Pathetic Facts

Indian movie stars born in 1923

Here are 11 famous actors from India were born in 1923:

N. T. Rama Rao

N. T. Rama Rao (May 28, 1923 Nimmakuru-January 18, 1996 Hyderabad) also known as NTR, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, Taraka Rama Rao Nandamuri, N.T. Ramarao, NT Rama Rao, N.T. Rama Rao, Rama Rao Taraka Nandamuri, Annagaru or Viswa Vikhyatha Nata Sarvabhouma was an Indian politician, film director, actor, film producer and writer. His children are called Pendyala Harikrishna, Nandamuri Harikrishna, Nandamuri Balakrishna, Daggubati Purandeswari, Nandamuri Saikrishna, Nandamuri Jayakrishna, Nandamuri Mohanakrishna, Nara Bhuvaneshwari, Garapati Lokeswari, Jayashankarakrishna, Nandamuri Ramakrishna Sr., Kantamaneni Uma Maheswari, Nandamuri Ramakrishna Jr. and Koteshwara Prasad.

NTR was born in a small village in Andhra Pradesh and later moved to Chennai to pursue his career in acting. He made his acting debut in 1949 with the film Mana Desam and went on to act in over 300 films in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi languages. He was known for his roles in mythological films such as Sri Venkateswara Mahatyam, Mayabazaar, and Nartanasala.

In 1982, NTR founded the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and entered politics. He served as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh for three terms, from 1983 to 1984, from 1984 to 1989, and from 1994 to 1995. He was known for his populist policies and his efforts to empower the poor and marginalized communities in the state.

NTR was also a writer and a poet. He wrote several books, including Naa Desam, a collection of his speeches, and Kathanayakudu, an autobiography.

NTR passed away on January 18, 1996, at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most iconic figures in the history of Indian cinema and politics. His sons, Balakrishna and Harikrishna, followed in his footsteps and became successful actors and politicians in their own right.

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Akkineni Nageswara Rao

Akkineni Nageswara Rao (September 20, 1923 Ramapuram (Venkata Raghava Puram)-January 22, 2014 Hyderabad) also known as A. Nageswara Rao, Nageshwara Rao, A. Nageshwara Rao, A.N.R., ANR, Akkineni Nageshwar Rao, Appa Rao, Natasamrat, Rao, Tragedy King, Dr. ANR, kkineni Nageshwara Rao or Akkineni Nageshwara Rao was an Indian actor and film producer. He had five children, Akkineni Nagarjuna, Naga Susheela, Sathyavathi Akkineni, Saroja Akkineni and Akkineni Venkat.

Akkineni Nageswara Rao made his acting debut in the Telugu film Dharmapatni in 1941, and went on to act in more than 250 films. He was known for his versatility as an actor, and played a wide range of roles in his career spanning seven decades. Some of his notable films include Devadasu, Mayabazaar, Missamma, Dr. Chakravarthi, and Prem Nagar.

Apart from acting, Akkineni Nageswara Rao also produced several films under his production company Annapurna Studios. He was the recipient of several awards, including the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award in India, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest award for contribution to Indian cinema.

Akkineni Nageswara Rao was also an advocate for the Telugu language and culture, and was involved in several social and cultural organizations. He passed away in 2014 at the age of 90, leaving behind a rich legacy in Indian cinema.

Dev Anand

Dev Anand (September 26, 1923 Shakargarh Tehsil-December 3, 2011 London) also known as Dharam Dev Anand, Shri Dev Anand, Dev Saab, Dev Sahaab, Dharam Dev Pishorimal Anand, Dharam Dev or Dharam Devdutt Pishorimal Anand was an Indian actor, film producer, film director and screenwriter. He had two children, Suneil Anand and Devina Anand.

Dev Anand is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential actors in the history of Indian cinema. He began his acting career in 1946 with the film "Hum Ek Hain" and went on to appear in over 110 films in a career spanning more than six decades. Some of his most memorable films include "Baazi", "Guide", and "Hare Rama Hare Krishna".

Apart from acting, Dev Anand also produced and directed several successful films under his production company Navketan Films. He was known for his unique style and charisma on-screen, as well as his passion for music. He launched the careers of many acclaimed musicians including R.D. Burman and Mohammed Rafi.

Dev Anand was honored with several awards throughout his career, including the Padma Bhushan in 2001 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2002 for lifetime achievement in Indian cinema. He died in London in 2011 at the age of 88.

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Chandrashekhar

Chandrashekhar (July 7, 1923 India-) also known as Chandrasekhar, Chander Shekhar, Chander Shekher, Chandershekhar, Chandra Shekhar, Chandrashekar, Chandra Sheker, Chandrasekar or Chandra Sekhar is an Indian actor, film director, screenwriter, film producer and writer. He has one child, Ashok Shekhar.

Chandrashekhar started his career as an actor in the 1940s and went on to act in over 120 films in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada languages. He also directed and produced several films, including the critically acclaimed 'Cha Cha Cha' (1964). In addition to his film career, Chandrashekhar was also a prolific writer who authored several plays, short stories and novels in Hindi. He was a recipient of the Padma Shri award in 2014 for his contributions to Indian cinema and literature. Chandrashekhar passed away in June 2021 at the age of 97. He was remembered as a legendary figure in the Indian film industry who inspired generations of filmmakers.

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Habib Tanvir

Habib Tanvir (September 1, 1923 Raipur-June 8, 2009 Bhopal) also known as Habib Tanveer, Tanveer Habib, Habib Ahmed Khan or Ahmad Khan was an Indian poet, actor, playwright and theatre director. His children are called Anna Tanvir and Nageen Tanvir.

Habib Tanvir was born in Raipur, India (now Chhattisgarh) and obtained a post-graduate degree in English literature from Aligarh Muslim University. He then pursued studies at Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London for two years before returning to India in 1951.

Tanvir is best known for his contribution to Indian theatre, especially for his retelling of the traditional folk tales of Chhattisgarh. He founded the Naya Theatre in 1959 and dedicated his life to promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of his home state. His plays often dealt with social issues, including the exploitation of the poor, caste discrimination, and gender inequality.

In recognition of his contributions to theatre, Tanvir was awarded several accolades throughout his career, including the Padma Shri, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and the Padma Bhushan. He passed away in Bhopal in 2009 at the age of 85.

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Ramesh Mehta

Ramesh Mehta (August 7, 1923-November 27, 2014) also known as Rameshwar Nath Mehta was an Indian playwright and actor.

His plays often dealt with social issues and were known for their satirical tone. Mehta began his career as a stage actor and later ventured into writing plays. Some of his popular works include "Lathi," "Dandi," and "Mentality 99." He also wrote and acted in several films, including "Laheriya" and "Kon Re Pan." In addition to his contributions to theater and film, Mehta was also involved in various social causes and was a member of several cultural committees. He was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1991 for his contributions to Indian theater.

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Mukesh

Mukesh (July 22, 1923 Delhi-August 27, 1976 Detroit) a.k.a. Mukeshchand, Mukesh Chand Mathur, Late Mukesh, Zoravar Chand or The Man with the Golden Voice was an Indian singer, actor, film score composer, playback singer and film producer. He had five children, Nitin Mukesh, Rita, Nalini, Mohnish and Namrata.

Mukesh started his music career as a chorus singer in Bollywood films and eventually made his playback singing debut in the film "Nirdosh" (1941). However, it was the song "Dil Jalta Hai To Jalne De" from the film "Pehli Nazar" (1945) that cemented his reputation as a versatile singer who could convey complex emotions through his voice. Over the next three decades, Mukesh went on to become one of the most popular playback singers in Indian cinema, lending his voice to several iconic songs, such as "Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaye" from "Anand" (1971) and "Kabhi Kabhie Mere Dil Mein" from "Kabhi Kabhie" (1976).

Apart from his singing career, Mukesh also acted in a few films, such as "Nirdosh" (1941) and "Raaj" (1952), and produced the film "Anuraag" (1972), which featured his son Nitin Mukesh in the lead role. However, Mukesh's life was cut short when he suffered a heart attack while on tour in the United States in 1976. Despite his untimely death, Mukesh's legacy continues to live on through his timeless music and his influence on future generations of singers.

Kanta Rao

Kanta Rao (November 16, 1923 Kodad-March 22, 2009 Hyderabad) a.k.a. Thadepalli Lakshmi Kantha Rao, Kantha Rao, Katthi Kanta Rao, Kattula Kanta Rao, Andhra MGR, Nata Prapoorna, Tadepalli Lakshmi Kanta Rao or T. L. Kanta Rao was an Indian actor and film producer. He had five children, Satyam Rao, Susheela Rao, Pratap Rao, Raja Rao and Keshav Rao.

Kanta Rao started his career in the film industry as a theatre artist and made his debut in the Telugu film industry with the film "Bhakta Potana" in 1942. He went on to act in over 300 films in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi languages. He was best known for his roles in films like "Maya Bazaar", "Lava Kusa", "Ummadi Kutumbam", "Manchi Manasulu" and "Bhakta Tukaram".

Apart from acting, Kanta Rao also produced a few films including "Suguna Sundari" and "Mahamantri Timmarusu". He was a recipient of the prestigious "Raghupathi Venkaiah Award" for his contributions to Indian cinema.

Kanta Rao was also a philanthropist and contributed to various charitable causes. He passed away on March 22, 2009, in Hyderabad, at the age of 85.

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Chittaranjan Kolhatkar

Chittaranjan Kolhatkar (January 14, 1923 Mumbai-October 25, 2009 Pune) also known as Chittaranjan Cintamanrav Kolhatkar was an Indian actor.

He started his acting career in the Marathi film industry in the 1940s and later moved on to act in Hindi and Gujarati films. He was a versatile actor and played a range of roles, from complex character roles to comical ones. Kolhatkar was known for his impeccable timing in comic scenes and his ability to bring a sense of naturalism to his performances. He acted in over 350 films in his career spanning five decades. Some of his notable films include 'Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje', 'Chashme Buddoor', 'Chhoti Si Baat', 'Ram Lakhan', 'Tezaab' and 'Maine Pyar Kiya'. Kolhatkar was a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987 for his contribution to Marathi theatre.

Narasimharaju

Narasimharaju (July 24, 1923 Tiptur-July 11, 1979) also known as T. R. Narasimharaju, Narasimha Raju, Hasya chakravarthi, Hasya Rathna, T.R.Narasimharaju, Narasimhraju or Hasya Chakravarthy T.R. Narasimharaju was an Indian actor and comedian. He had three children, Narahari Raju, Sudha Narasimharaju and Dharmavathi Narasimharaju.

Narasimharaju was born in the town of Tiptur in Karnataka, India. He showed interest in acting from a young age and pursued a career in theatre before making his way into films. Narasimharaju's career spanned over two decades and he acted in more than 300 films, predominantly in Kannada cinema.

He was known for his unique style of comedy which blended witty one-liners, physical comedy, and sarcasm. Narasimharaju often played supporting roles and frequently stole the show with his impeccable timing and delivery. Some of his notable films include Bedara Kannappa, Kasturi Nivasa, and Mayura.

Apart from his work in films, Narasimharaju was also a well-known playwright and director in the theatre world. He wrote and directed several plays and was instrumental in popularizing theatre in Karnataka.

Narasimharaju received numerous accolades for his contributions to the film and theatre industry. He was awarded the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor twice and was also honored with the prestigious Padma Shri in 1977.

Narasimharaju passed away in 1979 at the age of 55 due to a heart attack. Despite his untimely death, his legacy continues to live on through his memorable performances and contributions to the world of entertainment.

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Shailendra

Shailendra (August 30, 1923 Rawalpindi-December 14, 1966) a.k.a. The Late Shailendra, Sailender, Late Shailendra, jon kavi Shailendra or Shankardas Kesarilal was an Indian actor and lyricist. He had two children, Shaily Shailendra and Dinesh Shailendra.

Shailendra started as a sweeper at a film studio, but his passion for writing poetry led him to penning songs for Hindi films. He began his career in the film industry as a lyricist with the movie "Lahore" in 1949. Soon, he became one of the most prominent lyricists of the industry and worked with legendary composers such as Shankar-Jaikishan, Salil Choudhury, and S.D. Burman.

Shailendra's songwriting style was known to be deeply emotional and philosophical, with a touch of simplicity and realism. Some of his most popular works include "Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan" from the film "Mera Naam Joker", "Ek Din Bik Jaayega" from "Dharam Karam", and "Yeh Raat Bheegi Bheegi" from "Chori Chori".

Apart from his contributions to the film industry, Shailendra was also known for his activism and social work. He actively participated in the Indian independence movement and was associated with the Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA). He also wrote songs that reflected the social realities of the time, such as "Mere Sapno Ki Rani" from "Aradhana", which portrayed the aspirations of a common man.

Shailendra's untimely death in 1966 due to alcohol abuse was a shock to the industry and left a void that was hard to fill. Nevertheless, his legacy lives on through his timeless lyrics and the impact he had on the Indian film industry.

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