 | Chuttarikalu | | |
| 1968 | Govula Gopanna | Chairman Nagaraju | |
| 1968 | Mana Samsaram | | |
| 1968 | Aggi Meeda Guggilam | | |
| 1968 | Pala Manasulu | | |
| 1969 | Sri Rama Katha | Makaradhwaja Maharaju | |
| 1969 | Adrushtavanthalu | | |
| 1969 | Aadarsa Kutumbam | | |
| 1969 | Aatmiyulu | Jagannadham | |
| 1969 | Bhale Abbayilu | Koteswara Rao | |
| 1969 | Bhale Rangadu | | |
| 1969 | Jagath Kiladeelu | Commissioner Sinha | |
| 1969 | Buddhimanthudu | D.E.O | |
| 1969 | Manushulu Marali | | |
| 1969 | Shri Rama Katha | | |
| 1969 | Tara Sasankam | | |
| 1970 | Agni Pareeksha | | |
| 1970 | Akka Chellelu | Dharmayya | |
| 1970 | Jai Jawan | Madhava Rao | |
| 1970 | Jagath Jetteelu | S.P. Chandrashekhar | |
| 1970 | Amma Kosam | Raghurama Rao | |
| 1970 | Maro Prapancham | | |
| 1970 | Sridevi | | |
| 1970 | Kathanayika Molla | | |
| 1971 | Amayakuralu | | |
| 1971 | Bhagyavanthudu | | |
| 1971 | Bharya Biddalu | | |
| 1971 | Dasara Bullodu | Vasu | |
| 1971 | Mosagallaku Mosagadu | Daanala Dharmayya | |
| 1971 | Nenu Manishine | | |
| 1971 | Prem Nagar | Lata's father | |
| 1971 | Sampoorna Ramayanam | Dasharadha | |
| 1971 | Shri Krishna Satya | | |
| 1971 | Shrimanthudu | | |
| 1971 | Sisindri Chittibabu | | |
| 1971 | Suputhrudu | | |
| 1971 | Vichithra Dampathyam | | |
| 1971 | Pavitra Hrudayalu | Nagendra Babu | |
| 1972 | Bangaru Babu | Ranganatham | |
| 1972 | Bala Mitrula Katha | Kotaiah | |
| 1972 | Iddaru Ammayilu | Ramanujam | |
| 1972 | Kalavari Kutumbam | Madhava Rao | |
| 1972 | Manchi Rojulu Vachayi | Seethanna | |
| 1972 | Kalam Marindi | | |
| 1972 | Koduku Kodalu | Srihari Rao | |
| 1972 | Neethi Nijayathi | | |
| 1972 | Pandanti Kapuram | | |
| 1972 | Tata Manavadu | Paramatma Rao | |
| 1972 | Vichitra Bandham | Ahobila Rao | |
| 1972 | Attanu Diddina Kodalu | | |
| 1973 | Jeevana Tarangalu | Venugopal Rao | |
| 1973 | Kannavari Kala | | |
| 1973 | Mallamma Katha | | |
| 1973 | Marapurani Manishi | Ananda Rao | |
| 1973 | Minaru Babu | | |
| 1973 | Samsaram Sagaram | | |
| 1973 | Vichitra Vivaham | | |
| 1973 | Vintha Katha | | |
| 1973 | Meena | Hanumantha Rao | |
| 1974 | Alluri Seetharama Raju | | |
| 1974 | Ammayi Pelli | | |
| 1974 | Anaganaga Oka Thandri | | |
| 1974 | Bhoomikosam | | |
| 1974 | Devadasu | | |
| 1974 | Dora Babu | | |
| 1974 | Gali Patalu | Inspector Sekhar | |
| 1974 | Intinti Katha | | |
| 1974 | Khaidi Babai | | |
| 1974 | Manushullo Devudu | Father | |
| 1975 | Moguda Pellama | Dharma Rao | |
| 1975 | Babu | | |
| 1975 | Samsaram | | |
| 1975 | Saubhagyavati | | |
| 1975 | Soggadu | Simhadri | |
| 1975 | Yashoda Krishna | Nanda | |
| 1975 | Zamindarugari Ammayi | Zamindar Srikrishna Rajendra Mahipathi |
| 1975 | Lakshmana Rekha | Lawyer | |
| 1976 | Padi Pantalu | Seshayya | |
| 1976 | Ramarajyamlo Rakthapasam | | |
| 1976 | Neram Nadi Kadu Akalidi | | |
| 1976 | Manchiki Maro Peru | | |
| 1976 | Oka Deepam Veligindhi | | |
| 1976 | America Ammayi | | |
| 1976 | Padavoyi Bharatheeyuda | | |
| 1976 | Secretary | | |
| 1976 | Sita Kalyanam | Dasaradh | |
| 1976 | Yavanam Katesindi | | |
| 1977 | Aalu Magalu | Ranga Rao | |
| 1977 | Chakradhari | | |
| 1977 | Eetharam Manishi | Vishwanatham | |
| 1977 | Janma janmala bandham | | |
| 1977 | Daana Veera Soora Karna | Parasu Ramudu | |
| 1977 | Indradhanusu | | |
| 1977 | Kalpana | | |
| 1977 | Kurukshetram | Bhishma | |
| 1977 | Seetha Rama Vanavasam | | |
| 1977 | Savasagallu | | |
| 1978 | Indradhanussu | Rajasekharam | |
| 1978 | Chal Mohana Ranga | | |
| 1978 | Sati Savitri | | |
| 1978 | Akbar Saleem Anarkali | | |
| 1978 | Devadasu Malli Puttadu | Sripathi Raja | |
| 1978 | Sahasavanthudu | | |
| 1978 | Dudu Basavanna | Yadaiah | |
| 1979 | Captain Krishna | | |
| 1979 | Ganga Bhavani | | |
| 1979 | Intinti Ramayanam | | |
| 1979 | Karthika Deepam | | |
| 1979 | Khiladi Krishnudu | | |
| 1979 | Mande Gundelu | | |
| 1979 | Muddula Koduku | Raobahadoor Ranga Rao | |
| 1979 | Naa Illu Naa Vaalu | | |
| 1979 | Shri Tirupati Venkateswara Kalyanam | Hathiram Bhavaji | |
| 1980 | Mosagadu | | |
| 1980 | Chandipriya | | |
| 1980 | Buchi Babu | Buchi Babu's grandfather | |
| 1980 | Gharana Donga | Raghupathi, Devi's father | |
| 1980 | Dharma Chakram | | |
| 1980 | Gajadonga | | |
| 1980 | Gopala Krishnudu | | |
| 1980 | Heema Hemeelu | | |
| 1980 | Kaksha | | |
| 1980 | Kotha Jeevithalu | | |
| 1980 | Sardar Papa Rayudu | | |
| 1980 | Shri Vasavi Kannika Parameshwari Mahatyam | | |
| 1980 | Sreevari Muchatlu | | |
| 1981 | Agni Poolu | Rajeshwari's father | |
| 1981 | Alludugaru Zindabad | Raja Bhupathi Rao | |
| 1981 | Asha Jyoti | | |
| 1981 | Bhoga Bhagyalu | | |
| 1981 | Premabhishekam | Dr. Venkateswarulu | |
| 1981 | Prema Mandiram | Bhupati Raja | |
| 1981 | Sandhya Ragam | | |
| 1981 | Jathagadu | Rangaiah | |
| 1982 | Bangaru Bhoomi | Dharma Rao | |
| 1982 | Mondighatam | | |
| 1982 | Gruha Pravesam | | |
| 1982 | Anuraga Devatha | Priest | |
| 1982 | Bangaru Kanuka | | |
| 1982 | Ee Charitra Ae Siratho | | |
| 1982 | Ekalavya | | |
| 1982 | Jagannatha Rathachakralu | | |
| 1982 | Kaliyuga Ramudu | | |
| 1982 | Maro Malupu | | Nandi Award for Best Actor |
| 1982 | Raga Deepam | | |
| 1982 | Swayamvaram | | |
| 1983 | Sangharshana | | |
| 1983 | Idhi Kaadu Mugimpu | Defence Counsel | |
| 1983 | Prema Pichollu | | |
| 1983 | Adavallu Aligithe | | |
| 1983 | Ikanaina Marandi | | |
| 1983 | Ee Pillaku Pellavuthundha | | |
| 1983 | MLA Yedukondalu | Gopalakrishnaiah | |
| 1983 | Mundadugu | Lawyer | |
| 1983 | Nelavanka | Sitarama Raju | |
| 1983 | Pelli Choopulu | | |
| 1983 | Police Venkataswamy | | |
| 1983 | Rudrakali | | |
| 1983 | Dharma Poratam | Justice Jagannath | |
| 1984 | Rustum | Brahmaiah Naidu | |
| 1984 | Rojulu Marayi | | |
| 1984 | Devanthakudu | Bapineedu | |
| 1984 | Adigo Alladigo | | |
| 1984 | Kanchu Kagada | Rangaiah Panthulu | |
| 1984 | E Chaduvulu Makodu | |
| 1985 | Raktha Sindhuram | Jagannatham | |
| 1985 | Shri Datta Darshanam | Jamadagni | |
| 1985 | Bangaru Chilaka | Lawyer Madhava Rao | |
| 1985 | Kattula Kondaiah | | |
| 1985 | Jwala | IG | |
| 1986 | Driver Babu | Narayana Rao | |
| 1986 | Vikram | Commissioner | |
| 1986 | Muddula Manavarallu | | |
| 1986 | Prathibhavanthudu | | |
| 1986 | Kiraathakudu | Dharmateja | |
| 1986 | Vijrumbhana | Dharma Rao | |
| 1987 | Pasivadi Pranam | | |
| 1987 | Thene Manasulu | | |
| 1987 | Majnu | Alekhya's grandfather | |
| 1987 | Ajeyudu | | |
| 1987 | Muddu Bidda | | |
| 1987 | Makutamleni Maharaju | Sivaram Prasad | |
| 1988 | Marana Mrudangam | | |
| 1988 | Anna Chellelu | | |
| 1989 | State Rowdy | | |
| 1989 | Krishna Gari Abbayi | | |
| 1989 | Simha Swapnam | | |
| 1989 | Rajakeeya Chadarangam | | |
| 1990 | Inspector Rudra | | |
| 1990 | Bobbili Raja | Sundaraiyah | |
| 1991 | Pelli Pustakam | Sridhar Rao | Nandi Award for Best Feature Film |
| 1991 | Bhargav | | |
| 1991 | Brahmarshi Viswamitra | Vashista | |
| 1991 | Talli Tandrulu | Venkataramaiah | |
| 1992 | Brundavanam | Jagannadham | |
| 1993 | Muta Mesthri | Chief Minister | |
| 1993 | Gaayam | | |
| 1993 | Major Chandrakanth | | |
| 1993 | Naga Jyothi | | |
| 1993 | Rajendrudu Gajendrudu | Elephant's Master | |
| 1993 | Rajeswari Kalyanam | | |
| 1993 | Varasudu | Principal | |
| 1993 | Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhowmudu | | |
| 1994 | Govinda Govinda | Doorvasa Maharshi | |
| 1994 | Neram | | |
| 1995 | Maya Bazaar | Balarama | |
| 1995 | Aayanaki Iddaru | Krishna Mohan's father | |
| 1996 | Dharma Chakram | | |
| 2001 | Repallelo Radha | | |
| 2008 | Jagadguru Sri Kasinayana Charitra | Kasinayana | |
| 2022 | Pratibimbalu | | Posthumous film |