Dharmavarapu Subrahmanyam (20 September 1954 – 7 December 2013) was an Indian actor, comedian and film director who worked in Telugu cinema. He was established as one of the highly paid and top most leading comedians in Telugu film industry. Dharmavarapu had huge fan following among Telugu audience for his unique style and dialogue modulation. He hosted several popular television shows. Dharmavarapu has received two state Nandi Awards for best male comedian for his roles in Yagnam (2004) and Aalasyam Amrutam (2010).

Early life

Dharmavarapu was born in a Telugu Aruvela Niyogi Brahmin family at Komminenivaripalem in Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh.

Career

Dharmavarapu originally worked as a government employee. He became popular through his comedy serial "Anando Brahma" which he both acted in and directed. It was aired on Doordarshan in the 1980s becoming a sensational hit show in Andhra Pradesh changing the trend of Television media in entertainment. His first film appearance was in the Jandhyala-directed Jayammu Nischayammu Raa in 1989. He was renowned for his comedy roles and flawless dialogue delivery. Later, he went on to act in various films with star heroes like Chiranjeevi, Balakrishna, Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Venkatesh, Mahesh Babu, Pawan Kalyan, Prabhas, Jr. NTR, Ram Charan, Allu Arjun, Ravi Teja. He also directed a Telugu film, Thokaleni Pitta, starring Naresh in the lead produced by Kona Venkat.

Death

Dharmavarapu died on 7 December 2013, after fighting liver cancer for several months.

Filmography

As an actor

Telugu films

Tamil films

Hindi film

Kannada film

As director