Sai Durgha Tej Quick Facts
| Birth Name | Panja Sai Dharam Tej |
| Current Name | Sai Durgha Tej (since 2024) |
| Profession | Actor |
| Date of Birth | 15 October 1986 |
| Age | 39 years (as of early October 2026) |
| Birthplace | Hyderabad, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Years Active | 2014–present |
| Debut | Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham (2014) |
| Biggest Hit | Virupaksha (2023) |
| Known For | Supreme, Chitralahari, Prati Roju Pandage, Republic, Virupaksha |
| Uncles | Chiranjeevi, Pawan Kalyan, Nagendra Babu |
| Sibling | Vaisshnav Tej (actor) |
Sai Durgha Tej Career in Numbers
Here is a snapshot of Sai Durgha Tej’s career.
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Films | 18+ |
| Career Span | 2014–present |
| Biggest Hit | Virupaksha (2023) |
| Debut Award | SIIMA Best Male Debut – Telugu |
| Next Release | Sambarala Yeti Gattu (12 January 2027) |
Early Life and Family
Sai Durgha Tej was born Panja Sai Dharam Tej on 15 October 1986 in Hyderabad. His mother, Vijaya Durga, is the sister of Chiranjeevi, Nagendra Babu and Pawan Kalyan. His younger brother Vaisshnav Tej is also an actor.
In March 2024 he officially changed his screen name to Sai Durgha Tej, saying he wanted his mother’s presence with him always.
Sai Durgha Tej Career Journey
Debut and Early Hits (2014–2016)
He debuted in Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham (2014), winning the SIIMA Award for Best Male Debut – Telugu. Subramanyam for Sale (2015) and Supreme (2016) were hits that showcased his dancing and comic timing.
Setbacks and Comeback (2017–2021)
After a run of underperforming films, Chitralahari (2019) won him strong reviews. Prati Roju Pandage (2019) and Solo Brathuke So Better (2020) were successes, and he played an IAS officer in the political drama Republic (2021).
Virupaksha and Beyond (2023–Present)
Following a serious motorcycle accident in 2021, he returned with Virupaksha (2023), a horror mystery that became his biggest hit. He then acted with his uncle Pawan Kalyan in Bro (2023). His upcoming film Sambarala Yeti Gattu is scheduled for 12 January 2027.
Sai Durgha Tej Movies: Complete Filmography
Below is Sai Durgha Tej’s filmography.
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham (Debut; SIIMA Best Male Debut) | Sai |
| 2015 | Subramanyam for Sale (Hit) | Subramanyam |
| 2016 | Supreme (Hit) | Balu |
| 2016 | Thikka | Aditya |
| 2017 | Winner | Siddharth |
| 2017 | Jawaan | Jai |
| 2018 | Inttelligent | Dharma Teja |
| 2018 | Tej I Love You | Tej |
| 2019 | Chitralahari (Comeback hit) | Vijay |
| 2019 | Prati Roju Pandage (Family drama hit) | Sai |
| 2020 | Solo Brathuke So Better | Virat |
| 2021 | Republic (Political drama) | Panja Abhiram IAS |
| 2023 | Virupaksha (Career-biggest hit) | Surya |
| 2023 | Bro (With Pawan Kalyan) | Markandeyulu ‘Mark’ |
| 2027 | Sambarala Yeti Gattu (Releasing 12 January 2027) | Lead |
Sai Durgha Tej Awards and Achievements
| Year | Award | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | SIIMA Award for Best Male Debut – Telugu | For Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham |
| Various | SIIMA and Zee Cine nominations | For Chitralahari and Virupaksha |
Sai Durgha Tej Personal Life
Sai Durgha Tej is unmarried. He survived a serious motorcycle accident in Hyderabad in September 2021 and returned to films after recovery.
He is close to his uncles Chiranjeevi and Pawan Kalyan and often speaks about their influence on his career.
Sai Durgha Tej Net Worth
He earns from acting fees and brand endorsements.
Estimated Net Worth: Approximately ₹30 crore.
Net worth figures are estimates based on publicly reported information, including entertainment industry reports and media estimates. These are not audited financial statements and may not account for liabilities, family holdings or changes in asset values.
Lesser-Known Facts About Sai Durgha Tej
- He changed his screen name from Sai Dharam Tej to Sai Durgha Tej in 2024 in honour of his mother.
- His younger brother Vaisshnav Tej debuted with the hit Uppena.
- In Bro, he played Mark, a man given a second chance by ‘Time’, played by his uncle Pawan Kalyan.
- Virupaksha was his first film after his 2021 accident.
- Sambarala Yeti Gattu is his biggest-budget film so far.
Legacy and Impact
Sai Durgha Tej’s comeback with Virupaksha showed real resilience. He continues to grow as one of the Mega family’s popular young stars.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sai Durgha Tej
How old is Sai Durgha Tej?
He was born on 15 October 1986, making him 39 years old as of early October 2026 (40 from 15 October).
Why did Sai Dharam Tej change his name?
He changed it to Sai Durgha Tej in 2024 to include his mother’s name.
What is Sai Durgha Tej’s biggest hit?
Virupaksha (2023) is his biggest hit.
What is Sai Durgha Tej’s next movie?
His next film is Sambarala Yeti Gattu, releasing on 12 January 2027.
What is Sai Durgha Tej’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated at approximately ₹30 crore, based on publicly reported information.
Final Summary
From his SIIMA-winning debut to the success of Virupaksha, Sai Durgha Tej has shown both talent and resilience. Sambarala Yeti Gattu could be his biggest film yet.
