Telugu Pop Culture
Directed by S.S. Rajamouli, this 2022 blockbuster won an Oscar for Best Original Song and featured the energetic "Naatu Naatu" dance off.
RRR
Composed by M.M. Keeravani, this energetic track from RRR made history as the first song from an Indian film to win an Academy Award.
Naatu Naatu
Originating from Hyderabad, this rich rice dish cooked with basmati rice, aromatic spices, and marinated meat is iconic across India.
Hyderabadi Biryani
Also known as the Telugu New Year, this festival involves preparing a special dish that blends six distinct flavors representing the different emotions of life.
Ugadi
This grand palace in Hyderabad, famous for its Nizam heritage and massive dining table, was converted into a luxury Taj hotel.
Falaknuma Palace
Known as the "Mega Star" of Tollywood, this iconic actor turned politician starred in classics like Indra, Gharana Mogudu, and Waltair Veerayya.
Chiranjeevi
Often referred to as "Rockstar," this hit music director composed chart-busters for movies like Arya 2, Pushpa, and Rangasthalam.
Devi Sri Prasad (DSP)
A staple breakfast trio across South India, this combination consists of steamed rice cakes, deep-fried lentil donuts, and a lentil-vegetable stew.
Idli, Sambhar, and Vada
Celebrated over three or four days in January, this harvest festival features distinct days known as Bhogi, Sankranti, and Kanuma.
Sankranthi
This classic Indian classical dance form originated in a village in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, sharing its name with that village.
Kuchipudi
Released in 2021, this film starring Allu Arjun as a red sandalwood smuggler popularized the iconic line "Thaggedhe Le" (I won't back down).
Pushpa: The Rise
This legendary playback singer held the Guinness World Record for recording the highest number of songs (over 40,000) across multiple Indian languages.
S.P. Balasubrahmanyam (SPB)
This beloved Andhra pickle made from raw green mangoes, mustard powder, and chili powder is known for its intense spice and oil content
Avakaya (or Avakai)
This unique floral festival celebrated primarily by women in Telangana involves arranging vibrant seasonal flowers in concentric layers to honor Goddess Gauri.
Bathukamma
Built in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, this iconic four-arched monument and mosque stands as the central landmark of old Hyderabad.
Charminar
This 2018 biographical drama starring Keerthy Suresh celebrated the life and legacy of the legendary South Indian actress Savitri.
Mahanati
Known as the "Oscars of Telugu Cinema," these annual music and film awards were instituted in 1964 by the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
The Nandi Awards
This thin, crispy fermented crepe is made from a batter of rice and black gram, often stuffed with spiced potato masala.
Masala Dosa
Celebrated in Hyderabad during the month of Ashada, this traditional festival honors Goddess Mahakali with offerings brought in decorated brass or clay pots (Bonam)
Bonalu
Located in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, this famous hill temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara is one of the wealthiest religious institutions in the world.
Tirumala Venkateswara Temple (or Tirupati Balaji)
Before becoming a pan-Indian superstar in Baahubali, Prabhas made a splash in this 2005 S.S. Rajamouli action film named after an iconic ocean vessel.
Chatrapathi
Directed by Trivikram Srinivas, this 2020 film featuring music by Thaman S produced viral music tracks like "Butta Bomma" and "Samajavaragamana."
Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo
Made using green chili peppers dipped in a spiced gram flour batter and deep-fried, this popular Telugu street food snack is often served topped with chopped onions and lemon.
Mirchi Bhajji
The special paste consumed during Ugadi contains six specific tastes (sweet, sour, bitter, tangy, spicy, and salty). What is the name of this iconic dish?
Ugadi Pachadi
Spanning over 2,000 acres near Hyderabad, this facility holds the Guinness World Record as the largest integrated film studio complex in the world.
Ramoji Film City