Allu Arjun

Who is Allu Arjun?

Allu Arjun is an Indian actor predominantly known for his work in Telugu cinema. Recognized as one of the highest-paid actors in Indian cinema, he has consistently appeared on Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list since 2014. Over his career, he has received numerous accolades, including a prestigious National Film Award, six Filmfare Awards, and three Nandi Awards. Renowned for his exceptional dancing skills, he is affectionately referred to as “Stylish Star” and “Icon Star” by fans and the industry alike.

Allu Arjun’s film journey began in 2003 with Gangotri. He gained widespread recognition with Sukumar’s Arya (2004), a cult classic that earned him the Nandi Special Jury Award. His early successes include the action-packed Bunny (2005) and Desamuduru (2007). In 2008, he showcased his versatility with the romantic drama Parugu, which won him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.

Building on his reputation, Arjun delivered notable performances in films such as Arya 2 (2009), Vedam (2010), Julayi (2012), Race Gurram (2014), S/O Satyamurthy (2015), Rudhramadevi (2015), Sarrainodu (2016), DJ: Duvvada Jagannadham (2017), and Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020). His biggest earners came with Pushpa (film series) which consists of Pushpa: The Rise (2021) and its sequel, Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024), the latter of which ranks among the highest-grossing Indian films of all time.

His performances as a lower-class cable operator in Vedam and as a carefree street smart man in Race Gurram won him two Filmfare Awards for Best Actor – Telugu. He also won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of prince Gona Ganna Reddy in Rudhramadevi. He received high acclaim for his performance in Pushpa: The Rise, which earned him his first National Film Award for Best Actor, and fourth Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu. In 2024, he was honoured with the IFFI Special Recognition for Contribution to Bharatiya Cinema Award at the 55th IFFI.

Beyond films, Allu Arjun is a prominent brand ambassador, endorsing numerous products and campaigns. He represents the Pro Kabaddi League and the streaming platform Aha, further solidifying his influence as a cultural icon.

Quick Details

Early Life and Education

Allu Arjun was born on 8 April 1982 in Madras (now Chennai) into a prominent Telugu family. His father, Allu Aravind, is a well-known film producer, and his mother, Nirmala, hails from a distinguished lineage. His paternal grandfather, Allu Ramalingaiah, was a celebrated film comedian who appeared in over 1,000 films. The family’s roots trace back to Palakollu in the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.

Allu Arjun spent his early years in Chennai before the family relocated to Hyderabad in the 1990s. He attended St. Patrick’s School in Chennai and later earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from MSR College, Hyderabad.

He is the second of three siblings. His elder brother, Venkatesh, is a businessman, and his younger brother, Sirish, is also an actor. Arjun is closely connected to the film industry through his extended family. His paternal aunt, Surekha Konidela, is married to actor Chiranjeevi, making him the first cousin of actor Ram Charan.

Career

Allu Arjun debuted as a child artist in Vijetha (1985) and as a dancer in Daddy (2001), he made his adult debut with Gangotri, directed by K. Raghavendra Rao and produced by Allu Aravind and C. Ashwini Dutt. While praised for his acting, critics noted room for improvement in his looks. He gained widespread recognition with Sukumar’s Arya, where he portrayed an outgoing boy in a love triangle. The film was both a critical and commercial success, grossing over ₹30 crore on a ₹4 crore budget, earning him his first Filmfare nomination and several awards. Its Malayalam release further expanded his fan base in Kerala.

He followed this with Bunny, directed by V. V. Vinayak, earning praise for his mannerisms and dance. His next, Happy by A. Karunakaran, was a musical love story that performed well, especially overseas, with critics applauding his dancing and performance despite a clichéd role.

Allu Arjun starred in Puri Jagannadh’s Desamuduru as Bala Govindam, a fearless journalist who falls for a woman with a troubled past. The film was a commercial success, earning him several awards and a second Filmfare nomination. He also appeared in the song “Jagadeka Veerudiki” from Shankar Dada Zindabad alongside Chiranjeevi.

In Parugu, directed by Bhaskar, he played Krishna, a carefree man caught in emotional turmoil. Critics praised his energy in the first half and emotional depth in the second, earning him his first Filmfare Award and a Nandi Special Jury Award.

Sukumar’s Arya 2 saw him reprise the titular role in a darker, possessive character. Critics lauded his energetic performance, dance, and emotional scenes, earning him a fourth Filmfare nomination.

In 2010, he starred in Varudu, which underperformed, and Vedam, a critically acclaimed anthology inspired by the 26/11 attacks. His role as a cable operator from a Hyderabad slum was celebrated as a career-best performance, winning him his second Filmfare Award.

Allu Arjun starred in V. V. Vinayak’s Badrinath (2011) as Badri, a warrior tasked with protecting the Badrinath Temple. He trained in martial arts and sword fighting in Vietnam and sported long hair for the role. Despite mixed reviews, the film ran for 50 days in 187 cinemas. Critics noted his limited emotional scope but acknowledged his dedication to action sequences.

In 2012, he appeared in Trivikram Srinivas’s Julayi as Ravindra Narayan, a street-smart youth entangled in a bank robbery. The film was well-received, with critics praising his charismatic performance and exceptional dance moves. He received a SIIMA nomination for Best Actor – Telugu.

In 2013, he starred in Puri Jagannadh’s Iddarammayilatho as Sanju Reddy, a guitarist with a troubled past, alongside Amala Paul and Catherine Tresa. Critics highlighted his stylish portrayal, energetic dances, and compelling action scenes. The film showcased his versatility and marked his final collaboration with Puri Jagannadh.

In 2014, Allu Arjun appeared in a cameo role in Yevadu, impressing critics with his impactful performance in a short screen time. He then starred in Race Gurram as Lucky, a carefree youth. The film became his first ₹100 crore grosser, earning him his third Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.

In 2015, he appeared in S/O Satyamurthy, earning critical praise and his seventh Filmfare nomination. In Rudhramadevi, he portrayed Gona Ganna Reddy, earning the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Telugu and other accolades for his impeccable performance.

In 2016, he starred in Sarrainodu, a commercial hit despite mixed reviews, winning the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor – Telugu. The following year, he played DJ Shastri in DJ: Duvvada Jagannadham, with praise for his dance but criticism for the screenplay.

In 2018, he starred in Naa Peru Surya, delivering an energetic performance as a soldier with anger management issues. Critics highlighted his dedication, though opinions on the film were mixed.

In 2020, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, directed by Trivikram Srinivas, became his career’s highest grosser and received widespread acclaim. His performance, particularly in emotional and dance sequences like “Butta Bomma,” was highly praised.

In 2021, Allu Arjun reunited with Sukumar for Pushpa: The Rise, portraying Pushpa Raj, a laborer-turned-smuggler in the red sanders trade. Co-starring Fahadh Faasil and Rashmika Mandanna, the film received mixed reviews but widespread praise for Arjun’s performance. Critics highlighted his transformation and authentic portrayal of the rustic character, with The Indian Express calling it “memorable” and The Times of India lauding his “rustic charm and vulnerability.”

The film grossed over ₹350 crore, becoming the highest-grossing Indian film of 2021. Arjun won the National Film Award and his fourth Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu, marking the first National Award win for a Telugu film actor. His dialogue “Thaggede Le” gained cult status, embedding itself in Indian pop culture. The sequel, Pushpa 2: The Rule, is slated for release on December 5, 2024.

Personal Life

On March 6, 2011, Allu Arjun married Sneha Reddy in Hyderabad. The couple has two children: son Ayaan and daughter Arha, who debuted as Prince Bharata in Shaakuntalam. In 2016, he co-founded the nightclub 800 Jubilee with M Kitchens and Buffalo Wild Wings.

In 2019, he pledged ₹20 lakh for renovating the Ksheera Ramalingeswara Temple in Palakollu, Andhra Pradesh. The funds supported the construction of Rathasala, Vahanasala, Gosala, and the temple chariot renovation. He also campaigned for his uncle Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena Party in Palakollu during the general elections.

Filmography

Allu Arjun Movies

Allu Arjun Music Video

Discography

Awards & Nominations

For Pushpa: The Rise, Arjun won the National Film Award for Best Actor. Arjun has received four Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu for the films – Parugu, Vedam, Race Gurram and Pushpa: The Rise.

Photo Gallery