Janmashtami: Actors Portraying Lord Krishna, NT Rama Rao’s Record 17 Times

Akshay Kumar

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar recently appeared as Lord Shiva in the film ‘Kannaappa’. But long before that, he also took on the role of Lord Krishna. In the 2012 film ‘OMG – Oh My God!’, Akshay played a modern-day Krishna. The movie tells the story of Kanji Mehta, an atheist played by Paresh Rawal, who decides to sue God after his antique shop is destroyed. Akshay Kumar’s character steps in to guide and help him through his troubles.

NT Rama Rao

When it comes to playing Lord Krishna, Telugu superstar NT Rama Rao holds an incredible record. He played the divine character in a remarkable 17 films. That’s more than any other Indian actor! His iconic portrayals include ‘Sri Krishnarjuna Yudham’ (1962), the Tamil film ‘Karnan’ (1964), and ‘Dana Veera Soora Karna’ (1977). His ability to embody Krishna’s essence made him a legend.

Pawan Kalyan

Andhra Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister, who is also a massive South superstar, Pawan Kalyan, also made a memorable turn as Lord Krishna. He starred in ‘Gopala Gopala’, the Telugu version of ‘OMG – Oh My God!’. Interestingly, reports say he was unsure about taking on the role. It took him ten days to finally say yes. Even with just 25 minutes of screen time, Pawan won over audiences as the modern-day Krishna.

Gemini Ganesan

The esteemed Tamil actor Gemini Ganesan also graces this list. He took on the role of Lord Krishna in his 1948 film, ‘Chakradhari’. Gemini’s portrayal charmed moviegoers of that era. The film itself was a success at the box office, proving the enduring appeal of Krishna’s stories and the actors who brought them to life.

Ghattamaneni Krishna

The iconic South superstar, Ghattamaneni Krishna, also stepped into the shoes of Lord Krishna. He played the charming deity in the film ‘Sakshi’. Krishna, with his captivating presence as Shri Krishna, truly won the hearts of the audience. These actors, through their dedication, have ensured that the stories of the divine remain vibrant and cherished across generations.