The release of Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana teaser has renewed interest in the adaptations of the epic made for the silver screen and TV before this.
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) is a legendary Telugu star who made history by playing both Rama and Ravana five times.
Years later, his grandson Jr NTR also made a name for himself by playing Rama and is today a superstar in his own right.
NTR played Rama in Lava Kusa (1963), Sri Krishna Sahitya (1971), Sri Ramanjaneya Yuddham (1975), and Sri Rama Pattabhishekam (1978), as well as a cameo in Ramadasu (1964).
He played Ravana in Bhookailas (1958), Seeta Rama Kalyanam (1961), Sri Krishna Satya (1971), Sri Rama Pattabhishekam (1978) and Brahmarshi Viswamitra (1991), and he also directed, wrote and edited the latter two.
Jr NTR inherited not just the name and legacy, but also the proclivity to star in mythological epics.
He played the role of Rama in Ramayanam (1997), which received the National Film Award for Best Children's Film and two Nandi Awards.
After a few hits and misses, Ramayana is once again being adapted for the screen by Nitesh Tiwari, with Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash starring.
