From Suma Kanakala to Ravi: 9 Telugu TV celebs who turned producers

Telugu television industry has produced many multi-faceted actors but only few TV celebrities chose not to remain as actors but indeed expand their wings. Here’s a look at few TV celebrities who ventured into TV production as well.

Ohmkar was indeed a man with a midas touch. The VJ turned TV host forayed into TV production with the kids' reality show Mayadweepam that was a runaway hit. And there was no looking back for this TV host turned filmmaker. He went onto produce consecutive seasons of game-changing dance reality series Aata. However, he made a comeback on TV with his game show Sixth Sense that recently completed its second season. Though he is currently busy with his forthcoming release, he is expected to continue entertaining fans with his TV shows.

The renowned actress, who ruled the roost on the silver screen, continued her streak on South Indian television as well. In what can be termed as a golden era for Telugu Television, Radhika ventured into television production and produced popular daily soaps like Idhi Katha Kadu (1999), Lakshmi (Selvi, 2005-2006), Jhansi (Arasi, 2007-2009) and Chittemma (Chellamey, 2009-2013). She still gives her young contemporaries a run for the money with successful shows like Vaani Raani (2013-2018) and Chandramukhi (2019).

Actor turned TV host Prabhakar, who shot to fame with successful game show Yahoo, rose to unimaginable heights on Telugu TV. However, after a career lull, it was TV production that got him back into the game. The success of Prabhakar’s Muddu Bidda, the daily soap that featured him in a lead role, meant a lot to him. He went on to produce soaps like Ammana Kodala, Anna Chellellu and Moodu Mulla Bandham.

Suma, one of the most coveted hosts in Telugu TV industry, has many popular TV shows and events to her credit. She along with her husband Rajeev Kanakala (actor) has set up a production house and produced soaps like Nenu Aayana Aaruguru Atthalu and non-fiction shows like Luckku Kickku. The ongoing season of the popular game show Bhale Chancele is also their home production.

(Photo: Instagram)

Yesteryear actress Khushbu Sundar grabbed the attention of the Telugu telly audience with the game show ‘Get Ready’, which marked her Telugu TV debut as a host. However, her Tamil soaps Nandini and Maya, which got dubbed into Telugu, got her close to the Telugu audience. She is all set to make a comeback on Telugu TV with Lakshmi Stores, a remake of her Tamil original by the same name.

Young actress Suhasini, who is quite a popular name in the Telugu film and television industry, has struck gold with her TV productions as well. The actress, who carved a niche for herself with popular soaps like Aparanji, Ashta Chemma, Anubandhalu, turned a producer for Na Kodalu Bangaram, a successful daily soap. The newly launched show Prema featuring Nirupam Paritala, Sravani, Kaushik and Ashmitha in the leads is also bankrolled by Suhasini.

Dashing actor Seethakanth, who shot to fame with the family drama America Ammayi starring him and Marina Abraham in the leads, turned a TV producer with the same show. Under unknown circumstances, Seethakanth had to take over the production of the show after a few months of its telecast. With the experience America Ammayi has given him, Seetha Kanth is also producing Akka Chellellu, a recently launched show featuring Chaitra Rai and Akarsh Byramudi in the leads.

Actor Venkat Sriram, who was popular for his performance in the movie Sathamanam Bhavathi, tried his luck in TV production and was indeed successful. His productions Kalyana Vaibhogam, Varudhini Praniayam, Bawa Maradallu have earned him fame and fortune as well.

(Photo: Facebook)

The ace TV host is all set to test his luck as a producer with his debut TV production soon. He is producing a game show for a vernacular news channel. Talking to TimesofIndia.com about his debut production, Ravi said, “Yes, I’m looking forward to my new TV production which shall go-air in the month of May. I always wanted to learn and foray into TV production from a while and I’m glad I got a chance finally.”

(Photo: Instagram)