Akkineni Nageswara Rao and a still from his 1953 classic ‘Devadasu’ Photo Courtesy: The Hindu Archives
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), a leading figure of Telugu cinema, during the 117th episode of his monthly radio programme. mind matterRecognizing Rao’s contribution on his centenary, PM Modi highlighted his role in uplifting Telugu cinema and showcasing Indian traditions and values.
ANR’s son actor Nagarjuna responded to the acknowledgment by expressing his gratitude on X (formerly Twitter). Sharing a clip of the Prime Minister’s remarks, she wrote, “Honourable Prime Minister Shri @NarendraModi ji, thank you for honoring my father ANR Garu on his centenary. His vision and contribution to Indian cinema will continue to inspire generations and this recognition means the world to our family.”
Actors Naga Chaitanya and Shobhita Dhulipala also expressed their thanks on Instagram. “Mr Modi ji, thank you for your wonderful words about the artistic merit and efforts of Akkineni Nageswara Rao garu, who has played a significant role in shaping the Telugu film industry. Extremely grateful,” his statement read.
ANR, whose career spans over seven decades, is known for films like Vipra Narayan And Tenali RamakrishnaHe was honored with several awards, including the Padma Vibhushan, for his contribution to Indian cinema.
PM Modi’s tribute also included other veteran film personalities including Raj Kapoor, Mohammed Rafi and Tapan Sinha, emphasizing his impact on Indian cinema and its global recognition.
published – December 30, 2024 10:01 am IST
