The 117th episode of Mann Ki Baat, which aired on December 29, was particularly special for the Akkineni family. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR).
The Prime Minister spoke about how the actor's contributions to Telugu cinema are unparalleled.
The Prime Minister's gesture was deeply emotional for the Akkineni family, says Nagarjuna Akkineni, especially since it came around ANR Garu's centenary year.
Nagarjuna Akkineni said in a statement, "Thank you, Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, for honouring my father, ANR Garu, on his centenary year alongside such iconic legends. His vision and contributions to Indian cinema continue to inspire generations, and this recognition means the world to our family and countless admirers of his work."
He added, "This recognition is not just an honour for our family but a celebration of ANR Garu's enduring influence on Indian cinema. His work remains a guiding light for all of us, and this acknowledgement by our Prime Minister is truly humbling."
ANR's body of work transcended regional boundaries, and was a cultural representation of Indian cinema at large. PM Modi also mentioned how his cinema was national soft power, given that it connected audiences across the nation.
Thank you, Hon'ble Prime Minister shri @narendramodi ji, for honoring my father, ANR Garu, on his centenary year alongside such iconic legends. 🙏
— Nagarjuna Akkineni (@iamnagarjuna) December 29, 2024
His vision and contributions to Indian cinema continue to inspire generations, and this recognition means the world to our family and… https://t.co/PK0kah9gHT pic.twitter.com/Yh5QSYm4cA
Over a seven-decade career, ANR starred in numerous landmark films and was honoured 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.
2024, which marks the hundredth birth anniversary of the legendary actor-producer, saw a special postal stamp released 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 the movies left a deep impact on Indian cinema. He died on January 22, 2014, at the age of 89.
