ANR National Award Ceremony: Amitabh Bachchan Honors Chiranjeevi

On the occasion of the centenary celebration of legendary actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Tollywood megastar Chiranjeevi was honored with the prestigious ‘ANR National Award’ today at a grand ceremony hosted by Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan. Established by the Akkineni International Foundation, this award acknowledges outstanding contributions to Indian cinema, with previous recipients including luminaries like Lata Mangeshkar, SS Rajamouli, and Hema Malini.

A Heartfelt Ceremony:

The event was a poignant gathering of film industry luminaries, warmly hosted by the Akkineni family, including Nagarjuna, Naga Chaitanya, and Akhil Akkineni. During the ceremony, Nagarjuna fondly recalled his early days in cinema, sharing a cherished memory of Chiranjeevi’s remarkable dance performance. He reflected on how Chiranjeevi’s passion ignited a spark in him, helping him overcome his own career doubts. Nagarjuna expressed his gratitude, highlighting Chiranjeevi as both an inspiration and a true mentor in his life.

Chiranjeevi’s Emotional Tribute:

As he accepted the award from Amitabh Bachchan, Chiranjeevi reflected on his remarkable career journey, reminiscing about the “Vajrostavam” event where he first received a lifetime achievement honor. He spoke candidly about his deep emotional bond with the Akkineni family, expressing how ANR had always embraced him with a fatherly warmth. Chiranjeevi also shared that his mother was a devoted fan of ANR, watching his films through challenging times, which deepened his sense of kinship with the Akkineni family.

He expressed that the award holds special significance as it symbolizes recognition from his cinematic family. Chiranjeevi extended his gratitude to the ANR Foundation, emphasizing that this honor surpasses even his Padma Vibhushan in personal importance.

Amitabh Bachchan’s heartfelt Moment:

Amitabh Bachchan’s heartfelt speech resonated deeply with the audience. Quoting his father’s poem *Vasihatnama*, he contemplated the essence of legacy, commending the Akkineni family for their tribute to ANR’s memory. Bachchan expressed his gratitude to Chiranjeevi and the Telugu film industry, referring to Chiranjeevi as a lifelong friend who embraced him warmly. With a touch of humor, he remarked on the generous meals Chiranjeevi had sent him, playfully noting that he felt like part of the Telugu film family. He even joked about his eagerness for another film role alongside his Tollywood counterparts.

A Star-Studded Evening:

The event was filled with vibrant cultural performances led by composer M.M. Keeravani, enhancing the festive mood. A poignant montage showcasing ANR’s final moments moved many attendees to tears. Among the distinguished guests were Chiranjeevi’s family, including his mother Anjanadevi, along with prominent personalities like Allu Aravind, Ram Charan, Nani, Srileela, director K. Raghavendra Rao, Boyapati Srinivas, and others from the Telugu film industry. This unforgettable occasion not only celebrated Chiranjeevi’s illustrious career but also highlighted the lasting legacy of Akkineni Nageswara Rao in Indian cinema. The ANR National Award serves as a vital link between past cinema legends and contemporary stars, honoring those who continue to uphold the legacy of Indian cinema.