My Life is a Blank Sheet of Paper, I Won’t Allow a Single Stain On It* – *Murali Mohan*
*My Life is a Blank Sheet of Paper, I Won’t Allow a Single Stain On It* – *Murali Mohan*
*I have achieved this growth because of those four people*
Maganti Murali Mohan is a name known across the Telugu states. Though his birth name is Rajababu, he became a household name to the audience as Murali Mohan. Spanning a career of over five decades, he has left an indelible mark on Telugu cinema. Not only as an actor but also as a producer, he has delivered numerous socially conscious films.
Making his acting debut with ‘Jagame Maya’, Murali Mohan earned a reputation as a highly disciplined actor and went on to star in over 350 films. In recognition of his immense contribution to the field of art and cinema, the Government of India honored him with the prestigious Padma Shri award. Over the years, he excelled as a lead hero and a supporting actor, proving his versatility. Because his films consistently prioritized family values, he garnered massive respect and popularity among female audiences, eventually earning the title of the hero of small producers. He remains one of the very few actors in Tollywood known as an Ajathashatruvu (a man with no enemies).
Meeting the Press: Honoring the Legend
Following his Padma Shri recognition, the Film Critics Association (FCA) organized a ‘Meet the Press’ event at the Film Chamber. During the event, FCA Honorary President Prabhu, President Battula J.V. Prasada Rao, and General Secretary Suresh Kondeti presented a bouquet to honor Murali Mohan.
*Highlights from the Critics’ and Journalists’ Speeches*
*Senior Journalist & FCA Honorary President Prabhu:*
Murali Mohan garu shares a unique bond with the journalistic community. His disciplined life is highly exemplary. Born on June 24, 1940, he studied at Eluru CR Reddy College, where he was peers with Superstar Krishna. Even with a keen business mind from youth, he prioritized character over everything else. He has sponsored the education of over 1,000 students, spending ₹5 lakhs on each, thereby illuminating 1,000 families. Many of his beneficiaries are now well-settled, including some working at the Reserve Bank of India. Though his political stint saw razor-thin margins of victory and defeat, his children have grown up to be highly self-reliant. Even at the age of 86, he continues to act. I have personally taken up the responsibility of writing his biography and aim to complete it by the end of this year.
*FCA President Battula Prasad & General Secretary Suresh Kondeti:*
Expressing extreme pride in his Padma Shri win, Suresh Kondeti added that Murali Mohan has always been a pillar of support for journalists, stepping in to guide and encourage them personally through both good times and difficult phases.
*Senior Journalist Balireddy:*
The Padma Shri is well-deserved, even if it came late. Murali Mohan garu has remained completely non-controversial, even in his massive real estate venture, Jayabheri, which has generated extensive employment in Hyderabad. Tollywood should organize a grand felicitation for him.
*Other Committee Members (Janardhan, Abdul, Subba Rao, Appaji, Mamidala Giridhar, RDS Prakash):*
Speakers lauded his photographic memory for faces, his philanthropic nature, and referred to him affectionately as “Maa Manchi Murali Mohan” (Our Good Murali Mohan), drawing parallels to how Chiranjeevi is called Megastar.
*In His Own Words: Murali Mohan’s Address*
Expressing his gratitude to the Film Critics Association, Murali Mohan spoke extensively about his journey, values, and industry relationships:
The relationship between the film industry and film critics is inseparable, especially in Tollywood. I can confidently say that Tollywood is free of ‘Yellow Journalism’ (sensationalism). There is a deep bond of friendship between journalists and actors here. Megastar Chiranjeevi always says: ‘If there is something bad, whisper it in my ear; if there is something good, say it on the mic. Tollywood media has always adhered to this grace.
Growing up, I didn’t have much inclination toward formal education. I lacked capital for business and a degree for a job. My life took a turning point thanks to Gupta Manikyalarao garu and Atluri Purnachandra Rao garu. Purnachandra Rao garu spotted me and cast me as the hero in Jagame Maya, shifting Giri Babu garu to the antagonist role.
My original name was Rajababu, but since an actor with that name already existed, they changed it to Mohan. Later, Andhra Patrika’s Srinivas garu suggested adding ‘Murali’, and thus I became Murali Mohan. I can never forget the opportunities given to me by Dasari Narayana Rao garu, nor the invaluable advice from Sobhan Babu garu. Sobhan Babu garu advised me to invest every penny of my earnings into land. Following his advice, I entered the real estate business. I have run it with absolute honesty and ethics. Those four people shaped my life.
I believe that charity done with the right hand shouldn’t be known to the left hand. I never sought publicity for my charity work; it traveled through word of mouth. No matter how much one earns, we can only consume a few morsels of food. Even today, I live a very simple life in an apartment.
*Q&A Session Highlights*
*On Roles and Regrets:*
I never expected to become an actor, so I have no regrets about roles I couldn’t play. However, after playing a drunkard character in Dasari garu’s Muddabanthi, the audience didn’t appreciate it. Nobody can match Akkineni Nageswara Rao garu in drunkard roles, so I decided never to play one again. Recently, I played a character with negative shades, and my film Breaking News as a lead actor will release soon.
*On His Character:* My life is a blank sheet of paper. There has never been a stain on it, and I will never allow one to happen.
*On His Children Entering Cinema:* My son explicitly stated he had no interest in movies. When I looked at my daughter, I initially wanted her to become an actress—I envisioned her as the Jaya Bhaduri of the South. However, she wasn’t interested in acting either, though they have inclinations toward film production.
The event concluded with the participation of Joint Secretary Shyam Kumar, Smt. Parveen Bapi, Treasurer Bharadwaj, and Executive Members Chandu Ramesh, Keshavachari, Naveen, Kumaraswamy, among others.
