Meet NAGARJUNA’s Siblings: Sathyavathi, Akkineni Venkat, Naga Susheela, & Saroja Akkineni

Nagarjuna Akkineni, born on August 29, 1959, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is a renowned Indian actor and producer recognized for his extensive contributions to Telugu cinema.

A member of a prominent Telugu-speaking family, Nagarjuna follows Hinduism and hails from a lineage deeply intertwined with the history of South Indian film.

He is the son of legendary actor and producer Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), a pioneering figure in Indian cinema, and Annapurna Akkineni, co-founder of Annapurna Studios—an institution that remains central to the Telugu film industry.

Born into a family where storytelling and performance were integral, Nagarjuna inherited a rich cinematic heritage that he would later carry forward with distinction.

Nagarjuna spent his early childhood in Chennai before relocating to Hyderabad. He received his early education at Hyderabad Public School and attended Little Flower Junior College in the city.

He later pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Automobile Engineering at the College of Engineering, Guindy, Chennai. Furthering his education, he briefly studied for a master’s degree at Eastern Michigan University in the United States before returning to India to pursue his acting career.

The Akkineni family has long been a cornerstone of Telugu cinema, with a legacy spanning over eight decades. At the center of this dynasty was ANR, who, alongside Annapurna, nurtured a family that has made significant contributions to the evolution of the film industry.

Nagarjuna, their most prominent son, emerged as a leading actor and successful producer, but the family’s contributions extend beyond the screen.

He grew up alongside four siblings—Sathyavathi, Akkineni Venkat, Naga Susheela, and Saroja Akkineni—each playing their part in preserving the family’s influence and legacy. While some chose lives outside the limelight, their support and individual paths have continued to shape the Akkineni name both within and beyond the world of cinema.

Sathyavathi Akkineni

Sathyavathi Akkineni, one of Nagarjuna’s elder sisters, preferred a life away from the cinematic spotlight but remained an integral part of the Akkineni family’s legacy.

Married to film producer Surendra Yarlagadda, Sathyavathi’s connection to the film industry extended through her family. Her son, Sumanth Yarlagadda, is a well-known actor, producer, and partner at Annapurna Studios, the iconic production house founded by ANR.

Her daughter, Supriya Yarlagadda, serves as an Executive Director at Annapurna Studios, ensuring the family’s cinematic heritage continues to thrive.

Tragically, Sathyavathi passed away a few years ago after a battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of quiet strength and familial support. Her children’s involvement in the film industry reflects the values of creativity and dedication instilled by the Akkineni family, even if Sathyavathi herself chose a more private life.

Akkineni Venkat

Akkineni Venkat, Nagarjuna’s elder brother, has carved his own niche in Telugu cinema as a producer. As the eldest son of ANR, Venkat took on the responsibility of continuing the family’s production legacy through Annapurna Studios, where he serves as a director alongside his sister Naga Susheela.

Known for producing blockbuster films such as Shiva (1989), Rakshana (1993), and Iddaru Iddare (1990), Venkat has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of many, including his brother Nagarjuna.

Unlike Nagarjuna, who thrives in front of the camera, Venkat prefers working behind the scenes, focusing on the business and creative aspects of filmmaking. His contributions have helped Annapurna Studios remain a powerhouse in Telugu cinema, producing films that resonate with audiences and push creative boundaries.

Naga Susheela Akkineni

Naga Susheela Akkineni, another of Nagarjuna’s elder sisters, is a key figure in the Akkineni family’s business ventures. Like her brother Venkat, she serves as a director at Annapurna Studios, contributing to its growth as a leading production house.

Susheela is married to Anumolu Satya Bhushana Rao, son of producer A.V. Subba Rao, further intertwining the Akkineni family with Telugu cinema’s elite.

Their son, Sushanth Anumolu, is an actor known for his debut in Kalidasu (2008) and subsequent roles in films like Current and Chi La Sow.

Susheela’s involvement in the family business extends beyond the studio. In 2023, she was briefly in the news due to a legal dispute involving a property trespassing case in Moinabad, Hyderabad, highlighting her active role in managing family assets.

Despite this, her primary contribution remains her work at Annapurna Studios, where she helps steer the family’s cinematic endeavors. Susheela’s business acumen and dedication ensure that the Akkineni legacy remains vibrant and influential.

Saroja Akkineni

Saroja Akkineni, the third eldest sister of Nagarjuna, was known for her preference for a life away from the glitz and glamour of the film industry.

Unlike her siblings, Saroja distanced herself from the world of cinema, opting for a modest and private existence. Despite being part of one of Telugu cinema’s most prominent families, she rarely appeared at public events or film-related gatherings, reflecting her desire for a quieter life.

Tragically, Saroja passed away in 2023 in Mumbai after battling an illness. Her death was a significant loss for the Akkineni family, with celebrities and politicians alike offering their condolences to Nagarjuna during this period of mourning.

Saroja’s decision to live away from the public eye highlights the diversity of paths within the Akkineni family, where each member has contributed to the family’s legacy in their own unique way.