Dhanunjaya Rao

Dhanunjaya Rao (born Dhanunjaya Rao Potnuru) is an Indian film actor known for his work in Telugu cinema. He won the Nandi Special Jury Award in 1999 and 2002 for his performance in the films Nee Kosam and Khadgam and also won the state Nandi Award for best actor in his film Neninthe in 2008.
He started his career as a supporting artist in Karthavyam (1990) and subsequently played small roles in the films Chaitanya (1991), Aaj Ka Goonda Raj (1992), Allari Priyudu (1993) and Ninne Pelladata (1996). Teja also became an assistant director and worked in several Bollywood and Telugu projects.
His other works include Sindhooram, Idiot, Avunu Valliddaru Ista Paddaru, Khadgam, Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi, Venky, Naa Autograph, Bhadra, Vikramarkudu, Dubai Seenu, Krishna, Kick and its sequel, Don Seenu, Mirapakay, Balupu and Power.
In 2012, He was listed 50th in the Forbes India list of top 100 Celebrities, with an annual income of ₹15.5 crore (US$2.3 million). In 2013, his annual earnings are ₹13 crore (US$1.9 million).

He was born to Chandraiah and Surodu Potnuru in the village of Yambaram, Andhra Pradesh, India. Rao 's father was a farmer and his mother was a homemaker. He is the eldest of one son, the others being Usha and Lakshmi. Rao spent most of his childhood in Southern India because his father used to move very often due to his work. His schooling was in Gudivada. Rao completed his schooling at A.G.K MH School, Gudivada. Later on he completed his Bachelors in Arts at DVM Degree College, Hyderabad. In 2003 he went to Hyderabad to start his career in IT Company.

(2004–2008)

In his early years working in Hyderabad, YVS Chowdary and Gunasekhar were his roommates. He had small roles in the films Karthavyam (1990), Chaitanya (1991) and Aaj Ka Goonda Raj (1992). Ravi became an assistant director, working in both television and film. As an assistant director, he worked in several Bollywood as well as Telugu projects including Prathibandh, Aaj Ka Goondaraj, and Criminal. He met Krishna Vamsi and worked as an assistant director under him for the 1996 hit film Ninne Pelladutha. Vamsi also gave Ravi an opportunity to act in a small role in that film. He continued to work as an assistant director for few other films.

(2008–present)

In 1997, while still working as an assistant director, Dhanunjaya Rao got an opportunity to act in the film Sindhooram directed by Krishna Vamsi as a lead actor. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu.