Haranath was born on 2 September 1936 in Raparthi near by Pithapuram and Gollaprolu in East Godavari district,had two younger brothers and a sister,his early schooling was in Madras till pre-university,and he did his B A degree in Kakinada P R College. He was very active in cultural activities,particularly dramas, won many a drama competition.An encounter leads him into films.He was waiting at Vanimahal bus stop in Madras, on the way to pilot training- when he was spotted by Mukkmamala Krishna Murthy,famous film actor,Director & producer and was selected to act as hero in the film Rishyasringa.