The comedy and character acting department in Telugu Cinema got a new definition and meaning with a veteran actor Allu Rama Lingaiah. His unique acting skills and his tremendous success in generating decades of laughter in Telugu Cinema cannot be forgotten. His acting talent was never confined to only Comedy films but his performances in some films even made the audience think and understand about the subject so well.
Beginning his career during the golden 1950s era, Allu Rama Lingaiah was best noticed in the eternal epic Mayabazar where he played one of the Sarma-Sastry duos providing unending entertainment during the second half of the film. His acting tenure continued with 1960s as well where he appeared in many prominent films of that age – Iddaru Mitrulu, Gundamma Kadha, Nartanasaala, Chaduvukunna Ammailu, Atma Gowravam, Poola Rangadu and so on. His acting marathon began from the 70s where he played in Bapu-Ramana’s classic Muthyala Muggu, and nobody can forget the dialogue from Yamagola- “Taalamu Vesithini Gollemu Marachithini“ rendered by him. However, his role as Shankara Sastry’s lawyer friend in Shankarabharanam is termed as one of the best performances from this legend. His character has so many shades- the funny lawyer, an agonized friend seeing Shankara Sastry’s lack of interest in being practical in life, an admirer of Shankara Sastry’s music, and what not? The lines penned by Jandhyala were rendered so perfectly and meaningfully by this actor- which gave the role a new life.
He continued his acting brilliance in the 80s with many commercial hits like Donga Mogudu, Khaidi no 786, Yamudiki Mogudu , State Rowdy along with thought provoking films like Nyayam Kavali, Subhalekha, and Vijetha. The character acting department went strong in the 90s as well with his gracious presence in films like Apathbandhavudu, Chanti, Gang Leader, Choodalani Undhi and so on. He also played a memorable role of a freedom fighter in Chiranjeevi’s Muta Mestri as well.
Off the screen, Allu Rama Lingaiah was a freedom fighter during his younger years and he even got arrested during the Quit India Movement struggle. As a veteran stage actor, he got the title Hasya Kala Prapoorna by Nritya Kala Mandali. His family- Son Allu Aravind is a top producer in Tollywood, Son-in Law Chiranjeevi became Megastar of Telugu Cinema and his grand songs Allu Arjun became a stylish star and Allu Sirish is also into Cinema.
IQlikMovies remembers the legendary actor Allu Rama Lingaiah on his Jayanthi today and it is needless to say that his influence on Telugu films is profound.