Puri Jagannadh Biography: Movies, Children, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Wife

Puri Jagannadh, professionally known as Puri, is a renowned Indian film director, screenwriter, and producer who is widely recognized for his contributions to Telugu cinema.

He made his directorial debut with Badri in 2000 and achieved massive success with Pokiri in 2006; a blockbuster film later remade in several languages.

Known for his compelling storytelling and strong character development, Jagannadh has earned affectionate titles such as “Star Maker” and “Guruji” from his fans.

In addition to his work in Telugu cinema, he has ventured into Bollywood, directing films such as Bbuddah… Hoga Terra Baap in 2011. He also owns production companies that contribute to his influence in the industry.

Profile

• Full Name: Petla “Puri” Jagannadh
• Stage Name: Puri Jagannadh
• Born: September 28, 1966
• Age: 58 years old
• Birthplace: Bapiraju Kothapalli, India
• Nationality: Indian
• Occupation: Indian film director and screenwriter
• Height: 1.72 m
• Parent: Simhachalam
• Siblings: Sairam Shankar and Petla Uma Sankara Ganesh
• Spouse: Lavanya Jagannadh
• Children: Akash Puri, Pavithra Jagannadh
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: ₹89 crore (approximately $12 million)

Early Life And Education

Puri Jagannadh was born on September 28, 1966, in Pithapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India, to Simhachalam (father, who passed away in 2010) and an unnamed mother. He has two younger brothers: Petla Uma Sankara Ganesh, an MLA from the YSR Congress Party, and Sairam Shankar, an actor in the Telugu film industry.

Jagannadh completed his early education at St. Theresa High School in Pedda Boddapalli and RCM High School. He graduated from A. M. A. L. College in Anakapalle in 1986. He hails from the Koppula Velama caste, a Telugu Hindu community, which has influenced his cultural background.  

Career

Puri Jagannadh began his career in the Indian film industry as an assistant director under renowned filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, where he honed his filmmaking skills. He made his directorial debut in 2000 with Badri, starring Pawan Kalyan, which marked the start of his successful journey in Telugu cinema.

However, his 2006 film Pokiri genuinely catapulted him to stardom. The film became a massive success and was later remade in several languages, earning Jagannadh widespread recognition and establishing him as a leading director in the industry.

In addition to his directorial accomplishments, Jagannadh founded his own production company, Vaishno Academy. Under this banner, he produced several hit films such as Idiot and Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi.

Known for his unique blend of commercial elements with engaging narratives, Jagannadh’s films often feature high-octane action sequences and memorable dialogue. His ability to connect with audiences has earned him multiple accolades, including the prestigious Nandi Awards for Best Direction and Best Dialogues.

Jagannadh has also ventured into Bollywood with films like Shart: The Challenge (2004) and Bbuddah… Hoga Terra Baap (2011), collaborating with legendary actors such as Amitabh Bachchan. His career includes successful films like Chirutha, Desamuduru, and Temper, which have solidified his reputation as a master of commercial cinema.

Despite facing mixed responses to projects like Liger (2022), Jagannadh remains a prominent and influential figure in Indian cinema. He continues evolving as a filmmaker, working on upcoming projects that showcase his unique creative vision.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @itsme_purijagannadh
• Facebook handle: Puri Jagannadh
• Twitter handle: @purijagan

Personal Life

Puri Jagannadh married Lavanya Jagannadh on September 6, 1996. The couple has two children: a son, Akash Puri, an actor, and a daughter named Pavithra.

Rumours regarding his relationship with producer Charmme Kaur surfaced recently, but Jagannadh addressed the speculation by clarifying their long-standing friendship and dismissing the rumours as baseless.

Filmography

• Badri (2000)
• Itlu Sravani Subramanyam (2001)
• Appu (2002)
• Idiot (2002)
• Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi (2003)
• Sivamani (2003)
• 143 (2004)
• Pokiri (2006)
• Desamuduru (2007)
• Chirutha (2007)
• Bujjigadu (2008)
• Ek Niranjan (2009)
• Businessman (2012)
• Cameraman Gangatho Rambabu (2012)
• Iddarammayilatho (2013)
• Heart Attack (2014)
• Temper (2015)
• ISM (2016)
• Paisa Vasool (2017)

Net Worth

As of 2020, Puri Jagannadh’s net Worth is estimated to be around ₹89 crore (approximately $12 million). His wealth is primarily derived from his successful career as a film director, screenwriter, and producer in the Telugu film industry.

Despite recent challenges, including the underperformance of his film Liger, his upcoming projects are expected to further bolster his financial position.