Y. Kasi Viswanath

Yanamadala Kasi Viswanath is an Indian actor and film director who works in Telugu cinema.^[1][2] He worked as an assistant director, associate director and co-director for over 25 films. He debuted as a director with the romantic comedy film Nuvvu Leka Nenu Lenu (2002) which became a blockbuster at the box office.^[3] Then, he directed Toli Choopulone (2003) which was Nandamuri Kalyan Ram's debut film.^[4] Later, he turned an actor with the film Nachavule (2008) which became his breakthrough role. Since then, he has acted in more than 90 films.^[5]

He was born in Purushottapatnam, Seethanagaram mandal near Rajahmundry, East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. He completed his primary education in his native village. From 6th to 12th standard, he studied in Polavaram government high school. He did his B.Com. degree from Raja Mahendravaram. His uncles used to own a film theater. He used to watch films from his childhood. Inspired by the films he used to prepare simple scripts and narrate them to his mother. She also encouraged him.

When he was studying intermediate, he watched a film shooting of Tholi Kodi Koosindi (1981) directed by K. Balachander. He got inspired by that movie and used to discuss films with his uncles. He proposed to his family that he should enter into film industry. His cousin Gadde Ratnaji Rao took him to Chennai and introduced him to Kanoori Ranjith Kumar who was producing the film Lanke Bindelu.^[5]

He started as assistant director to Vijaya Nirmala for the film Lanke Bindelu.^[6] When the film industry gradually shifted to Hyderabad, he moved there to work with Suresh Productions assisting in their film making. He worked as a co-director for hit films like Preminchukundam Raa (1997), Ganesh (1998), Kalisundam Raa (2000). Then he got promoted to director for the film Nuvvu Leka Nenu Lenu (2002) written by himself. He also directed the film Toli Choopulone (2003) produced by Usha Kiran Movies. It was Nandamuri Kalyan Ram's first film as a lead actor.

He got good name as a director for his first film. When he was waiting for the next film, he visited Annavaram temple. Director Ravi Babu met him there and offered a father role in his upcoming film Nachavule (2008). Ravi Babu and Viswanath knew each other when they were working for Suresh Productions. He accepted that role and it earned him good recognition as an actor. Later he played similar roles in many films.^[5]

He has a sister. He has two daughters. Elder daughter is settled in San Francisco, the U.S.A. His second daughter is studying engineering. Director Srivas is his cousin.^[6]

• Y. Kasi Viswanath at IMDb