Dhulipala Seetharama Sastry

Dhulipala Sitarama Sastry (24 September 1921 – 13 April 2007), known mononymously by the surname Dhulipala, was an Indian actor and thespian, known for his works predominantly in Telugu cinema. He was noted for playing mythological roles, particularly the role of Shakuni. He began his acting career at the young age of 13 and went on to work in about 300 films. He shot to fame with Bhishma and Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam, acting alongside N. T. Rama Rao.

Life and career Born on September 24, 1921, to Sankarayya and Ratnamma of Dachepalli village in Palnadu taluk of Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, he dropped out of school after Class. 8th and spent a year at Sankara Vidyalayam, Bapatla, studying Vedas. Subsequently, he worked as a clerk for an advocate. Simultaneously entering the stage, initially portraying female characters. He was introduced to film industry by his preceptor Mr. Gayudu (1927-2005), who was a famous actor, director, writer, singer and music director, make-up artist and also owned the costumes related to mythological dramas. Initially, Mr. Gayudu was selected for the role of Bhishma in the movie Bhishma and N. T. Rama Rao was offered the role of Duryodhana, but, due to a conspiracy to wedge Mr.Gayudu from entering the film industry, the Art Director of the movie, Mr. Vali, was arrested and made a deal out of it with Mr. Gayudu that if he drops out of the role of Bheeshma which he was offered and instead play the role of Duryodhana, he could get Vali released. Mr. Gayudu wasn't ready to accept the deal but for the sake of his friend Vali, he dropped out of the movie stating, his student Dhulipala, is capable enough to play Duryodhana. When NTR thanked him for dropping out of the movie, Mr.Gayudu replied showing him all the letters and telegrams that he received earlier, "I am backing off for the sake of my friend Vali. No matter how much you succeed in your career, don't forget that I was the first preference for the lead role of every movie and you had always been the second choice, as I couldn't make it on time and you grabbed the opportunities. I received Vendi Gada (Silver Gada) from Mysore Maharaja as a token of gratitude. That's my greatest achievement". Mr.Gayudu headed back home and never turned around. He realized that his brothers were right, as they said "Talent is injurious to career and life".

Hence, Dhulipala who was popular on the stage in the role of Duryodhana, made his debut with that film. Mr. Gayudu was the first choice for every lead role in mythological movies but his family members didn't want him to enter the film industry as they feared for his well-being after his uncle, the great actor Dommeti Surya Narayana was assassinated by his rivals, as he was the first generation superstar of Telugu film industry and was still thriving. so they concealed every letter and telegram that Mr.Gayudu received offering him the lead roles to work for their movies. Dhulipala entered film industry in 1960, with the movie Bhishma, portraying the role of Duryodhana. He acted in around 300 movies and won several accolades and awards. He was a staunch devotee of Hanuman and was inspired by Swami Jayendra Saraswati of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham to take sanyas in 2001 and establish Maruthi Ashram at Guntur City. He died on 13 April 2007.

Selected filmography Murari (2001) Choodalani Vundi (1998) Oorantha Golanta (1989) as Govindayya Veera Pratap (1987) Sri Vemana Charithra (1986) Tandra Paparayudu (1986) as Buchanna Sangeeta Samrat (1984) Muddula Mogudu (1983) as 'Rangamarthanda' Madhavaiah Pratigna (1982) as Venkataramaiah Bobbili Puli (1982) Swargam (1981) as Hanumanthu Mahashakti (1980) Punnami Naagu (1980) Sri Tirupati Venkateswara Kalyanam (1979) as Bhrigu Maharshi Rangoon Rowdy (1979) Sri Vinayaka Vijayamu (1979) as Shukracharya Sri Madvirata Parvam (1979) as Shakuni Lawyer Viswanath (1978) as Judge Yuga Purushudu (1978) as Dhanunjayam Jaganmohini (1978) Daana Veera Soora Karna (1977) as Shakuni Kurukshetram (1977) as Indra Bangaru Bommalu (1977) as Ranganna Pichi Maraju (1976) as Dharma Rao Seeta Kalyanam (1976) as Vasishtha Mahamuni Mahakavi Kshetrayya (1976) Andharu Bagundali (1976) as Swamiji Gunavantudu (1975) Manushullo Devudu (1974) as Garudachalam Uttama Illalu (1974) as Bheemayya Manchi Manushulu (1974) as Dr. Anand Sri Ramanjaneya Yuddham (1974) as Yayati Mayadari Malligadu (1973) as Judge Ganga Manga (1973) Kanna Koduku (1973) as Buchi Raju Desoddharakulu (1973) Stree (1973) Andala Ramudu (1973) as Secretary Manchi Rojulu Vachayi (1972) as Zamindar Ungarala Bangaraiah Monagadostunnadu Jagratha (1972) as Gurunatham Inspector Bharya (1972) as Ranga Rao Bala Bharatam (1972) as Shakuni Sri Krishna Satya (1972) as Karna Collector Janaki (1972) Pattukunte Laksha (1971) Mattilo Manikyam (1971) as Mallayya Rajakota Rahasyam (1971) Adrusta Jathakudu (1971) as Parandhamaiah Pavitra Hrudayalu (1971) as Sivaiah Sampoorna Ramayanam (1971) as Vibhishana Mayani Mamata (1970) as Janakiramaiah Balaraju Katha (1970) Pettandarulu (1970) Ukku Pidugu (1969) as Sage Haricharanudu Bhale Abbayilu (1969) as Judge Madhava Rao Pratheekaram (1969) as Kanthayya Gandara Gandadu (1969) as Vijayendra Bhale Rangadu (1969) as Narasaiah Ekaveera (1969) as Father of Veerabhupati Aatmiyulu (1969) as Veerayya Nene Monaganni (1968) Kalisochina Adrushtam (1968) Bandhavyalu (1968) Undamma Bottu Pedata (1968) Veeranjaneya (1968) as Vishwamitra Aggi Meeda Guggilam (1968) as Chandavarma, Mahamantri of Sripura Ranabheri (1968) as Rajaguru Nindu Manasulu (1967) Aggi Dora (1967) as Raghunatha Rayalu, Maharaj of Ratnagiri Sri Krishnavataram (1967) as Satrajit Bhakta Prahlada (1967) as Indra Mohini Bhasmasura (1966) as Shukracharya Paduka Pattabhishekam (1966) as Dasaratha Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam (1966) as Shakuni Dorikithe Dongalu (1965) Pandava Vanavasam (1965) as Chitragupta Amara Silpi Jakkanna (1964) (Kannada) Bobbili Yuddham (1964) as Narasarayalu Nartanasala (1963) as Duryodhana Sri Krishnarjuna Yuddham (1963) as Gayudu Madana Kamaraju Katha (1962) as Acharya of Mahendragiri Mahamantri Timmarusu (1962) Kalimilemulu (1962) as Narasaiah Bhishma (1962) as Duryodhana

Awards Nandi Award for Best Actor - 1968 - Bandhavyalu