# Naresh (actor)

Vijaya Krishna Naresh (born 20 January 1960/1961), 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), and Jamba Lakidi Pamba (1992).

## 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 married four times, as of 2023. Naresh first married the daughter of senior dance master Srinu and the couple has a son named Naveen Vijaykrishna. Naresh divorced his first wife and married Rekha Supriya, the granddaughter of famous poet and film lyricist Devulapalli Krishna Sastri. The couple also has a son named Teja. Naresh divorced his second wife. He then married Ramya Raghupathi who was 15 years younger than him. The couple has a son. In 2023, he married Kannada actress Pavitra Lokesh.

## 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

| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
| 1972 | Pandanti Kapuram | | |
| 1974 | Devadasu | | |
| 1975 | Santanam Sowbhagyam | | |
| 1982 | Nalugu Stambhalata | | |
| 1982 | Prema Sankellu | | |
| 1983 | Puttadi Bomma | | |
| 1983 | Agni Samadhi | | |
| 1983 | Puli Debba | Naresh | |
| 1983 | Rendu Jella Sita | Gopi | |
| 1984 | Yama Doothalu | | |
| 1984 | Ooha Sundari | | |
| 1984 | Chadarangam | Raja | |
| 1984 | Mukkopi | | |
| 1984 | Kotha Dampathulu | | |
| 1984 | Sreevariki Prema Lekha | | |
| 1985 | Shrivaari Sobhanam | | |
| 1985 | Mogudu Pellalu | | |
| 1986 | Jeevana Poratam | | |
| 1986 | Maavari Gola | | |
| 1986 | Bhayam Bhayam | | |
| 1986 | Aadi Dampatulu | | |
| 1986 | Kirayi Mogudu | | |
| 1987 | Dammit Katha Addam Thirigindi | | |
| 1987 | Pelliloyi Pellillu | | |
| 1987 | Kulala Kurukshetram | | |
| 1987 | Paga Sadistha | | |
| 1987 | Srimathi Oka Bahumathi | | |
| 1987 | Shrutilayalu | | |
| 1987 | Sri Kanaka Mahalaxmi Recording Dance Troupe | Gopalam | |
| 1988 | Choopulu Kalasina Shubhavela | | |
| 1988 | Collector Vijaya | | |
| 1988 | Premayanam | | |
| 1988 | Nava Bharatham | | |
| 1989 | Bava Bava Panneeru | | |
| 1989 | Two Town Rowdy | | |
| 1989 | Sahasame Naa Oopiri | | |
| 1989 | Pinni | | |
| 1989 | Gandipeta Rahasyam | | |
| 1989 | Hai Hai Nayaka | Ramakrishna | |
| 1989 | Police Report | | |
| 1990 | Alajadi | | |
| 1990 | Justice Rudrama Devi | | |
| 1990 | Kokila | Siddhartha | |
| 1990 | Manasu Mamatha | | |
| 1990 | Bujjigadi Babai | | |
| 1990 | Irugilli Porugillu | | |
| 1990 | Padmavati Kalyanam | | |
| 1990 | Prajala Manishi | Vikram | |
| 1990 | Police Bharya | | |
| 1991 | Nenera Police | | |
| 1991 | Naa Pellam Naa Ishtam | | |
| 1991 | Prema Enta Madhuram | | |
| 1991 | Shiva Shakti | | |
| 1991 | Pichchi Pullayya | | |
| 1992 | Adrishtam | | |
| 1992 | Chitram Bhalare Vichitram | Nimmagadda Rajeswara Rao "Raja"/Prema | Also singer for "Brahmachaarulam" |
| 1992 | Hello Darling | | |
| 1992 | Pelli Neeku Shubham Naaku | | |
| 1993 | Enti Bava Mareenu | | |
| 1993 | Chitikela Pandiri | | |
| 1993 | Ladies Special | himself | |
| 1993 | Asale Pellaina Vanni | | |
| 1993 | Jamba Lakidi Pamba | | |
| 1993 | Konguchaatu Krishnaudu | | |
| 1993 | Prema Chitram Pelli Vichitram | | |
| 1994 | Aame | Vikram | |
| 1994 | Prema & Co | | |
| 1994 | Pelli Koduku | | |
| 1995 | Sogasu Chuda Taramaa? | | |
| 1996 | Shri Krishnarjuna Vijayam | Narada | |
| 1996 | Rendu Kutumbala Katha | | |
| 1997 | Mama Bagunnaavaa | | |
| 1997 | Thoka Leni Pitta | | |
| 1998 | Life Lo Wife | | |
| 2000 | Hindustan The Mother | | |
| 2002 | Chandravamsam | | |
| 2002 | Sontham | | |
| 2002 | Allari Ramudu | | |
| 2002 | Dhanalakshmi, I Love You | Babu Rao | |
| 2003 | Villain | | |
| 2004 | Gowri | | |
| 2004 | Malliswari | Prasad 's elder brother | |
| 2005 | Chandra Vamsham | | |
| 2005 | Oka Oorilo | | |
| 2005 | Orey Pandu | | |
| 2006 | Nandanavanam 120km | | |
| 2006 | Premante Inte | | |
| 2007 | Madhumasam | Sanjay's elder brother | |
| 2007 | Maharathi | | |
| 2007 | Mee Sreyobhilashi | Surya Prakash Rao | |
| 2007 | Veduka | | |
| 2007 | Yamadonga | | |
| 2007 | Yamagola Malli Modalayindi | Aishwarya's father | |
| 2008 | Ankit, Pallavi & Friends | | |
| 2008 | Naa Manasukemaindi | | |
| 2008 | Ontari | | |
| 2008 | Vaana | | |
| 2008 | Andamaina Abaddam | | |
| 2009 | Maska | Krish's brother | |
| 2009 | Vaade Kaavaali | | |
| 2010 | Maro Charitra | | |
| 2010 | Andari Bandhuvaya | Nandu's father | |
| 2010 | Varudu | Deepthi's father | |
| 2011 | 100% Love | Ramesh, Balu's father | |
| 2011 | Mogudu | Shankar Rao | |
| 2012 | Yamudiki Mogudu | | |
| 2013 | 1000 Abaddalu | | |
| 2013 | Aadu Magaadra Bujji | | |
| 2014 | Anaamika | Home Minister | |
| 2014 | Chandamama Kathalu | Mohan | |
| 2014 | Drushyam | Prabhakar | |
| 2014 | Mike Testing 143 | | |
| 2014 | Ori Devudoy | | |
| 2014 | Parampara | | |
| 2014 | Chinnadana Nee Kosam | Nithin's father | |
| 2015 | Beeruva | Surya Narayana | |
| 2015 | Gaddam Gang | Dharmaraju | |
| 2015 | Bhale Bhale Magadivoy | Hanumantha Rao | |
| 2015 | Subramanyam for Sale | Subramanyam's father | |
| 2016 | Eedu Gold Ehe | Buchchaiah Chowdary | |
| 2016 | Guntur Talkies | Giri | |
| 2016 | Hyper | Narayana Murthy's friend | |
| 2016 | A...Aa | Ramalingam | |
| 2016 | Brahmotsavam | Mahalakshmi's brother | |
| 2016 | Garam | | |
| 2016 | Nenu Sailaja | Hari's father | |
| 2016 | Sri Sri | | |
| 2017 | Sathamanam Bhavati | Bangarraju | |
| 2017 | MCA (Middle Class Abbayi) | Nani's uncle | |
| 2018 | Chalo | Abhi's Father | |
| 2018 | Toli Prema | House Owner | |
| 2018 | Chal Mohan Ranga | Mohan's father | |
| 2018 | Rangasthalam | Koteswara Rao | |
| 2018 | Sammohanam | Sarvesh "Sarva" | |
| 2018 | Pedavi Datani Matokatundhi | | |
| 2018 | Happy Wedding | Anand's father | |
| 2018 | Srinivasa Kalyanam | Raju | |
| 2018 | Sailaja Reddy Alludu | Venu Reddy | |
| 2018 | Mahanati | Cameraman Keshava | |
| 2018 | Devadas | Mohan, Das's brother | |
| 2018 | Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava | Saradhi | |
| 2018 | N. T. R. | B. A. Subba Rao | |
| 2018 | 24 Kisses | Sri Lakshmi's father | |
| 2019 | 1st Rank Raju | Shoban Babu | |
| 2019 | RDX Love | Villager | |
| 2019 | Prati Roju Pandage | Naresh Prasad | |
| 2020 | Entha Manchivaadavuraa | Vijayakrishna | |
| 2020 | Disco Raja | Kukuteshwar Rao | |
| 2020 | Bheeshma | Anand Prasad | |
| 2020 | Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya | Babji | |
| 2020 | V | Aditya's father | |
| 2020 | Amaram Akhilam Prema | Amar's father | |
| 2020 | Orey Bujjiga | Krishnaveni's father | |
| 2020 | Miss India | Siva Rama Krishna | |
| 2020 | Solo Brathuke So Better | Virat's father | |
| 2021 | Jathi Ratnalu | Satish Janardhan | |
| 2021 | Sreekaram | Ramana | |
| 2021 | Rang De | Arjun's father | |
| 2021 | Sridevi Soda Center | Sanjeev Rao | |
| 2021 | Tuck Jagadish | Sathi Babu | |
| 2021 | Maestro | Mohan | |
| 2021 | Pushpaka Vimanam | School headmaster | |
| 2021 | Drushyam 2 | Prabhakar | |
| 2021 | Arjuna Phalguna | Village Sarpanch | |
| 2022 | Super Machi | | |
| 2022 | Hero | Arjun's father | |
| 2022 | Ghani | Ghani's college coach | |
| 2022 | Ante Sundaraniki | Sundar's father | |
| 2022 | Ranga Ranga Vaibhavanga | Rishi's father | |
| 2022 | Swathi Muthyam | Bhagi's father | |
| 2022 | Ginna | Veera Swamy | |
| 2023 | Anni Manchi Sakunamule | Sudhakar | Nominated–SIIMA Award for Best Supporting Actor – Telugu |
| 2023 | Malli Pelli | Narendra | Also Producer |
| 2023 | Samajavaragamana | Uma Maheswara Rao | |
| 2023 | The Great Indian Suicide | Bellary Neelakantam | |
| 2023 | Martin Luther King | | |
| 2024 | Veeranjaneyulu Viharayatra | Vididhinti Nageswara Rao |
| 2024 | Mechanic Rocky | Nagumomu Ramakrishna | |
| 2025 | Game Changer | | |

### Tamil films

| Year | Film | Role |
| 1984 | Nenjathai Allitha | |
| 1985 | Porutham | |
| 2014 | Malini 22 Palayamkottai | Prakash |
| 2014 | Nee Enge En Anbe | Home Minister |
| 2015 | Sandamarutham | DGP |
| 2016 | Peigal Jaakkirathai | Saravanan's father |

### Television

| Year | Work | Role | Network | Notes |
| 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 | |

## Accolades

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.
* 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)