Balakrishna’s bold statement: Only 50-Year hero in the world Anamika Gottipati, May 5, 2025May 8, 2025 Top actor and Hindupur MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna, fondly called Balayya by fans, set the stage ablaze with his fiery speech during a grand felicitation ceremony held in Hindupur to celebrate two major milestones: receiving the Padma Bhushan and completing 50 years in the film industry. Addressing an electrified crowd, Balakrishna made a bold claim that has since reverberated across social media and film circles—declaring himself the only actor in the world to sustain a lead-hero status for five decades without transitioning into character roles. “No one like me” In a passionate address, Balakrishna proclaimed, “Fifty years as a HERO… there’s no one like me in the world!” He credited his late father N.T. Rama Rao (NTR) as his guiding force, calling him his “guru, god, and the eternal emperor of acting.” Emphasizing that no global actor has maintained such longevity solely as a lead. 📖 Must Read: Akhanda 2: Thaandavam teaser: Action plus devotion Balakrishna’s false claims Balakrishna’s bold statement drew admiration from fans but also skepticism from several quarters. While his longevity in the industry is commendable, the claim of being the only actor to sustain a 50-year career solely as a lead hero is factually questionable. Legendary actors such as Clint Eastwood have enjoyed hero roles well beyond five decades. In India, Kamal Haasan has over 60 years in cinema, with nearly 45 years as a lead actor, while Mammootty has maintained a consistent on-screen presence for over 55 years. Though Balakrishna debuted in Tatamma Kala (1974), he only began playing full-fledged hero roles around 1983–84. This means his claim of a 50-year career as a lead hero does not hold up to scrutiny. Career retrospective and Padma Bhushan pride Reflecting on his journey, Balakrishna recalled his cinematic debut at the age of 14 in Tatamma Kala (1974), directed by NTR. Since then, he has headlined over 100 films, with iconic hits like Samarasimha Reddy, Simha, and Akhanda solidifying his place as a mass hero. He linked the Padma Bhushan, awarded in January 2025, to his string of recent achievements—marking 50 years in cinema, delivering four consecutive hits, and serving his third term as Hindupur MLA. 📖 Must Read: Nandamuri Balakrishna splurges 7.75 Lakh for this number “God’s timing is perfect,” he remarked, brushing aside claims that the honor was long overdue. He also emphasized the richness of Telugu culture, quoting verses that celebrate Telugu as the “Italian of the East,” and praised Hindupur for its unity and heritage. Renaming the town “Nandamuri Puram,” he likened the grand felicitation to his “second birthday,” thanking fans who contributed donations from Rs 50 to several lakhs to organize the event. 📖 Must Read: Producer admits Daaku Maharaaj’s loss What’s next? Currently filming “Akhanda 2 – Tandavam”, slated for a September 2025 release, Balakrishna shows no signs of slowing down. His larger-than-life persona, unapologetic confidence, and unwavering devotion to legacy continue to define his journey. Whether celebrated or challenged, his declaration of a unique 50-year lead hero career has ensured one thing: Balakrishna remains a towering and polarizing figure in both Telugu cinema and politics.