The 117th episode of Mann Ki Baat, aired on December 29, was special for the Akkineni family. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tribute to late Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR).
The Prime Minister pointed out how the actor’s contribution to Telugu cinema is unique.
Nagarjuna Akkineni says the Prime Minister’s gesture was extremely emotional for the Akkineni family, especially since it came around the centenary of ANR garu.
Nagarjuna Akkineni said in a statement, “Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, thank you for honoring my father ANR garu on his centenary along with such distinguished stalwarts. His vision and contribution to Indian cinema will continue to inspire generations. ” “And this recognition means a lot to our family and the countless fans of his work.”
He further added, “This honor is not just an honor for our family, but a celebration of ANR Garu’s lasting impact on Indian cinema. His work remains a guiding light for all of us, and this acknowledgment by our Prime Minister is truly surreal.” “I am humble.”
ANR’s scope of work extended beyond regional boundaries and was a cultural representation of Indian cinema at large. PM Modi also mentioned how his cinema was national soft power, noting that it connects audiences across the country.
Thank you, Honorable Prime Minister Shri @NarendraModi Yes, to honor my father ANR Garu on his centenary year with such distinguished stalwarts.
His vision and contribution to Indian cinema will continue to inspire generations, and this recognition means the world to our family and… https://t.co/PK0kah9gHT pic.twitter.com/Yh5QSYm4cA– Nagarjuna Akkineni (@iamnagarjuna) 29 December 2024
In a career spanning seven decades, ANR acted in several historical films and was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1990.
He was also awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2011, the Padma Bhushan in 1988 and the Padma Shri in 1968 for his contributions to art and cinema.
In 2024, which is the hundredth birth anniversary of the great actor-producer, a special postage stamp was issued by the Government of India in his honour. The Akkineni family also unveiled a statue of ANR at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad as part of the birth centenary celebrations.
Akkineni Nageswara Rao was born on September 20, 2024. His seven-decade career in films left a deep impact on Indian cinema. He died on 22 January 2014 at the age of 89.
