Mamidipalli Veerabhadra Rao (1947–1988), commonly known as Suthi Veerabhadra Rao, was an Indian actor known for his comic and character roles in Telugu cinema. He was also a radio and theatre artist.
Early life Veerabhadra Rao was the only son, and had two younger sisters. He hailed from the East Godavari District (born at Ayanapuram) of Andhra Pradesh, and moved to Vijayawada due to his father's job. He did his schooling in 'AKTP school' and graduated from Andhra University, through 'SRR College', Vijayawada.
Career Suthi Veerabhadra Rao was one half of the famous "Sutti Janta", the other being Velu. He was a popular Radio and Theater Artist from 1970–1980. He entered the film industry in 1981, and became popular with Naalugu Sthambaalata in 1982. Until his untimely death due to heart attack, at the age of 41, he acted in 200+ films.
Radio and theatre career Veerabhadra Rao was interested in acting right from his childhood, he used to act in stage plays at school level. During his graduation days at SRR College, Vijayawada, he teamed with Jandhyala who was his classmate, and together, they participated in many competitions at university level. This team went on to become one of the hit teams in film industry with respect to comedy.
After Graduation, with love for theatre, he went on to become an employee of All India Radio (AIR), Vijayawada. While working there, he had staged many plays in Thummalapalli Kalakshetram, and Veledandla Hanumantharaya Grandhalayam, Vijayawada. He also participated in many plays that were broadcast from AIR. During his tenure with AIR, VJA, he worked with stalwarts of Telugu Theater and literature, like CSR Anajaneyulu, Vinnakota Ramanna Panthulu, Nanduri Subba Rao, C Rama Mohan Rao, Usha Sri, Vinnakota Vijayaram, Indrakanti Sreekanth Sarma, P Pandurangarao (Panduringa), Peri Kameswara Rao, Koka Sanjeeva Rao, A B Anand etc. Sri Balatranpu RajaniKantha Rao (Rajani) is instrumental for his entry into AIR. Sri Rajani would select his staff only if they could pronounce all the 56 letters of Telugu language, in a clear tone, with correct pronunciation and enunciation. His most popular stage play was Krishna Paksham presented at Konteru Nataka Parishath.
Film artist He entered the Telugu film industry in 1981, with the film Jatara. However, he got noticed in the industry in 1982, through the film Naalugu Sthambaalata by Jandhayla. He became famous in Tollywood for his lengthy dialogues. From 1982 to 1988, he acted in over 200 films. During this period, he played different kinds of roles.
He was the main character in many of the earlier films of Naresh and Rajendra Prasad. He was approached by few producers and directors for a guest role, with the belief that his presence would make the film a hit. As a result, there are many films where he is seen, sometimes, even without credits. During his short tenure, he acted with most of the heroes of his time. At the time of his death in 1988, he completed the shooting for the film Choopulu Kalisina Subhavela, but, the voice dubbing remained. Jandhyala gave his voice for the character.
Personal life
Veerabhadra Rao married Sekhari in 1970 and has two children, a son and a daughter. His daughter died in 2013 from cancer.
He was an avid reader of Literature in Telugu and English. He had his own personal library consisting of some of the books such as Veyi Padagalu and Srimad Bhagavatham. He also had a big collection of plays written in Telugu.
He used to donate huge amounts of money for the needy, and there were many beneficiaries from him. He led a simple life, helping others, and doing what he liked to do. He was religious.
Death
While shooting for a song in the film Choopulu Kalisina Subhavela, there was a sprain in one of his legs. Being a diabetic, he could not recover immediately and was advised to take some rest, as he was working continuously for a long time.
He was admitted in a hospital for recovery. On 30 June 1988, he died of a drug-induced heart attack.
Filmography Some of his popular films are: + List of Suthi Veerabhadra Rao film credits Year Title Role Notes 1974 Dorababu Amma Manasu 1975 Bharatamlo Oka Ammayi 1978Mallepoovu 1980 Jathara 1981 Erra Mallelu Kondaveeti Simham 1982 Nalugu Stambhalata Kalahala KapuramAnnavaram Brahmaa Nee Raata Taarumaaru Manishiko Charithra1983Bezawada BebbuliAchari Nelavanka Avadhanlu Palletoori Monagadu Rendu Jella Seetha Ramarajyamlo BheemarajuDurga DeviGowripathi Puttadi Bomma Meka / medhavi kavi Ananda Bhairavi Konte Kodallu Mugguru Ammayila MoguduTailor Subba RaoLanke BindeluMuthaiah Moodu Mullu 1984 Mayuri Kanchu KagadaSadanandam Rustum Agni Gundam Sundari Subbarao Rama Rao Gopal Rao a.k.a. Rao Gopal Rao AparadhiEduruleni MonagalluSingareni SimhachalamMerupu DaadiOwner of Fool&Son Guns ShopGoonda Srivariki Premalekha 1985 Babayi-Abbayi Preminchi Pelladu Chattamtho Poratam Public Prosecutor Mayadari MaridiSri Datta DarsanamMusugu DongaBhadrayya, the drunkardChiranjeeviThirupathayyaVande Mataram Terror Raktha SindhuramDoctor Mogudu Pellalu 1986 Rendu Rella Aaru Airavatham Maa Vari GolaDora BiddaChallani Ramayya Chakkani SeethammaMaruthiDriver BabuDakshinamurthy Swathi Muthyam Chantabbai Sravana Sandhya Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnulu Anjneelu Sri Shirdi Saibaba Mahathyam Bal Bhate Chadastapu MoguduSanthi Nivasam Poojaku Panikiraani Puvvu Konte Kapuram Jeevana Poratam Padaharella Ammayi 1987 Vijetha Vikram S.P.Pithal Rakshasa Samharam Raghava Gandhinagar Rendava VeedhiRowdy Police Dabbevariki Chedu Manmadha Leela Kamaraju GolaPandala ParamasivamPaga SaadhistaHead ConstableDaadaAjeyudu Dammit Katha Addam Thirigindi Saradhamba Aha Naa Pellanta Thene ManasuluMadanagopal's fatherMaavoori Magadu Madana Gopaludu 1988 Vivaha Bhojanambu Sahasam Cheyara Dimbaka Pelli Chesi ChooduStation MasterRowdy No.1Meesala VenkatappaiahBandipotuMinisterNyayaniki Siksha'Sayankalam' newspaper reporter Choopulu Kalisina Shubhavela Pandurangam O Tandri Theerpu Neeku Naku Pellanta Collector Vijaya Chikkadu Dorakadu Chinni Krishnudu 1989Krishna Gari AbbayiPreminchi Choodu (final film role)
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