The 100-film club - TeluguPeople.com News

A century in any format of life is a cherished milestone, more so in the world of films for it marks the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to one's chosen profession. Today, we look at three of our very own stars in Tollywood who are at the threshold of the coveted landmark.

Nandamuri Balakrishna fondly called Balayya by the industry made his debut as a child artiste in Tatamma Kala in 1974, a film which was directed by his father, the legendary NTR.

Today, he has a huge fan base and is considered one of the elders to whom the industry turns to for support and guidance. Balayya's last film Srimannarayana was his 97th film as an actor.

After, Srimannarayana, there was a considerable gap before Balayya's next film got underway as he was choc-a-block with his daughter's marriage, the affairs of Basavatarakam Cancer Hospital and political issues of the day.

Now that he has time on his hands, he is completely focused on his 98th film which is being directed by Boyapati Srinu. Unconfirmed reports say that Balayya wants his 100th film to be a treat for his fans and that he is going to direct it himself.

He is one of the few contemporary actors in Tollywood who can don mythological roles with panache and his 100th film might be along the same lines.

What is also of interest are the speculations doing the rounds that Balayya's 99th film would be a remake of his earlier hit Aditya 369 and is titled Aditya 999. He has reportedly asked Singeetam Srinivas Rao to direct this version as well.

Akkineni Nagarjuna, son of another Tollywood legend Akkineni Nageswar Rao has successfully taken over the mantle from his father. Nagarjuna made his debut as a child artiste in Sudigundalu in 1967 which was directed by Adurthi Subba Rao.

Today, Nag is not just a huge film star. Apart from being the owner of Annapurna Studios, he has also forayed into various business verticals. Nag has done over 95 films so far and he is currently awaiting the release of Bhai and also filming for Manam.

He is also going to do a film for Durga Arts banner and another film in the direction of Dolly (director of Thadaka) which would take him closer to the century.

While saying that it was still too early to be talking about his 100th film, Nag did promise though that it was going to be a huge film and live up to the expectations of his fans.

Veeramachaneni Jagapati Rao Chowdary made his debut as Jagapathi Babu in 1989 with the film Simhaswapnam. Son of veteran producer-director VB Rajendra Prasad, who directed his debut flick, few actors in Tollywood can lay claim to having done as many versatile characters as Jagapathi Babu.

Whether it be the role of a political goonda in Gaayam, a henpecked husband in Shubalagnam or a police officer in Lakshyam, Jagapathi Babu endeared himself to audiences with his fine portrayal of these characters. With four to five films on hand, it is only a matter of time before he finds himself in the elite century club.

Balayya, Nag and Jagapathi can smile contentedly for they know that this is one record which the younger generation will not find it easy to emulate.