Remembering the Legendary Akkineni Nageswara Rao on His 100th Birth Anniversary

Hyderabad, September 20, 2024 – Today marks the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary Indian actor, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, fondly known as ANR. He was not just a celebrated actor but also a pioneer in Telugu cinema, leaving an indelible mark that continues to influence the industry even today.

The Akkineni family, including Nagarjuna, Naga Chaitanya, Akhil, Amala, and others, gathered at the iconic Annapurna Studios to pay tribute to the great actor. In a heartfelt ceremony, Nagarjuna inaugurated a panchaloha statue of his father, a poignant moment that brought both pride and nostalgia to those in attendance.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu had the honour of unveiling ANR’s statue, emphasizing the actor’s significant contributions to Indian cinema. The event witnessed a gathering of prominent personalities from the Telugu film industry, all joining in to celebrate the memory of ANR.

The event was graced by Mahesh Babu and his wife Namrata Shirodkar, along with Ram Charan and Jayasudha, among many others. It was indeed a moment of unity and remembrance as stars from different generations came together to honour the legacy of this iconic figure.

Renowned actors like Nani, SS Rajamouli, Brahmandam, and more attended the ceremony to pay their respects. Manchu Vishnu, Jagapathi Babu, Rajendra Prasad, Dil Raju, Allu Arvind, and several others shared their fond memories of ANR, underlining his lasting impact on the industry.

Director SS Rajamouli delivered a touching speech, reminiscing about ANR’s remarkable contributions to cinema and how his filmography, creative risks, and experimentation with genres continue to inspire filmmakers and film enthusiasts.

Naga Chaitanya, ANR’s grandson, also addressed the audience, emphasizing the educational value of ANR’s filmography. He stated, “His Filmography, Creative Risks, Experimenting new genres – Film School Students study these things as a case study, and I’m one of those students.”

Akkineni Nageswara Rao was born into a modest family on September 20, 1924, in Andhra Pradesh. He went on to become a luminary of Telugu cinema, starring in over 255 films and becoming known for his romantic roles. ANR played a pivotal role in relocating the Telugu film industry from Madras to Hyderabad in the 1970s, a move that shaped the industry’s future.

ANR’s influence on Indian cinema is immeasurable, and his legacy lives on in the hearts of millions. Although he left this world on January 22, 2014, due to stomach cancer, his spirit continues to inspire and guide the Telugu film fraternity. Today, on his 100th birth anniversary, we remember and celebrate the life and contributions of the inimitable Akkineni Nageswara Rao.

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