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Biography
Allu Ramalingaiah (1 October 1922 – 30 July 2004) was an Indian Telugu comic actor from Palakol who appeared in over 1000 Tollywood films.
Film career
Allu began his film career in 1953 with Puttillu and his last film Jai was in the year before his death. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1990 by the Government of India, and received the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award in 2001.
Allu played memorable roles in classics such as Mayabazar (as one of the Sarma-Sastry duo), Missamma, Muthyala Muggu, Sankarabharanam (his speech preceding the song "Dorakunaa Ituvanti Seva" commenting on the downfall of modern-day music, and the scene where he admonishes Somayajulu), Saptapadi, Yamagola ("Taalamu vesitini, gollemu marachitini!"), and numerous movies of the 80s, where he played a soft and unhated villain with the likes of Raogopal Rao and Nagabhushanam. His comedic timing and his nasal voice distinguished his many comic performances.
Other undertakings
- Allu Ramalingiah was also a homoeopathic doctor and a freedom fighter.
- He was arrested by the British colonial police during Quit India Movement.
- He was featured in dramas with Praja Natya Mandali before joining films and was awarded the title "Hasya Kala Prapoorna" by Nritya Kala Mandali.
- His social service and concern for others can be seen in his active support of the Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust. Posthumously, he had his eyes donated to the Chiranjeevi Eye Bank.
Awards
- Raghupathi Venkaiah Award in the year 2001.
- Padma Shri award by Government of India for his outstanding contribution to Telugu cinema as a comedy actor for the year 1990. He is the second awardee of Padmashri after Relangi in 1970.
- Statue of Rama Lingaiah stands unveiled at Ramakrishna Beach in Visakhapatnam and in his home town Palakollu
- Filmfare Award South for Lifetime Achievement, awarded in 1999
