Basavaraju Venkata Padmanabha Rao (20 August 1931 – 20 February 2010), popularly known as Padmanabham, was a Tollywood actor known for his comedian roles. He was also a film producer and director.

He was born to Santham and Basavaraju Venkata Seshaiah in Simhadripuram

Simhadripuram

Simhadripuram is a village and a mandal in Kadapa district in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. -Geography:Simhadripuram is located at . It has an average elevation of 228 meters...

, Pulivendula

Pulivendula

Pulivendula, also known as Pulivendla is a town, a mandal and a Municipality in YSR district, Andhra Pradesh, India.-Geography:Pulivendla is located at . It has an average elevation of 272 meters .-Major features:...

, Kadapa

Kadapa

Kadapa , formerly Cuddapah, is a city in the south-central part of Andhra Pradesh, India . The city's name originated from the Telugu word "Gadapa" meaning threshold or gate...

.

Padmanabham was essentially a theater artist, although he also found success in films. He co-founded a theatre group with his friend Vallam Narasimha Rao, Rekha and Murali Arts with S. P. Kodandapani

S. P. Kodandapani

Sripati Panditharadhyula Kodandapani, better known as S. P. Kodandapani is famous Music director and Playback singer in Telugu cinema. In Pandanti Kapuram film, he voiced the memorable song "Idigo Devudu Chesina Bomma" on the Hindu philosophy of Human life.He has introduced the famous playback...

 as their music director. He most recently acted in Telugu movies Chakram and Tata Birla Madhyalo Laila

Tata Birla Madhyalo Laila

Tata Birla Madhyalo Laila is a film directed by Srinivasa Reddy with Sivaji in lead. Earlier they worked for Adirindayya Chandram. The director has selected a simple story and an interesting cast. He mainly focused on comedy. He is applauded for his attempt to present a good film.- Plot :Tata ,...

.

Basavaraju Venkata Padmanabha Rao, better known as Padmanabham to generations of countless fans in Telugu cinema, turned 75 recently. He began his tryst with the tinsel world in 1943 when he was just 12, when the legendary director Gudavalli Ramabrahmam gave him a break in Maayalokam. Since then, Padmanabham traversed a long distance by acting in more than 400 movies.

"If Ramabrahmam gave me a break in films, K. V. Reddy gave me some major hits. Shavukaru in 1949 was my first major hit, and it also gave me a footing as a comedian. The very next year, Patala Bhairavi

Patala Bhairavi

Patala Bhairavi was a Telugu fantasy film produced by Vijaya Pictures in 1951. It is directed by Kadri Venkata Reddy and Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao, who also gave the screen adaptation. Pingali Nagendra Rao wrote dialogue and song lyrics...

came along and it helped me find a permanent place in the world of Telugu cinema," Padmanabham recalled .

Like many others of his era who had no godfathers to give them a straight lift in films, Padmanabham too landed in Madras with only fire in his belly and a talent to sing and imitate any actor of those days. Though he worked with almost 80 directors in his long career, Padmanabham cherishes most his association with Gudavalli Ramabrahmam, Ghantasala Balaramayya, L. V. Prasad

L. V. Prasad

Akkineni Lakshmi Vara Prasada Rao , more popularly known as L. V. Prasad was an Indian film producer and actor. He was a recipient of the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for lifetime contribution to cinema from the Government of India for the year 1982...

 and K. V. Reddy. "They were really great directors," he says.

Padmanabham is proud that he never aspired for any role but directors sometimes designed certain roles exclusively for him. "A comedian in those days was always one of the four main characters in a film, standing on the same level as a hero, heroine and villain. I don't think comedians of the present era are getting the same importance," he remarks.

The veteran finds it hard to mention any particular comic role as his most memorable one, but makes a special mention of the role of a rickshaw puller that he played in Desoddhaarakudu (1975). "It had ample measure of `karuna rasa' in it and I could display the other shade of my talent," he says. The role became famous for the song 'Aakalayyi Annamadigithe Pichchodannaru Naayaallu'. Padmanabham, who directed eightfilms in all, introduced S.P. Balasubrahmanyam to the film industry through Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna

Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna

Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna is a 1967 Telugu film produced by comedian B. Padmanabham and directed by K. Hemambharadhara Rao. This is the debut film for National singer S. P. Balasubrahmanyam.-The plot:...

. Kathanayika Molla

Kathanayika Molla

Kathanayika Molla is a 1970 Telugu film produced and directed by famous comedian B. Padmanabham. The film base on the life of Telugu poetess Molla. Vanisree played the title role. Jagame Ramamayam and Manishini Brahmayya Mattito Chesenaya are memorable songs in this film. It has got the Nandi...

, which he directed in 1969 fetched him the A.P. Government's award. Padmanabham fondly recalls the healthy professional relationship he had with comedians of his era - Relangi, Balakrishna and Siva Rao. He says every comedian of the present generation is immensely talented but handicapped by the inept handling of comedy in general. Presently acting in a TV serial Paatala Bhairavi, "not a remake of that old classic," he hastens to add, Padmanabham continues to be in the best of his health, thanks to his regular yoga sessions for the last 50 years.

Padmanabham died in Chennai

Chennai

Chennai , formerly known as Madras or Madarasapatinam , is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India...

 on 20 February 2010 from a heart attack

Myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction or acute myocardial infarction , commonly known as a heart attack, results from the interruption of blood supply to a part of the heart, causing heart cells to die...

, aged 78.

Actor

1. Bhadra
   Bhadra (film)
   Bhadra is a Telugu film released on 12 May 2005 and was directed by debutant director Boyapati Srinu. Ravi Teja and Meera Jasmine played the lead roles. The film was later remade into Tamil as Saravana with Silambarasan and Jyothika...
   
    (2005)
2. Chakram (2005)
3. Subhamasthu (1995)
4. Bhairava Dweepam
   Bhairava Dweepam
   Bhairava Dweepam is a very successful Tollywood folk movie that was released by the banner of Chandamama Vijaya Combines in the year 1994. The movie was starred by Nandamuri Balakrishna, Roja Selvamani, Rambha, Kaikala Satyanarayana, Manorama, K. R. Vijaya, Babu Mohan, Giri Babu, Subhalekha...
   
    (1994)
5. Mayalodu (1993) .... Padmanabham
6. Allulu Vasthunnaru
   Allulu Vasthunnaru
   Allulu Vasthunnaru is a 1984 Telugu film directed by K. Vasu. The film stars Chiranjeevi, Geetha, and Chandra Mohan in important roles....
   
    (1984)
7. Indradhanusu (1977)
8. Bu
   BU
   BU may stand for:* Backup* Bus Interface Unit, also called BIU* Brabender Units, used in flour anaylsis* Bethesda unit, a measure of inhibitor activity relating to a coagulation factor...
   
    (1976) .... Chillara Donga
9. Ramarajyamlo Rakthapasam (1976)
10. Shri Rajeshwari Vilas Coffee Club (1976)
11. Vichitra Bandham (1972) .... Chittibabu
12. Dasara Bullodu (1971)
13. Jeevitha Chakram
    Jeevitha Chakram
    Jeevitha Chakram is a 1971 Telugu film directed by C. S. Rao. Music for this film is provided by Bollywood famous Shankar Jaikishan with super-hit soundtrack. The singers are Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao, P. Susheela and Bombay Sharada....
    
     (1971)
14. Kathanayika Molla
    Kathanayika Molla
    Kathanayika Molla is a 1970 Telugu film produced and directed by famous comedian B. Padmanabham. The film base on the life of Telugu poetess Molla. Vanisree played the title role. Jagame Ramamayam and Manishini Brahmayya Mattito Chesenaya are memorable songs in this film. It has got the Nandi...
    
     (1970) .... Tenali Ramakrishna
15. Dharma Daata
    Dharma Daata
    Dharma Daata is a 1970 Telugu film directed by A. Sanjeevi and produced by Tammareddy Krishna Murthy of Ravindra Art Pictures.-The plot:...
    
     (1970)
16. Nirdoshi
    Nirdoshi
    Nirdoshi or Niraparadhi is a 1951 Telugu/Tamil film produced and directed by H. M. Reddy. Mukkamala Krishna Murthy played role of hero whereas Anjali Devi played double role. This film is remembered for the difficult portrayal of Anjali Devi...
    
     (1970)
17. Akka Chellelu
    Akka Chellelu
    Akka Chellelu is a 1970 Telugu drama film produced by V. Krishna Prasad of Jagapathi Films and directed by A. Sanjeevi.The story is about the Family relationship between two sisters, Akka and Chellelu , with mystery as background. There are some melodious songs particularly Pandavulu Pandavulu...
    
     (1970)
18. Adrushtavanthalu (1969)
19. Aatmiyulu
    Aatmiyulu
    -The Plot:Veerayya works for Landlord Jagannadham . He dies in an attempt to save the life of Jagannadham. Veerayya has a son Suryam and a daughter Seetha . Later Jagannadham shifted to city and makes arrangement for the maintenance of Veerayya's children. But Mahankali did not takes care of...
    
     (1969)
20. Jatakaratna midatham botlu (1969)
21. Natakala Rayudu
    Natakala Rayudu
    Natakala Rayudu is a Telugu Drama film directed by A. Sanjeevi. It is produced by famous character actor Nagabhushanam.It is based on the 1951 Hindi film Albela starring Bhagwan.-The Plot:...
    
     (1969) .... Rajasekhar
22. Buddhimanthudu (1969)
23. Kathanayakudu
    Kathanayakudu
    -Cast:* N. T. Rama Rao* Jayalalitha* Dhulipala* B. Padmanabham* Raja Babu* T. G. Kamala Devi-Songs:* "Intenaya TelusukOvaya EelOkam Intenaya"...
    
     (1969)
24. Brahmachari
    Brahmachari (Telugu film)
    Brahmachari is 1968 Telugu film directed by Tatineni Rama Rao. It is produced by Anumolu Venkata Subba Rao of Prasad Art Pictures.-Songs:* Evaruleni Chota -...
    
     (1968)
25. Bagdad Gajadonga (1968) .... Hero's friend
26. Aada Paduchu
    Aada Paduchu
    Aada Paduchu or Aadapaduchu is a 1967 Telugu Drama film produced and directed by K. Hemambaradhara Rao. It is remake of 1959 Hindi film Chhoti Bahen directed by L. V. Prasad.-The Plot:The story is same as Chhoti Bahen...
    
     (1967)
27. Ave Kallu (1967)
28. Bhakta Prahlada
    Bhakta Prahlada
    Bhakta Prahlada means "devotee Prahlada", a devotional character in Hindu mythology. It may refer to:-Films:* Bhakta Prahlada - first Telugu talkie movie made in 1931 under the krishna movies banner by H. M...
    
     (1967/I) .... Markudu
29. Goodachari 116 (1967)
30. Grihalakshmi
    Grihalakshmi
    Gruhalakshmi was a 1938 Telugu film produced and directed by H. M. Reddy. It was the maiden film for Rohini Pictures and Chittor V. Nagaiah. The film was adaptation of the popular stage play Rangoon Rowdy written by Somaraju Ramanuja Rao.-The plot:The social film is about a decadent dancer,...
    
     (1967)
31. Poola Rangadu (1967)
32. Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna
    Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna
    Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna is a 1967 Telugu film produced by comedian B. Padmanabham and directed by K. Hemambharadhara Rao. This is the debut film for National singer S. P. Balasubrahmanyam.-The plot:...
    
     (1967) .... Maryada Ramanna
33. Letha Manasulu (1966)
34. Chilaka Gorinka (1966)
35. Paramanandayya Shishyula Katha
    Paramanandayya Shishyula Katha
    Paramanandayya Shishyula Katha is a 1966 Telugu Comedy film directed by C. Pullayya. The story is written by Vempati Sadasivabrahmam.-The plot:...
    
     (1966) .... Nandhi
36. Potti Pleader (1966)
37. Pandava Vanavasam
    Pandava Vanavasam
    Pandava Vanavasam is a mythological Telugu film directed by Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao and written by Samudrala Raghavacharya.-Cast:*Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao ... Bheemudu*S. V. Ranga Rao ... Duryodhanudu*Kanta Rao ... Lord Krishna...
    
     (1965) .... Lakshmana Kumarudu
38. Tene Manasulu (1965)
39. Bobbili Yudham (1964)
40. Devatha
    Devatha (1964 film)
    Devatha is a 1964 Telugu drama and musical film produced by veteran comedian B. Padmanabham and directed by K. Hemambharadhara Rao. Mahanati Savitri portrayed duel role in this film....
    
     (1964)
41. Dr. Chakravarthy (1964)
42. Velugu Needalu
    Velugu Needalu
    Velugu Needalu is a 1961 Telugu film directed by Adurthi Subba Rao and produced by Dukkipati Madhusudhana Rao of Annapurna Pictures. Tamil version of the film was called Tuya Ulam.-The plot:...
    
     (1964)
43. Chaduvukunna Ammayilu
    Chaduvukunna Ammayilu
    Chaduvukunna Ammayilu is a 1963 Telugu film produced by Dukkipati Madhusudhana Rao from Annapurna Pictures and directed by Adurthi Subba Rao. The film is based on the Telugu novel Kaalaatheetha Vyakthulu written by Dr. Sridevi.-The plot:Sujatha is a rich girl and her best friend Vasantha is a...
    
     (1963) .... Anand
44. Mooga Manasulu
    Mooga Manasulu
    Mooga Manasulu or Moogamanasulu is a 1963 Telugu Drama film directed by Adurthi Subba Rao. The film based on the concept of reincarnation. It is ever lasting musical hit film; all the songs are heard even today. They are combined effort of Atreya, K. V. Mahadevan, Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao, P....
    
     (1963) .... Radha's Husband
45. Atma Bandhuvu (1962) .... 3rd son
46. Gulebakavali Katha
    Gulebakavali Katha
    For information on the nocturnal flower Gul-e-Bakavali, refer Epiphyllum oxypetalum.Gulebakavali Katha is a 1962 Telugu fantasy film directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao and produced by N. T. Rama Rao...
    
     (1962)
47. Dakshayagnam
    Dakshayagnam
    Dakshayagnam is a 1962 Telugu film directed by Kadaru Nagabhushanam and starring N. T. Rama Rao as Shiva and S. V. Ranga Rao as Daksha.-Cast:* Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao ... Lord Shiva* Devika ... Sathi Devi* S. V. Ranga Rao ... Dakshudu...
    
     (1962/I) .... Daksha's Younger son
48. Kula Gothralu
    Kula Gothralu
    Kula Gothralu or Kulagothralu is a 1962 Telugu Drama film directed by Kotayya Pratyagatma and produced by Anumolu Venkata Subba Rao under Prasad Art Pictures.It is a musical hit with music score composed by Pendyala Nageswara Rao...
    
     (1962)
49. Bharya Bharthalu
    Bharya Bharthalu
    Bharya Bharthalu is a 1961 Telugu Drama film directed by Kotayya Pratyagatma and produced by Anumolu Venkata Subba Rao of Prasad Art Pictures....
    
     (1961) .... Anjaneyulu
50. Iddaru Mitrulu
    Iddaru Mitrulu
    Iddaru Mitrulu is a 1999 Tollywood film which was directed by K. Raghavendra Rao. This film stars Chiranjeevi, Sakshi Sivanand, and Ramya Krishnan.- Plot :...
    
     (1961)
51. Vagdanam
    Vagdanam
    Vagdanam is a 1961 Telugu Drama film written, produced and directed by famous writer Acharya Atreya. The story is loosely based on the Novel Datta by Bengali writer Saratchandra Chatterjee....
    
     (1961) .... Padmanabham
52. Krishna Leelalu (1959)
53. Raja Makutam
    Raja Makutam
    Raja Makutam or Rajamakutam is a 1959 Telugu film directed by veteran B. Narasimha Reddy.-Synopsis:...
    
     (1959/I)
54. Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu
    Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu
    -2008 film:Appuchesi Pappukudu was remade in 2008 directed by Relangi Narasimha Rao and starring Rajendra Prasad and Madhumitha in lead roles.-External links:* * * *...
    
     (1958) .... Panakala Rao
55. Bhagya Rekha
    Bhagya Rekha
    Bhagya Rekha or Bhagyarekha is a 1957 Telugu film directed by B. N. Reddi and produced by Ponnaluri brothers.The popular Devotional song Neevundeda Kondapai Naasaami Nenundedee Nelapai by P. Susheela is in this film...
    
     (1957)
56. Kutumba Gauravam (1957) .... Relangi's son
57. Panduranga Mahatyam
    Panduranga Mahatyam (film)
    Panduranga Mahatyam is a 1957 Telugu film directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao and starring N. T. Rama Rao playing the role of Pundarika. The Lyrics written by Samudrala Ramanujacharya are excellent...
    
     (1957) .... Pundarika's brother
58. Jayasimha
    Jayasimha (film)
    Jayasimha is a 1955 Telugu hit film directed by D. Yoganand and produced by N.A.T. Pictures.The music score of this film is very good and provided by T. V. Raju; particularly the Bhakti song Jaya Jaya Srirama Raghuvaraa Subhakara Srirama of Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao is memorable one.-The...
    
     (1955) ... Subuddhi
59. Santanam (1955) .... Sekhar
60. Sri Kalahastiswara Mahatyam
    Sri Kalahastiswara Mahatyam
    Kalahasti Mahatyam or Sri Kalahastiswara Mahatyam is a 1954 Telugu film directed by H. L. N. Simha starring Kannada Kantheerava Rajkumar....
    
     (1954) .... Kaasi
61. Patala Bhairavi
    Patala Bhairavi
    Patala Bhairavi was a Telugu fantasy film produced by Vijaya Pictures in 1951. It is directed by Kadri Venkata Reddy and Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao, who also gave the screen adaptation. Pingali Nagendra Rao wrote dialogue and song lyrics...
    
     (1951) .... Dingiri
62. Shavukaru (1950)
63. Vindhyarani
    Vindhyarani
    Vindhyarani is a 1948 Telugu film directed by C. Pullayya. It is a film based on a drama written by Pingali Nagendra Rao. Pushpavalli played the title role of Vindhyarani.-The plot:...
    
     (1948)
64. Bhakta Siriyala (1948)
65. Yogi Vemana
    Yogi Vemana
    Yogi Vemana is a 1947 Telugu film directed by Kadiri Venkata Reddy. The story is based on the life of saint poet Vemana. Chittor V. Nagaiah played the role of Vemana and also composed music and sang many poems and songs in this film exposing his multifaceted talents.-Cast:* Chittor V. Nagaiah ......
    
     (1947)
66. Narada Naradi (1946)
67. Tyagayya
    Tyagayya (1946 film)
    Tyagayya is a 1946 film considered as masterpiece produced and directed by Chittor V. Nagaiah It is a soul stirring film about the truly extraordinary life of Saint Thyagaraja....
    
     (1946)
68. Mayalokam
    Mayalokam
    Maya Lokam or Mayalokam is a 1945 Telugu film directed by Gudavalli Ramabrahmam.It is debut film for veteran actor and producer B. Padmanabham.-Cast:* Chilakalapudi Seetha Rama Anjaneyulu * Kannamba...
    
     (1945)

Producer

1. Kathanayika Molla
   Kathanayika Molla
   Kathanayika Molla is a 1970 Telugu film produced and directed by famous comedian B. Padmanabham. The film base on the life of Telugu poetess Molla. Vanisree played the title role. Jagame Ramamayam and Manishini Brahmayya Mattito Chesenaya are memorable songs in this film. It has got the Nandi...
   
    (1970)
2. Shri Rama Katha (1969)
3. Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna
   Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna
   Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna is a 1967 Telugu film produced by comedian B. Padmanabham and directed by K. Hemambharadhara Rao. This is the debut film for National singer S. P. Balasubrahmanyam.-The plot:...
   
    (1967)
4. Potti Pleader (1966)
5. Devatha
   Devatha (1964 film)
   Devatha is a 1964 Telugu drama and musical film produced by veteran comedian B. Padmanabham and directed by K. Hemambharadhara Rao. Mahanati Savitri portrayed duel role in this film....
   
    (1964)

Director

1. Pellikaani thandri (1974)
2. Kathanayika Molla
   Kathanayika Molla
   Kathanayika Molla is a 1970 Telugu film produced and directed by famous comedian B. Padmanabham. The film base on the life of Telugu poetess Molla. Vanisree played the title role. Jagame Ramamayam and Manishini Brahmayya Mattito Chesenaya are memorable songs in this film. It has got the Nandi...
   
    (1970)
3. Shri Rama Katha (1969)