Nandamuri Balakrishna (born 10 June 1960), also known as Balayya or NBK, is an Indian actor, film producer and politician known for his works in Telugu cinema.

[3] The son of actor and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. T. Rama Rao, Balakrishna made his debut as a child artist at the age of 14 with the film Tatamma Kala (1974).

[11] He achieved commercial success, with works such as Sahasame Jeevitham (1984), Janani Janmabhoomi (1984), Mangammagari Manavadu (1984), Apoorva Sahodarulu (1986), Muvva Gopaludu (1987), Muddula Mavayya (1989), Nari Nari Naduma Murari (1990), Lorry Driver (1990), Aditya 369 (1991), Rowdy Inspector (1992), Bangaru Bullodu (1993), Bhairava Dweepam (1994), Peddannayya (1997), Samarasimha Reddy (1999), Narasimha Naidu (2001), Lakshmi Narasimha (2004), Simha (2010), Legend (2014), Akhanda (2021), Veera Simha Reddy (2023), Bhagavanth Kesari (2023) and Daaku Maharaaj (2025).

He played poet Vemulawada Bheemakavi in Vemulawada Bheemakavi (1976); Abhimanyu in Daana Veera Soora Karna (1977); Jahangir in Akbar Salim Anarkali (1979); Narada in Sri Tirupati Venkateswara Kalyanam (1979); Sidda in Srimadvirat Veerabrahmendra Swami Charitra (1984); Krishnadevaraya in Aditya 369 (1991); Satya Harischandra and Dushyanta in Brahmarshi Viswamitra (1991); Lord Krishna and Arjuna in Sri Krishnarjuna Vijayam (1996); Pundarika in Pandurangadu (2008); N. T. Rama Rao in NTR: Mahanayakudu (2019) and NTR: Kathanayakudu (2019); and Lord Rama in Sri Rama Rajyam (2011) featured at the 42nd IFFI.

[15] Nandamuri Balakrishna was born on 10 June 1960 in a Telugu family to Indian matinee idol and three-time chief minister of Andhra Pradesh N. T. Rama Rao and his wife Basavatarakam, in Madras (present-day Chennai, Tamil Nadu).

[19] Balakrishna made his acting debut as a child artiste in Tatamma Kala, which was directed by N. T. Rama Rao, his father.

Balakrishna appeared as son to his real life brother Nandamuri Harikrishna in the movie Dana Veera Sura Karna.

He then starred in the drama film Mangammagari Manavadu the same year, alongside Bhanumathi and Suhasini, directed by Kodi Ramakrishna.

In 1986, he acted in movies such as Muddula Krishnaiah, Seetharama Kalyanam, Anasuyamma Gari Alludu and Deshoddharakudu, which gradually increased his potential at the box office.

In the same year, he starred in President Gari Abbai, directed by T. Rama Rao and Muvva Gopaludu, by Kodi Ramakrishna.

[20] His other films like Inspector Pratap, Bharatamlo Bala Chandrudu, Tiragabadda Telugubidda, Raktabhishekam were also successful at the box office.

Between 1994 and 1999, he acted in movies such as Bobbili Simham, Vamsanikokkadu, Peddannayya and moderate successes[citation needed] such as Top Hero, Muddula Mogudu, Maato Pettukoku, Raana and Pavitra Prema.

[26][27] During the period, he also announced plans to act and direct in the remake of Nartanasala, starred by his father, and a launch event was held in Hyderabad in March 2003.

Produced by Pusapati Lakshmipati Raju, the film was announced to have an ensemble cast also featuring Soundarya, Srihari, Saikumar, Uday Kiran and Asin in lead roles.

[29] The years from 2005 to 2009 saw action-drama flicks such as Vijayendra Varma, Veerabhadra, Allari Pidugu, Okka Magaadu and Maharathi which did not perform well at the box office.

[33] In the year 2009, he starred in the family drama Mitrudu, alongside Priyamani in a slightly different role – that of a dependable friend and confidante to the female lead.

[39][40][41] His 2021 movie Akhanda marks third collaboration with director Boyapati Srinu, featuring his dual role as Aghori Baba and a farmer.

[43] In 2012 the Governor of Goa, B. V. Wanchoo, the Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and Balakrishna were seen along with award winners and other dignitaries at the closing ceremony of the 43rd edition of the IFFI.

[citation needed] Since the founding of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in 1982, Balakrishna campaigned for it in every election for Rama Rao and Chandrababu Naidu, but did not enter the electoral battle until 2014.

The HRF questioned the authenticity of people who handled the case, and the circumstances under which Balakrishna was shielded from police by being given refuge in Care Hospital without any justifiable cause.