Sai Durgha Tej Explained
Sai Durgha Tej[3] (born Sai Dharam Tej; 15 October 1986) is an Indian actor who works in Telugu films. A member of the prominent Allu–Konidela family, he made his acting debut with the box office success Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham (2014) for which he received SIIMA Award for Best Male Debut and CineMAA Awards Best Male Debut.
Post his debut, Tej appeared in films such as Subramanyam for Sale (2015) and Supreme (2016), which were box office successes. Back-to-back critical and commercial failures followed this. Tej then went onto establish himself with successful films Chitralahari (2019) and Prati Roju Pandage (both 2019), Solo Brathuke So Better (2020) and Republic (2021). His highest grossing release came with Virupaksha (2023).[4] [5]
Early life and background
Tej was born as Sai Dharam Tej to Vijaya Durga, the younger sister of Telugu film actor-politician Chiranjeevi, on 15 October 1986.[6] Tej did his schooling from Chettinad Vidyashram, Chennai[7] [8] and Nalanda School, Hyderabad and completed his graduation from St. Mary's College, Hyderabad.[9]
Actors Ram Charan, Varun Tej and Niharika Konidela are Tej's cousins. His younger brother Vaisshnav Tej is also an actor. Pawan Kalyan and Nagendra Babu are his maternal uncles.[10] [11] Actors Allu Arjun and Allu Sirish and their father, Allu Aravind are related by marriage through Chiranjeevi.
In March 2024, he announced that he is changing his name from Sai Dharam Tej to Sai Durgha Tej. The changed name is derived from both his parents names respectively.[12]
Career
Debut and early work (2014–2016)
Tej made his film debut with Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham, opposite Regina Cassandra in 2014. The film was a hit at the box office.[13] Times of India noted, "... Tej’s rustic charm makes his actions believable. The actor is particularly quite impressive with his dance moves".[14] Deccan Chronicle stated, "Sai Durgha Tej delivers a mature performance. He entertains throughout the film with his performance and he has done this quite comfortably."[15] He received SIIMA Award for Best Male Debut - Telugu for his performance.[16]
Tej had two releases in 2015. His first film was Rey where he portrayed Rock opposite Saiyami Kher.[17] 123telugu said, "Sai Durgha Tej’s electrifying performance is the major asset of this film."[18] Tej's second release in 2015 was Subramanyam for Sale, which was successful at the box office, grossing over ₹33.95 crore.[19] He starred alongside Regina Cassandra, for the second time, after Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham (2014). Although various critics called it "routine",[20] Tej's portrayal was cited as "improved performance",[21] "spontaneous",[22] and "stunning".[23]
Resurgence and other work (2016–2018)
Tej's action comedy Supreme which released the following year, was also financially successful and is one of his best movies.[24] Following Supreme, Tej went onto star in five films (in lead), including Thikka (2016), Winner (2017), Jawaan (2017), Inttelligent (2018) and Tej I Love You (2018).[25] [26] Tej was criticized for selecting similar and regular stories in his films.[27] [28]
Success and recent work (2019–present)
Chitralahari was his first release of 2019. The film was a box office success with critics praising his performance and Tej giving one of his career best performances.[29] [30] The Times of India had called the character Vijay in the film, the best in Tej's career so far. About his role in the film, Deccan Chronicle reported "Sai Tej has put on weight and with a beard looks fresh and fits the character. For this role, he has completely set aside his mass image".[31] His next film of the year, Prati Roju Pandage was also successful.[32] Murali Krishna CH of The New Indian Express in his review of the film, wrote that "The film definitely Sai Tej’s canvas and he delivers his standard chops with flamboyance".[33] Later in 2020, his film Solo Brathuke So Better was released following the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the restriction of 50% occupancy in cinemas, the film was successful at the box office.[34] Idlebrain's Jeevi appreciated Tej's performance, particularly his comedy timing and acting in the emotional scenes of the film.[35] In contrast, Y Sunita Chowdhary of The Hindu opined that "Tej could have benefited from a better script."[36]
In his next film Republic (2021), directed by Deva Katta, Tej played the role of an IAS officer. The film, a political drama, opened to positive reviews, with critics calling his performance "matured" and the film was well received by audience and became a 'hit'.[37] [38] Prakash Pecheti of Telangana Today stated: "Republic surely adds a cap in the feather for Sai Dharam Tej."[39]
Tej's 15th film, Virupaksha, a socio-fantasy thriller directed by Karthik Varma Dandu of Bham Bolenath fame, opened to generally positive reviews and became the highest-grossing film of his career. He next acted with his maternal uncle, Pawan Kalyan, in the remake of Vinodhaya Sitham, Bro, directed by Samuthirakani, who also directed the original. It released in July 2023. He has also signed films with debutant Jayanth Panuganti and Sampath Nandi.[40]
Motorbike accident
In September 2021, Tej was in a single-vehicle motorcycle accident near the Durgam Cheruvu Bridge in Hyderabad. He was admitted to Apollo Hospitals whose doctors announced that he sustained soft tissue injuries and a collar bone fracture but was out of danger.[41] [42] He announced a six-month career break in July 2023 to focus on fitness and get back into form.[43]
Media image
Tej stood at the 25th place on Forbes India's most influential stars on Instagram in South cinema for the year 2021.[44] He ranked 24th in Hyderabad Times Most Desirable Men list of 2016.[45] Tej turned brand ambassador for ‘Sky Zone Park’.[46] He also became an ambassador for charity organisation 'Think Peace'.[47]
Filmography
Films
| Denotes films that have not yet been released | |
Television
Accolades
Notes and References
- Web site: 2019-01-22. Vaishnav Tej's debut film launched. 2020-09-13. Zee News. en. 22 August 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190822094600/https://zeenews.india.com/regional/vaishnav-tej-s-debut-film-launched-2172865.html. live.
- News: Sai Dharam Tej teams up with Sukumar for a mystical thriller: To be directed by debutante Karthik - Times of India. 2020-08-14. The Times of India. 14 August 2020 . en. 15 August 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200815053647/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/sai-dharam-tej-teams-up-with-sukumar-for-a-mystical-thriller-to-be-directed-by-debutante-karthik/articleshow/77540359.cms. live.
- Web site: 2024-03-10. Sai Dharam Tej changes his name to Sai Durgha Tej for this reason!. 2024-03-10. timesofindia. en.
- Web site: 2019-10-15. Prati Roju Pandage glimpse: Makers reveal a special look on Sai Durgha Tej's birthday. 2020-08-14. The Indian Express. en. 22 October 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191022074052/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/prati-roju-pandage-glimpse-makers-reveal-a-special-look-on-sai-dharam-tej-birthday-6070500/. live.
- News: 2023-05-08. 'Virupaksha' box office collection Day 17: Sai Dharam Tej's film rakes in Rs 91crore. Times of India. 15 May 2023.
- Web site: 2017-05-08. Sai Durgha Tej refutes reports about 'upcoming marriage' to Niharika Konidela . 2020-08-14. Firstpost. 12 May 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170512022452/http://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/sai-dharam-tej-niharika-konidela-to-tie-the-knot-speculation-over-telugu-actors-nuptials-3431196.html. live.
- Web site: Virupaksha Tamil Pre-Release Event LIVE | Sai Durgha Tej | Samyuktha | Sukumar | Studio Green. www.youtube.com.
- Web site: Sai Dharam Tej calls himself a T Nagar boy ahead of Virupaksha's Tamil release. OTTPlay.
- Web site: Alumni . www.stmaryscollege.in . 19 May 2020 . 22 June 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200622141354/https://www.stmaryscollege.in/the-college/alumni/ . live .
- Web site: India. The Hans. 2019-01-21. Sai Dharma Tej Introduces Panja Vaisshnav Tej. 2021-03-12. www.thehansindia.com.
- Web site: Nitin. B. 2017-09-03. Tollywood's first families: The kings and queens who rule the Telugu film industry. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170904194946/http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/tollywoods-first-families-kings-and-queens-who-rule-telugu-film-industry-67805 . 4 September 2017 . The News Minute.
- Web site: Pavaman . Suraj . 2024-03-09 . Actor Sai Dharam Tej changes name to ‘Sai Durga Tej’; says ‘Want my mother’s presence with me always’ . 2024-05-24 . . en.
- Web site: Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham 3 Days Box Office Collection. 17 November 2014.
- News: Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham Movie Review : Critic Review of Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham . Times of India. 2015-09-27.
- Web site: Movie review 'Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham': Sai Durgha Tej's romantic entertainer . Deccan Chronicle . 2014-11-15.
- Web site: Dubai hosts fourth South Indian International Movie Awards. 8 August 2015. thenational.ae. Ujala Ali Khan. 8 August 2020.
- Web site: 2012-12-04. Rey Music Review - Ďeja vu Overload. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20140123082316/http://www.cinecorn.com/telugu/reviews/telugu-audio-reviews/music-review-rey-deja-vu-overload.html. 2014-01-23. 2012-12-23.
- Web site: 2015-03-28. Rey Telugu Movie Review Sai Durgha Tej Rey Movie Review . 2021-09-27 . 123telugu.com . en.
- Web site: 2016-01-05. Baahubali to Kumari 21F: Top 20 highest-grossing Telugu/Tollywood movies of 2015. International Business Times. 2021-09-27. https://web.archive.org/web/20160105145832/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/baahubali-kumari-21f-top-20-highest-grossing-telugu-tollywood-movies-2015-662060. 5 January 2016.
- Web site: IBTimes. 2015-09-25. 'Subramanyam for Sale' (SFS) movie review round-up: Critics call it a routine 'paisa vasool' entertainer. 2021-09-27. www.ibtimes.co.in. en.
- News: Dundoo. Sangeetha Devi. 2015-09-24. Subramanyam for sale: Unapologetic mass masala. en-IN. The Hindu. 2021-09-27. 0971-751X.
- Web site: Subramanyam For Sale review by jeevi - Telugu cinema review - Sai Dharam Tej & Regina Cassandra. 2021-09-27. www.idlebrain.com.
- Web site: 2015-09-26. Subramanyam For Sale Telugu Movie Review SFS Movie Review Sai Dharam tej Subramanyam For Sale Movie Review Subramanyam For Sale Review and Rating SFS Review and Rating Subramanyam For Sale Telugu Review Subramanyam For Sale Twitter Updates Subramanyam For Sale First Day Talk Subramanyam For Sale Cinema Review Subramanyam For Sale Review Subramanyam For Sale Live Updates Subramanyam For Sale Film Review SFS Telugu Review Harish Shankar Subramanyam For Sale Review. 2021-09-27. 123telugu.com. en.
- Web site: Hooli. Shekhar H.. 2016-06-24. 'Supreme' worldwide total box office collection: Sai Dharam Tej's film grosses Rs 44 crore in 50 days. 2021-10-03. www.ibtimes.co.in. en.
- Web site: kavirayani. suresh. 2019-02-16. One Friday can change everything: Sai Dharam Tej. 2020-09-11. Deccan Chronicle. en. 16 February 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190216041713/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/160219/one-friday-can-change-everything-sai-dharam-tej.html. live.
- Web site: First Day: తొలిరోజు బాగానే రాబట్టిన 'చిత్రలహరి'. 2020-09-11. Samayam Telugu. te. 11 October 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201011200354/https://telugu.samayam.com/telugu-movies/cinema-news/sai-dharam-tej-chitralahari-takes-decent-openings-on-day-1-box-office-collections/articleshow/68860796.cms. live.
- Web site: Sai Dharam Tej's Tej I Love You Review & Rating . live. thehansindia.com. 6 July 2018 . 6 July 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180706161135/http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Tollywood/2018-07-06/Sai-Dharam-Tejs-Tej-I-Love-You-Review--Rating-2255/395735. 6 July 2018. dmy-all.
- Web site: Tej I Love You Telugu Movie Review | Sai Dharam Tej Tej I Love You Cinema Review. live. 123telugu.com. 6 July 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180706161135/https://www.123telugu.com/reviews/tej-i-love-you-telugu-movie-review.html. 6 July 2018. dmy-all.
- Web site: 2019-03-13. Chitralahari teaser: Sai Dharam Tej hits the right chord with this relatable comedy entertainer – watch video. 2021-10-03. Bollywood Life. en.
- Web site: kavirayani. suresh. 2019-10-23. Change in fortunes for Sai Tej!. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20191115165400/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/231019/change-in-fortunes-for-sai-tej.html. 15 November 2019. 2020-09-11. Deccan Chronicle. en.
- Web site: kavirayani. suresh. 2019-04-14. Chitralahari movie review: 'Chitralahari' is about a failure person's success story!. 2021-10-03. Deccan Chronicle. en.
- Web site: 2020-08-15. Sai Dharam Tej Teams Up With Sukumar?. 2020-09-11. Sakshi Post. en. 11 October 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201011200353/https://english.sakshi.com/news/entertainment/sai-dharam-tejs-next-film-debutant-karthik-dandi-122807. live.
- Web site: 'Prathi Roju Pandage' review; A fun ride. 2021-10-03. The New Indian Express.
- Web site: 2021-02-03. Sai Dharam Tej's Solo Brathuke So Better Closing Collections. Sakshi Post.
- Web site: Slo Brathuke So Better review by jeevi - Telugu cinema review - Sai Dharam Tej and Mabha Natesh. 2021-10-03. www.idlebrain.com.
- News: Chowdhary. Y. Sunita. 2020-12-25. 'Solo Brathuke So Better' movie review: Doesn't measure up. en-IN. The Hindu. 2021-10-03. 0971-751X.
- News: Dundoo. Sangeetha Devi. 2021-10-01. 'Republic' movie review: A silver lining wouldn't hurt. The Hindu. 0971-751X.
- Web site: 1 October 2021. Republic Movie Review : An intense political drama that makes you think. The Times of India.
- Web site: 2021-10-01. Review: 'Republic', feather in Sai Dharam Tej's cap. Telangana Today.
- Web site: Sai Dharam Tej's next with Sampath Nandi. The Hans India. 21 December 2021 .
- Web site: 2021-09-11. Tollywood actor Sai Dharam Tej injured in bike accident in Hyderabad. The News Minute.
- Web site: 2021-09-11. Chiranjeevi's nephew actor Sai Dharam Tej injured in road accident, hospital confirms he's stable. Hindustan Times.
- Web site: Sai Dharam Tej announces six-month movie break to focus on physical fitness . 2023-07-18 . India Today.
- Web site: Meet the 30 most influential social media stars of South cinema . 17 December 2022 . Forbes India.
- Web site: Most Desirable Men of 2016: Mahesh Bahu and Nani leads, Sai Dharam Tej makes an entry in the list. Telugu 360. 24 January 2017 .
- Web site: It was great fun: Sai Dharam Tej as he turns brand ambassador for 'Sky Zone Park' . Telugu 360. 18 September 2017 .
- Web site: Sai Dharam Tej turns brand ambassador for charity organization Think Peace. 16 October 2017. Andhra Wishesh.
- Web site: 2021-08-15. Sai Dharam Tej and Aishwarya Rajesh starrer Republic gets a release date. The Times of India.
- Web site: Sai Dharam Tej returns to work post accident, starts shooting for 'SDT15' with Karthik Dandu. 30 March 2022. Pinkvilla.
- News: #PKSDT: Pawan Kalyan and Sai Dharam Tej's remake goes on-floors - Times of India . 2023-02-22 . The Times of India . 22 February 2023 . en.
- News: SDT 18: Sai Durgha Tej’s next, his first pan-India film goes on floors . 29 June 2024 . The Hindu . 24 June 2024 . en.
- Web site: Sai Dharam Tej opens up on playing himself in the web series 'Nenu Mee Kalyan'. The Hans India. 12 April 2017.
- News: SIIMA AWARDS. 15 July 2015. 17 May 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170517085848/http://siima.in/2015/winners.html#ba. live.
- Web site: Winners of 62nd Britannia Filmfare Awards South . . 27 June 2015 . 27 June 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160129092825/http://www.filmfare.com/news/winners-of-62nd-britannia-filmfare-awards-south-9643.html . 29 January 2016.
- Web site: Rana Daggubati, Hansika, Akhil Akkineni at Santosham Film Awards 2016 - Photos. 2020-12-02. IBTimes India. en.
- News: Nitya, Nag bag awards on star-studded night. The Hindu . 16 June 2013. 16 August 2018. www.thehindu.com.
- Web site: SIIMA 2024: 'Dasara', 'Jailer', 'Kantara', '2018' lead the nominations - Check out the details inside . Outlook India . 17 July 2024 . 17 July 2024.