Dhulipala Sitarama Sastry (24 September 1921 – 13 April 2007), known mononymously by the surname Dhulipala, was an Indian actor and thespian, known for his works predominantly in Telugu cinema.[1] He was noted for playing mythological roles, particularly the role of Shakuni. He began his acting career at the young age of 13 and went on to work in about 300 films. He shot to fame with Bhishma and Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam, acting alongside N. T. Rama Rao.[2]

Dhulipala
Born
Dhulipala Sitarama Sastry

24 September 1921 (1921-09-24)
Died13 April 2007(2007-04-13) (aged 85)
OccupationActor
Years active1961–2001
Websitewww.dhulipala.org

Life and career edit

Born on September 24, 1921, to Sankarayya and Ratnamma of Dachepalli village in Palnadu taluk of Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, he dropped out of school after Class. 8th and spent a year at Sankara Vidyalayam, Bapatla, studying Vedas. Subsequently, he worked as a clerk for an advocate. Simultaneously entering the stage, initially portraying female characters. He was introduced to film industry by his preceptor Mr. Gayudu (1927-2005), who was a famous actor, director, writer, singer and music director, make-up artist and also owned the costumes related to mythological dramas. Initially, Mr. Gayudu was selected for the role of Bhishma in the movie Bhishma and N. T. Rama Rao was offered the role of Duryodhana, but, due to a conspiracy to wedge Mr.Gayudu from entering the film industry, the Art Director of the movie, Mr. Vali, was arrested and made a deal out of it with Mr. Gayudu that if he drops out of the role of Bheeshma which he was offered and instead play the role of Duryodhana, he could get Vali released. Mr. Gayudu wasn't ready to accept the deal but for the sake of his friend Vali, he dropped out of the movie stating, his student Dhulipala, is capable enough to play Duryodhana. When NTR thanked him for dropping out of the movie, Mr.Gayudu replied showing him all the letters and telegrams that he received earlier, "I am backing off for the sake of my friend Vali. No matter how much you succeed in your career, don't forget that I was the first preference for the lead role of every movie and you had always been the second choice, as I couldn't make it on time and you grabbed the opportunities. I received Vendi Gada (Silver Gada) from Mysore Maharaja as a token of gratitude. That's my greatest achievement". Mr.Gayudu headed back home and never turned around. He realized that his brothers were right, as they said "Talent is injurious to career and life".

Hence, Dhulipala who was popular on the stage in the role of Duryodhana, made his debut with that film. Mr. Gayudu was the first choice for every lead role in mythological movies but his family members didn't want him to enter the film industry as they feared for his well-being after his uncle, the great actor Dommeti Surya Narayana was assassinated by his rivals, as he was the first generation superstar of Telugu film industry and was still thriving. so they concealed every letter and telegram that Mr.Gayudu received offering him the lead roles to work for their movies.[3] Dhulipala entered film industry in 1960, with the movie Bhishma, portraying the role of Duryodhana. He acted in around 300 movies and won several accolades and awards. He was a staunch devotee of Hanuman and was inspired by Swami Jayendra Saraswati of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham to take sanyas in 2001 and establish Maruthi Ashram at Guntur City. He died on 13 April 2007.[1] He was survived by his wife and two sons.[4]

Selected filmography edit

Awards edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Guntur News : Dhulipala no more
  2. ^ Natinundi neti daaka: Autobiography of Dhulipala
  3. ^ Dhulipala photo gallery – Telugu cinema actor
  4. ^ idleburra.com Archived 2011-07-13 at the Wayback Machine
  5. ^ OORANTHA GOLANTA TELUGU FULL MOVIE | CHANDRA MOHAN | KALPANA | V9 VIDEOS, retrieved 1 July 2023
  6. ^ "Prathignya (1982)". Indiancine.ma.
  7. ^ SWARGAM | TELUGU FULL MOVIE | CHANDRA MOHAN | JAYASUDHA | SATHYANARAYANA | S.VARALAKSHMI | V9 VIDEOS, retrieved 24 September 2023
  8. ^ "Sree Vinayaka Vijayamu (1979)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
  9. ^ "Andharu Bagundali (1976)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
  10. ^ "Uttama Illalu (1974)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  11. ^ "Manchirojulu Vachayi (1972)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  12. ^ "MonagadOstunnadu Jagratha streaming: watch online". JustWatch. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  13. ^ "Inspector Bharya (1972)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
  14. ^ "Ukku Pidugu - Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
  15. ^ "Bhale Abbailu (1969)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
  16. ^ "Pratheekaram (1969)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 19 January 2024.
  17. ^ FilmiClub. "Gandara Gandadu (1969) Complete Cast & Crew". FilmiClub. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  18. ^ "Veeranjaneya (1968)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  19. ^ "Aggi Meeda Guggilam (1968)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
  20. ^ "Rana Bheri (1968)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  21. ^ "Aggi Dora (1967)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
  22. ^ "Mohini Bhasmasura 1966 Telugu Movie Cast Crew,Actors,Director, Mohini Bhasmasura Producer,Banner,Music Director,Singers & Lyricists". MovieGQ. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  23. ^ "Paduka Pattabhishekamu 1966 Telugu Movie Cast Crew,Actors,Director, Paduka Pattabhishekamu Producer,Banner,Music Director,Singers & Lyricists". MovieGQ. Retrieved 10 January 2024.