S.S. Rajamouli is a renowned Indian filmmaker, known for his grand-scale, visually spectacular films. While many are familiar with his blockbuster hits like “Baahubali” and “RRR,” here are some lesser-known facts about him:
- Early Career in Television: Before making his mark in feature films, Rajamouli directed several Telugu television serials, most notably “Shanti Nivasam” for ETV, under the mentorship of veteran filmmaker K. Raghavendra Rao.
- The Nickname “Jakkanna”: He is affectionately known as “Jakkanna” in the South Indian film industry. This nickname was given to him by actor Rajiv Kanakala during the filming of “Student No. 1,” impressed by Rajamouli’s meticulous working style. Jakkanna refers to a famous sculptor from the Hoysala empire in South India.
- Born in Karnataka, Fluent in Kannada: Although primarily a Telugu filmmaker, Rajamouli was born in Raichur, Karnataka, and is fluent in the Kannada language.
- Undefeated Box Office Record (in Telugu Cinema): Rajamouli has a remarkable track record, having not delivered a single box office flop in his entire career in Telugu cinema, starting from his debut film “Student No. 1.”
- Family Collaborations: Filmmaking is a family affair for Rajamouli. His father, K.V. Vijayendra Prasad, is a celebrated screenwriter who has penned the scripts for many of his son’s films, including the “Baahubali” series and “RRR.” His wife, Rama Rajamouli, works as a costume designer for his projects, and his cousin, M.M. Keeravani, composes the music for all his films.
- Brief Acting Cameo: Rajamouli had a small, uncredited cameo in “Baahubali: The Beginning,” appearing as a spirit seller right before the “Manohari” song.
- Fascination with Reincarnation: His interest in the theme of reincarnation, which he explored in films like “Magadheera” and “Eega,” was influenced by the Bollywood film “Karan Arjun.”
- Discontinued Formal Education: After completing his intermediate studies, Rajamouli did not pursue further formal education, choosing to focus on his passion for filmmaking.
- Once a Skeptic: Although his parents were ardent devotees of Lord Shiva, Rajamouli was initially skeptical of religion. He later embraced Christianity but is now reportedly an atheist, influenced by Ayn Rand’s philosophy.
- Desired to make “Mahabharata”: Rajamouli has expressed a long-standing ambition to direct “Mahabharata,” envisioning it as the biggest motion picture ever made, and believes it would take him at least 10 years to gather the necessary knowledge and technology.