Rao Ramesh is a celebrated actor in Telugu cinema, known for his ability to bring depth and authenticity to every role. Son of legendary actor Rao Gopal Rao, his career spans over two decades, with standout performances in Gamyam, Magadheera, Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu, Duvvada Jagannadham, Katamarayudu, Kotha Bangaru Lokam, Khaleja and A.. Aa…. His impeccable voice modulation, natural dialogue delivery and ability to seamlessly switch between roles—be it a villain, comic character, or father—set him apart. Following the legacy of icons like SV Ranga Rao, Kaikala Satyanarayana and many more, Rao Ramesh has become a defining character actor of his generation. In an industry where non-Telugu actors are often cast, he proves that true impact comes from understanding the language and culture. Writers frequently craft roles specifically for him, a testament to his profound influence and unique presence in Telugu cinema. He takes
The Pioneer’s Suresh Kavirayani through his early days, the legacy of his father and more
LEGACY OF INTEGRITY & DISCIPLINE
You all know my father, Rao Gopal Rao, a great actor who made his own unique mark in Telugu cinema. He passed away in 1994. My mother, Kamala Kumari, was a Harikatha exponent before she got married. My father hailed from the Rajas dynasty, and my parents had a love marriage—my father was captivated by my mother’s Harikatha performances. On my mother’s side, the family has a rich legacy of Carnatic musicians. She passed away in 2018. My father always told us to never lie. He was a great admirer of socialist leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan and Ram Manohar Lohia, and he despised dishonesty. He made it a point to instill in us the importance of truthfulness, and would get extremely angry if anyone lied. This value of honesty has been deeply ingrained in me, and it’s why I always strive to work honestly, sincerely, and remain focused on my work. Another crucial lesson I learned from him was the importance of discipline. My father had a deep love for the Telugu language and was an avid reader of Telugu literature. We had an extensive library filled with Telugu literary works, and I, too, grew up reading and learning the language. From him, I learned how to read, write, and speak Telugu properly, which remains an important part of my identity.
