Sai dharam tej father

Indian actor

Sai Durgha Tej^[1] (born Sai Dharam Tej; 15 October ) is an Indian actor who predominantly works in Telugu films. Tej started his acting career with the box office success Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham (), which earned him the SIIMA Award for Best Male Debut – Telugu.^[2]

Post his debut, Tej appeared in films such as Subramanyam for Sale () and Supreme (), which were box office successes. Back-to-back critical and commercial failures followed this. Tej then went onto establish himself with successful films Chitralahari () and Prati Roju Pandage (both ), Solo Brathuke So Better () and Republic ().^[3][4] In , Tej appeared in two of the year's highest grossing films — Virupaksha and Bro.^[5][6]

Early life and background

Tej was born as Sai Dharam Tej to Vijaya Durga, the younger sister of Telugu film actor-politician Chiranjeevi, on 15 October ^[7] Tej did his schooling from Chettinad Vidyashram, Chennai^[8][9] and Nalanda School, Hyderabad and completed his graduation from St. Mary's College, Hyderabad.^[10]

Actors Ram Charan, Varun Tej and Niharika Konidela are Tej's cousins. His younger brother Vaisshnav Tej is also an actor. Pawan Kalyan and Nagendra Babu are his maternal uncles.^[11][12] Actors Allu Arjun and Allu Sirish and their father, Allu Aravind are related by marriage through Chiranjeevi.

In March , he announced that he is changing his name from Sai Dharam Tej to Sai Durgha Tej. The changed name is derived from both his parents names respectively.^[13]

Career

Debut and early work (–)

Tej made his film debut with Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham, opposite Regina Cassandra in The film was a hit at the box office.^[14]Times of India noted, " Tej’s rustic charm makes his actions believable. The actor is particularly quite impressive with his dance moves".^[15]Deccan Chronicle stated, "Sai Durgha Tej delivers a mature performance. He entertains throughout the film with his performance and he has done this quite comfortably."^[16] He received SIIMA Award for Best Male Debut - Telugu for his performance.^[17]

Tej had two releases in His first film was Rey where he portrayed Rock opposite Saiyami Kher.^[18]telugu said, "Sai Durgha Tej’s electrifying performance is the major asset of this film."^[19] Tej's second release in was Subramanyam for Sale, which was successful at the box office, grossing over ₹ crore.^[20] He starred alongside Regina Cassandra, for the second time, after Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham (). Although various critics called it "routine",^[21] Tej's portrayal was cited as "improved performance",^[22] "spontaneous",^[23] and "stunning".^[24]

Resurgence and other work (–)

Tej's action comedySupreme which released the following year, was also financially successful and is one of his best movies.^[25] Following Supreme, Tej went onto star in five films (in lead), including Thikka (), Winner (), Jawaan (), Inttelligent () and Tej I Love You ().^[26][27] Tej was criticized for selecting similar and regular stories in his films.^[28][29]

Commercial success and progression (–present)

Chitralahari was his first release of The film was a box office success with critics praising his performance and Tej giving one of his career best performances.^[30][31]The Times of India had called the character Vijay in the film, the best in Tej's career so far.^[32] About his role in the film, Deccan Chronicle reported "Sai Tej has put on weight and with a beard looks fresh and fits the character. For this role, he has completely set aside his mass image".^[33] His next film of the year, Prati Roju Pandage was also successful.^[34] Murali Krishna CH of The New Indian Express in his review of the film, wrote that "The film definitely Sai Tej’s canvas and he delivers his standard chops with flamboyance".^[35] Later in , his film Solo Brathuke So Better was released following the COVID pandemic. Despite the restriction of 50% occupancy in cinemas, the film was successful at the box office.^[36]Idlebrain's Jeevi appreciated Tej's performance, particularly his comedy timing and acting in the emotional scenes of the film.^[37] In contrast, Y Sunita Chowdhary of The Hindu opined that "Tej could have benefited from a better script."^[38]

In his next film Republic (), directed by Deva Katta, Tej played the role of an IAS officer.^[39] The film, a political drama, opened to positive reviews, with critics calling his performance "matured" and the film was well received by audience and became a 'hit'.^[40][41] Prakash Pecheti of Telangana Today stated: "Republic surely adds a cap in the feather for Sai Dharam Tej."^[42]

Tej's 15th film, Virupaksha, a socio-fantasy thriller directed by Karthik Varma Dandu of Bham Bolenath fame, opened to generally positive reviews and became the highest-grossing film of his career. He next acted with his maternal uncle, Pawan Kalyan, in the remake of Vinodhaya Sitham, Bro, directed by Samuthirakani, who also directed the original. It released in July He has also signed films with debutant Jayanth Panuganti and Sampath Nandi.^[43]

Motorbike accident

In September , Tej was in a single-vehicle motorcycle accident near the Durgam Cheruvu Bridge in Hyderabad. He was admitted to Apollo Hospitals whose doctors announced that he sustained soft tissue injuries and a collar bone fracture but was out of danger.^[44][45] He announced a six-month career break in July to focus on fitness and get back into form.^[46]

Media image

Tej stood at the 25th place on Forbes India's most influential stars on Instagram in South cinema for the year ^[47] He ranked 24th in Hyderabad Times Most Desirable Men list of ^[48]

Tej turned brand ambassador for ‘Sky Zone Park’.^[49] He also became an ambassador for charity organisation 'Think Peace'.^[50]

Filmography

Films

Television

Accolades

References

External links