In the 1950s, starting with Pathala Bhairavi screened at the first International Film Festival of India, he began acting in character roles.

[3] He was noted for portraying mythological and historical roles such as Krishna, Ramadasu, Sarangadhara, Bhavani Sankar, Tukaram and Satyavantha.

His other acclaimed acting credits include Rojulu Marayi, Gruhapravesam,[6] Illarikam, Kanyasulkam and Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu.

He contributed ₹10,000 to the Indian National Army of Subhas Chandra Bose collected through donations by playing his Tukaram drama.

One brother, C. S. Nageswara Rao, was the assistant director for movies including Suvarna Sundari, Gunasundari Katha and Mayabazar.