Meet son of veteran actor, who failed to shine as hero despite his father’s 100+ film legacy, his name is…

Today, many cinema lovers recognise Bhanu Chander only as a character artist. But few know that before taking up supporting roles, he enjoyed a brief yet impactful run as a hero in the Telugu film industry. His craze and recognition during the 80s were strong enough to give him a place among notable names of that era.

Bhanu Chander began his acting journey with director Bapu’s Manchupallaki (also known as Manoory Pandavulu), where he shared screen space with stars like Krishnam Raju and Chiranjeevi. His performance made an instant impression on audiences, giving him a firm foothold in Tollywood.

How did he rise to fame as a lead actor?

His early recognition was followed by Bebbuli, a Krishnam Raju starrer in which Bhanu Chander played the character Shankar. The film gave him a significant spotlight and helped him secure more opportunities. Movies like Adavallu Meeku Joharlu, Satyam Shivam, and Goodachari No.1 showcased his versatility, but it was the female-oriented film Swathi that brought him notable popularity.

Paired opposite Suhasini, Bhanu Chander earned critical appreciation, though the film couldn’t cement his status as a bankable star. Despite the buzz, he soon found himself returning to character roles.

What changed with Nirnayam?

After a lull of nearly two years, Bhanu Chander made a striking comeback with Balu Mahendra’s Nirnayam. His portrayal of Murali Krishna left audiences mesmerised. Critics and fans alike questioned whether he was acting or truly living the role. The film was a massive success and turned Bhanu Chander into an overnight star once again.

Following this, Kichuralu also added to his growing fame. At that time, many believed he was set to shine as the next big hero in Tollywood. But the momentum did not last—successive flops quickly derailed his career as a leading man.

Why did he switch to character roles permanently?

The back-to-back failures meant Bhanu Chander no longer received lead offers. Instead, he transitioned into character roles, where he found consistent work and respect. As a character artist, he proved his worth in memorable films like Devi, Simhadri, Style, and Dubai Seenu. His performances won him admiration for bringing depth to supporting characters.

Did his son follow in his footsteps?

Interestingly, Bhanu Chander’s son, Jayant, also tried his luck in films. He made his Telugu debut with Na Koduku Bangaram, a movie directed by Bhanu Chander himself. At the same time, Jayant appeared in Tamil with Margazhi 16, a romantic thriller. Unfortunately, both projects failed at the box office, and Jayant couldn’t establish himself as a hero. Unlike his father, who found stability in character roles, Jayant faded away from the limelight.

Highlights:

1. Bhanu Chander enjoyed brief stardom as a hero in the 80s before becoming a noted character artist.
2. His breakthrough came with Nirnayam, which turned him into an overnight star.
3. His son Jayant’s debut films in Telugu and Tamil failed, ending his hero career early.