Andhra Pradesh's new chief minister was born on July 8, 1949. He comes from a small town in Cuddapah, which falls in the backward Rayalaseema region.

YSR had a ringside view of politics even as a child. His father Y S Raja Reddy, a popular leader, was known for his mercurial dynamism and dare-devilish temperament. YSR continued his father's legacy when he entered politics as a Congress youth leader.

He suffered a severe personal blow when his father was brutally murdered in a bomb attack in 1998. All 16 accused, who belonged to the rival Telugu Desam Party, were acquitted on April 12.

YSR as NCC cadet (inset) and as a participant in a weight-lifting competition.

Also see: Chasing India's Bahu No. 1