Ravi Teja

Bhupatiraju Ravi Shankar Raju, known universally by his screen name Ravi Teja and affectionately crowned 'Mass Maharaja' by millions of fans, is one of the most energetic, beloved, and self-made superstars in the history of Telugu cinema. Born in 1968 in Jaggampeta, Andhra Pradesh, Teja spent his formative years in Jaipur, Delhi, and Vijayawada before heading to Chennai with zero film background, determined to make it in the movies. He spent nearly a decade grinding through uncredited roles, working as an assistant director, and playing minor character parts before his raw, kinetic charisma broke through in Krishna Vamsi's Sindhooram (1997). His breakthrough as a lead hero arrived with Puri Jagannadh's Itlu Sravani Subramanyam (2001) and the sensational industry hit Idiot (2002), which established his trademark irreverent body language, blistering dialogue delivery, and relatable working-class swagger. In 2006, Teja delivered what is widely considered his career-defining masterpiece in S. S. Rajamouli's Vikramarkudu, demonstrating breathtaking dramatic duality as the hilarious, lovable thief Athili Sathi Babu and the ferocious, terrifyingly resolute police officer ASP Vikram Singh Rathore. The performance cemented his status as an A-list titan. Over a glorious career, he has headlined iconic blockbusters including Kick (2009), Mirapakay (2011), Balupu (2013), Raja the Great (2017), Krack (2021), and Dhamaka (2022). His relentless infectious energy, comic timing, and refusal to surrender inspire aspiring outsiders across the country.