There are very few comedians in the industry who can strongly register in people’s mind and hearts in their very first film. KONDAVALASA LAKSHMANA RAO got an identity in Telugu Film Industry as KONDAVALASA, born 10 August 1946 at Srikakulam, of Andhra Pradesh and died 2 November 2015 at Hyderabad.
Kondavalasa played a role as a timid husband by name “Potti Raju” in a movie “Avunu Valliddaru Ista Paddaru” by director Vamsi in the year 2002. “AYITHE OK”, the catchphrase delivered in his sharp tone has never been the same again for the Telugu audience. Potti Raju is an innocent ideal husband of a noisy wife. Potti Raju having a burning desire to prove himself worthy, but it misfires every time and enjoys the demolishing kick of his wife. He had an opportunity to do profitable Jackfruit business, enthusiastic Potti Raju takes money from his wife and assures her that will be doubled in a few minutes. As usual, he will get cheated and start weeping, furious wife gives him a big demolishing kick and he starts rolling away by shouting “AYITHE OK”. One catchphrase AYITHE O.K. elevated his role, every time when he appears on the screen people wait to hear that phrase if not, the audience shouted in the theaters on behalf of Potti Raju. That was the impact of the one word had on the minds of the audience. Kondavalasa turned busy overnight and he signed 8 movies in 2003.
He made a rather late debut in films, in 2002 but the inimitable style of dialogue delivery made him an instant hit.
Kondavalasa, who acted more than 300 movies, before foraying into the movies he worked in the Port Trust’s accounts department. Having very lengthy experience of 1000 stage performances as a stage actor. Vamsi saw him at his one of the stage performances and offered the role.
Little did he know that, for the 13 years, he continued acting with top actors and Directors of the industry while tickling the funny bone of Telugu audience. His character in Kabadi kabaddi and”RENA” in Allare Allari got him recognition.
