Jagayya - The First Political Hero on the Indian Cinema Screen
Kongara Jaggayah, also known as Kanchukantham Jaggayah, was a renowned actor in the telugu film industry from the 1950s to the 1980s. In addition to his acting career, he was a literary figure, journalist, lyricist, dubbing artist, and politician, particularly noted for his contributions to telugu cinema and theatre. Jaggayah earned the nickname Kanchukantham Jaggaya during his illustrious career. Over 40 years, he not only played leading roles but also portrayed villains in several films.
Jaggayah was one of the first actors from the film industry to enter politics. Born on december 31, 1928, to Sitaramaiah and Rajya Lakshmamma in Morampudi village near tenali in guntur district, he gained early recognition by playing the role of Lava in a hindi drama during his high school days in Duggira at the age of 11. While studying at guntur AC College, he performed in many plays alongside NTR.
As a student, Jaggayah joined the congress Socialist party in tenali and participated in the indian independence movement. He later worked as a journalist, serving as the editor of Republic Weekly, and spent some time working in radio. Initially active in the socialist group of the congress party, he later joined the Praja Socialist party led by Jayaprakash Narayana. However, in 1956, he rejoined the congress at the behest of Jawaharlal Nehru.
In 1967, Jaggayah was elected as a Member of parliament from the Ongole constituency as a candidate of the congress party, becoming the first indian film actor to achieve this distinction. This milestone is a significant part of indian cinema history. Although he was not very active politically afterward, he maintained his association with the congress until his death in chennai in 2004.
Jaggayah was one of the first actors from the film industry to enter politics. Born on december 31, 1928, to Sitaramaiah and Rajya Lakshmamma in Morampudi village near tenali in guntur district, he gained early recognition by playing the role of Lava in a hindi drama during his high school days in Duggira at the age of 11. While studying at guntur AC College, he performed in many plays alongside NTR.
As a student, Jaggayah joined the congress Socialist party in tenali and participated in the indian independence movement. He later worked as a journalist, serving as the editor of Republic Weekly, and spent some time working in radio. Initially active in the socialist group of the congress party, he later joined the Praja Socialist party led by Jayaprakash Narayana. However, in 1956, he rejoined the congress at the behest of Jawaharlal Nehru.
In 1967, Jaggayah was elected as a Member of parliament from the Ongole constituency as a candidate of the congress party, becoming the first indian film actor to achieve this distinction. This milestone is a significant part of indian cinema history. Although he was not very active politically afterward, he maintained his association with the congress until his death in chennai in 2004.