Sai Tej
Panja Sai Dharam Tej (born 15 October 1986) is an Indian actor who works in Telugu films. Related to the 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.
Sai Dharam Tej | |
|---|---|
Tej in 2015 | |
| Born | Panja Sai Dharam Tej[1] 15 October 1986[2] |
| Alma mater | St. Mary's College, Hyderabad |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 2013–present |
| Relatives | Panja Vaisshnav Tej (brother) |
| Family | Allu–Konidela family |
Post his debut, Tej appeared in films such as Subramanyam for Sale (2015) and Supreme (2016), which were box office successes. This was followed with back to back critical and commercial failures. Tej then went onto establish himself with successful films Chitralahari (2019) and Prati Roju Pandage both (2019). His other notable works include Solo Brathuke So Better (2020) and Republic (2021).[3]
Early life and background
Sai Tej was born to Vijaya Durga, sister of notable Telugu film actor-politician Chiranjeevi on 15 October 1986.[4] Tej did his schooling at Nalanda School, Hyderabad and completed his graduation from St. Mary's College, Hyderabad.[5]
Actors Allu Arjun, Ram Charan, Allu Sirish, 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.[6][7]
Career
Debut, few ups and downs (2014–2016)
Tej made his debut with the film Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham in 2014 though he shot for YVS Chowdary's Rey earlier, which was completed in 2013 but delayed until 2015.[8] In his review about the film Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham, Hemanth Kumar of The Times of India wrote that "The hero’s characterization is written in an arbitrary manner; however, Sai Dharam Tej’s rustic charm makes his actions believable. The actor is particularly quite impressive with his dance moves".[9] Another critic too opined the same, and praising his looks in particular.[10] His next film Rey (2015) received negative reviews.[11][12] Tej's second release in 2015 was Subramanyam for Sale, which was successful at the box office, grossing over ₹33.95 crore.[13] He starred alongside Regina Cassandra, for the second time, after Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham (2014). Although various critics called it "routine",[14] Tej's performance was cited as "improved performance",[15] "spontaneous",[16] and "stunning".[17]
Resurgence and other work (2016–2018)
Tej's action comedy Supreme which released the following year, was also financially successful and was one of his best movie.[18] 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).[19][20] Tej was also criticized for selecting similar and regular stories in his films.[21][22]
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 performance.[23][24] The Times of India had called the character Vijay in the film, the best in Tej's career so far.[25] About his role in the film, Deccan Chronicle reported that "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".[26] His next film of the year, Prati Roju Pandage was also successful.[27] 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".[28] 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.[29] Idlebrain's Jeevi appreciated Tej's performance, particularly his comedy timing and acting in the emotional scenes of the film.[30] In contrast, Y Sunita Chowdhary of The Hindu opined that "Tej could have benefited from a better script."[31]
In his next film Republic (2021), directed by Deva Katta, Tej played the role of an IAS officer.[32] The film which is 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'.[33][34] Prakash Pecheti of Telangana Today stated: "Republic surely adds a cap in the feather for Sai Dharam Tej."[35]
Tej is all set to act in untitled next with Sampath Nandi.[36]
Personal life
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.[37][38]
Media image
Tej ranked 24th in Hyderabad Times Most Desirable Men list of 2016.[39]
Tej turned brand ambassador for ‘Sky Zone Park’.[40] He also became an ambassador for charity organisation 'Think Peace'.[41]
Filmography
Films
| Denotes films that have not yet been released |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham | Srinu | Film debut | |
| 2015 | Rey | Rock | ||
| Subramanyam for Sale | Subramanyam | |||
| 2016 | Supreme | Balu | ||
| Thikka | Aditya | |||
| 2017 | Winner | Siddharth "Siddu" Reddy | ||
| Nakshatram | Alexander IPS | Cameo appearance | ||
| Jawaan | Jai | |||
| 2018 | Inttelligent | Dharma Teja / Dharma Bhai | ||
| Tej I Love You | Tej | |||
| 2019 | Chitralahari | Vijay Krishna | ||
| Prati Roju Pandage | Sai Tej | |||
| 2020 | Solo Brathuke So Better | Virat | ||
| 2021 | Republic | Panja Abhiram | [32] | |
| 2023 | Virupaksha | TBA | Filming | [42] |
Web series
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Nenu Mee Kalyan | Himself | Guest appearance | [43] |
Accolades
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | South Indian International Movie Awards | Best Male Debut | Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitam | Won | [44] |
| Filmfare Awards South | Best Male Debut | Nominated | [45] | ||
| Santosham Film Awards | Best Debut Actor | Won | [46] | ||
| CineMAA Awards | Best Male Debut | Won | [47] |
References
- ^ "Vaishnav Tej's debut film launched". Zee News. 22 January 2019. from the original on 22 August 2019. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
- ^ "Sai Dharam Tej teams up with Sukumar for a mystical thriller: To be directed by debutante Karthik - Times of India". The Times of India. from the original on 15 August 2020. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
- ^ "Prati Roju Pandage glimpse: Makers reveal a special look on Sai Dharam Tej's birthday". The Indian Express. 15 October 2019. from the original on 22 October 2019. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
- ^ "Sai Dharam Tej refutes reports about 'upcoming marriage' to Niharika Konidela - Entertainment News , Firstpost". Firstpost. 8 May 2017. from the original on 12 May 2017. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
- ^ "Alumni". www.stmaryscollege.in. from the original on 22 June 2020. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
- ^ India, The Hans (21 January 2019). "Sai Dharma Tej Introduces Panja Vaisshnav Tej". www.thehansindia.com. Retrieved 12 March 2021.
- ^ Nitin, B (3 September 2017). "Tollywood's first families: The kings and queens who rule the Telugu film industry". The News Minute. from the original on 4 September 2017.
- ^ "Rey on Oct 11th as Dusserra gift". from the original on 15 November 2017. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
- ^ Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham Movie Review {3/5}: Critic Review of Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham by Times of India, retrieved 27 September 2021
- ^ "Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham review by jeevi - Telugu cinema review - Sai Dharam Tej & Regina Cassandra". www.idlebrain.com. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
- ^ Rey Movie Review {3/5}: Critic Review of Rey by Times of India, retrieved 27 September 2021
- ^ "Rey Telugu Movie Review | Sai Dharam Tej Rey Movie Review | Rey Telugu Review | Rey Review and Rating | Sai Dharam Tej Rey Review and Rating | Rey Twitter Updates | Rey First day first Show talk | Sai Dharam Tej Rey review | Rey cinema review | Rey movie updates". 123telugu.com. 28 March 2015. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
- ^ . International Business Times. 5 January 2016. Archived from the original on 5 January 2016. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
- ^ IBTimes (25 September 2015). "'Subramanyam for Sale' (SFS) movie review round-up: Critics call it a routine 'paisa vasool' entertainer". www.ibtimes.co.in. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
- ^ Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (24 September 2015). "Subramanyam for sale: Unapologetic mass masala". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
- ^ "Subramanyam For Sale review by jeevi - Telugu cinema review - Sai Dharam Tej & Regina Cassandra". www.idlebrain.com. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
- ^ "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". 123telugu.com. 26 September 2015. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
- ^ Hooli, Shekhar H. (24 June 2016). "'Supreme' worldwide total box office collection: Sai Dharam Tej's film grosses Rs 44 crore in 50 days". www.ibtimes.co.in. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
- ^ kavirayani, suresh (16 February 2019). "One Friday can change everything: Sai Dharam Tej". Deccan Chronicle. from the original on 16 February 2019. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
- ^ "First Day: తొలిరోజు బాగానే రాబట్టిన 'చిత్రలహరి'". Samayam Telugu (in Telugu). from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
- ^ "Sai Dharam Tej's Tej I Love You Review & Rating {2.25/5}". thehansindia.com. from the original on 6 July 2018. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
- ^ "Tej I Love You Telugu Movie Review | Sai Dharam Tej Tej I Love You Cinema Review". 123telugu.com. from the original on 6 July 2018. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
- ^ "Chitralahari teaser: Sai Dharam Tej hits the right chord with this relatable comedy entertainer – watch video". Bollywood Life. 13 March 2019. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
- ^ kavirayani, suresh (23 October 2019). "Change in fortunes for Sai Tej!". Deccan Chronicle. from the original on 15 November 2019. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
- ^ Chitralahari movie review {3/5}: Sai Dharam Tej, Kalyani Priyadarshan and Nivetha Pethuraj save the day, retrieved 9 May 2019
- ^ kavirayani, suresh (14 April 2019). "Chitralahari movie review: 'Chitralahari' is about a failure person's success story!". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
- ^ "Sai Dharam Tej Teams Up With Sukumar?". Sakshi Post. 15 August 2020. from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
- ^ "'Prathi Roju Pandage' review; A fun ride". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
- ^ "Sai Dharam Tej's Solo Brathuke So Better Closing Collections". Sakshi Post. 3 February 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Slo Brathuke So Better review by jeevi - Telugu cinema review - Sai Dharam Tej and Mabha Natesh". www.idlebrain.com. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
- ^ Chowdhary, Y. Sunita (25 December 2020). "'Solo Brathuke So Better' movie review: Doesn't measure up". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
- ^ a b "Sai Dharam Tej and Aishwarya Rajesh starrer Republic gets a release date". The Times of India. 15 August 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (1 October 2021). "'Republic' movie review: A silver lining wouldn't hurt". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X.
- ^ "Republic Movie Review : An intense political drama that makes you think". The Times of India. 1 October 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Review: 'Republic', feather in Sai Dharam Tej's cap". Telangana Today. 1 October 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "sai-dharam-tejs-next-with-sampath-nandi".
- ^ "Tollywood actor Sai Dharam Tej injured in bike accident in Hyderabad". The News Minute. 11 September 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Chiranjeevi's nephew actor Sai Dharam Tej injured in road accident, hospital confirms he's stable". Hindustan Times. 11 September 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Most Desirable Men of 2016: Mahesh Bahu and Nani leads, Sai Dharam Tej makes an entry in the list". Telugu 360.
- ^ "It was great fun: Sai Dharam Tej as he turns brand ambassador for 'Sky Zone Park'". Telugu 360.
- ^ "Sai Dharam Tej turns brand ambassador for charity organization Think Peace". Andhra Wishesh. 16 October 2017.
- ^ "Sai Dharam Tej returns to work post accident, starts shooting for 'SDT15' with Karthik Dandu". Pinkvilla. 30 March 2022.
- ^ "Sai Dharam Tej opens up on playing himself in the web series 'Nenu Mee Kalyan'". The Hans India. 12 April 2017.
- ^ "SIIMA AWARDS". from the original on 17 May 2017. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
- ^ . Filmfare. 27 June 2015. Archived from the original on 29 January 2016. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
- ^ "Rana Daggubati, Hansika, Akhil Akkineni at Santosham Film Awards 2016 - Photos". IBTimes India. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
- ^ "Nitya, Nag bag awards on star-studded night". 16 June 2013. Retrieved 16 August 2018 – via www.thehindu.com.