Sangeet Natak Akademi Honour For Telugu Stage Veteran Gummadi Gopalakrishna
Gopalakrishna’s efforts have extended to the Telugu diaspora abroad through performances and training programmes.
VIJAYAWADA: Veteran stage actor and Andhra Pradesh Nataka Akademi chairman Gummadi Gopalakrishna has been selected for the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in the acting category, earning him national recognition for his contribution to Telugu verse drama.
Known as a leading exponent of Telugu padya natakam, Gopalakrishna has spent more than four decades promoting and preserving the classical theatrical tradition.
Born in 1955 in Meduru village of Krishna district, he completed his education in Machilipatnam before entering the world of theatre. A significant turning point in his career came in 1982 when noted playwright Achanta Venkataratnam Naidu visited Meduru to stage a play. Impressed by Gopalakrishna’s talent, he inducted him into his troupe and arranged formal training under harmonium maestro Chinta Anjaneyulu.
Although family responsibilities later led him to Hyderabad in search of employment, Gopalakrishna continued his association with the theatre. While working in a housing society, he returned to the stage with the encouragement of his mentor Vidwan Ramachandra.
Over the years, the veteran stage actor has gained acclaim for portraying several mythological and historical characters, including Srinatha Kavi Raja, Lord Krishna in Sri Krishna Rayabaram, Lord Rama, Harischandra and Bilwamangala in Chintamani. He has performed the role of Srinatha in more than 100 productions.
Gopalakrishna’s career received wider recognition after 1983. In 1991, he won his first Best Actor award at the Tirupati Parishat. He later received the Nandi Award for Best Actor at the 1999 Nandi Natakotsavams for his performance in Srinathudu. The state government also honoured him with the NTR Award.
Since assuming charge as chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Nataka Akademi for a second term in December 2024, the veteran stage actor has focused on reviving and promoting Telugu verse drama. He has been using digital platforms to connect younger audiences with the art form and preserve the state's theatrical heritage.
Gopalakrishna’s efforts have extended to the Telugu diaspora abroad through performances and training programmes. He continues to mentor young artistes in India and overseas, contributing to the preservation and continuity of the Telugu padya natakam tradition.