I Proudly Say That I’m A Member Of The Telugu Film Industry

In celebration of the legendary actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR) and his lasting impact on Indian cinema, the ANR National Awards continue to recognize outstanding talent in the industry. Initiated by ANR himself, these awards aim to perpetuate his legacy by honoring individuals who have significantly influenced Indian cinema.

As part of the ANR Centenary celebrations this year, various events and screenings of ANR’s iconic films have been organized to pay tribute to his illustrious career. Additionally, the Government of India unveiled a special commemorative stamp to mark this milestone.

In this notable year, the ANR National Award 2024 was bestowed upon Padma Vibhushan Awardee Shri Chiranjeevi Garu for his remarkable contributions to Indian cinema. Chiranjeevi is the second Telugu artist to receive the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, following ANR, who was honored in 2011.

The ANR Awards function turned out to be a grand event, graced by members of the Akkineni family and esteemed guests. The program commenced with a musical performance by MM Keeravani. Singers paid tribute to ANR by performing his classic songs, evoking cherished memories. The atmosphere became particularly emotional when the last words spoken by ANR from the ICU were played, touching everyone deeply. The final visuals of ANR moved the audience to tears, creating a poignant moment that honored his enduring legacy.

While speaking at the occasion, Nagarjuna said, “The three letters ANR mean the world not just to me, but also to my family, friends, fans, and well-wishers. My father believed in a philosophy. It’s not a verse; it’s a concept that comes from the core of his belief. My father believed in humanity, empowering people, family, and friendship in diversity. Most of all, he believed in cinema. Today, people strive to have just a few of these qualities. But he had all of them. That’s why people like him remain a concept and a legend—a legend that lives on. To my mother, he was a devoted husband; to his children, a devoted father; to his friends, a loyalist; and to cinema, he’s a devoted worker. The very place we stand here today is proof of his life and his concept. The ANR Award is an attempt to honor such personalities and to thank them for setting an example for future generations that a true hero is one who shines even after the director says cut.

Today, let me welcome two such personalities, the ABC of Indian cinema: AB and C—the legend who walks, Shri Amitabh Bachchan Ji, and the Megastar, Chiranjeevi. This year is even more special to us because the award has been given to my very dear friend and brother, Padma Vibhushan Chiranjeevi Garu. The award has been presented by another legend whom I admired all my life and who has also been a part of all your lives—our beloved Padma Bhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke Awardee, Shri Amitabh Bachchan Ji. Amit Ji, when you accepted the ANR Award a few years ago, you made the award more prestigious. We thank you now for gracefully accepting to present it to Chiranjeevi Garu; it means the world to us, as this is the centenary year of ANR Garu. Recently, when I saw the film Kalki, directed by Nag, which released in theaters, I called up Amit Ji and said, ‘Amit Ji, my original mass hero is back.’ And from the other side on the phone, I heard his hearty laughter. It went on for five seconds, and I felt so good about it. Sir, I was so thrilled to see you in your original avatar. It made me nostalgic because the evergreen ‘angry young man’ image is deeply etched in our minds, even after all these years. Your portrayal of Aswathama gave us the same adrenaline rush. Your screen presence, your magnetism, your impact are simply untouchable. Amit Ji, as movie lovers, we are all eternally grateful to you for all the characters you portrayed to entertain us. Amit Ji is also a brand ambassador for many humanitarian and social causes like polio eradication and hepatitis awareness, along with UNICEF, the Swachh Bharat Mission, and the Beti Padhao Beti Bachao initiative for the Government of India, among many others. Amit Ji, we salute you for your social initiatives. I just want to say one thing about Amitabh Ji: excellence is something most artists like us aspire to achieve, and that excellence is exemplified by Amit Ji.

Talking about my dear friend Chiranjeevi Garu, I have fond memories with him. Everyone knows about his films; his hits, super hits, and the records he has broken are nothing short of extraordinary. Recently, he was even featured in the Guinness Book of World Records. I remember well—back in 1985, when I was thinking about entering the film industry, Chiranjeevi and team were shooting a song right here at Annapurna Studios. My father called me over and said, ‘Chiranjeevi is dancing inside on that floor; go take a look. If you want to get into films, you might as well learn a bit of dance.’ Radha was also there. Watching him dance with such grace and charisma left me in awe. I thought to myself, ‘Can I ever dance like that?’ That’s when I decided to make my own mark in other way. He is such a warm and hospitable person.

When we were giving the ANR Award a few years back, there was a protocol I had to maintain. We could only have so many people on stage. I asked Chiranjeevi Garu to come for the event, and he obeyed. I told him about the protocol that he couldn’t be invited on stage. He said he would sit in the front row and watched the entire award function from there. He asked one thing: whether he could felicitate Amitabh with a shawl. I said yes. I just wanted to mention what a humble person he is. I can’t talk about his status; we all know the spectacular journey of Chiranjeevi Garu in his films. Likewise, his invaluable charity activities—his blood bank has saved many people and helped many in need. During COVID, from his Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust, he showed a path to cinema workers. I remember that very clearly. My father always used to tell us one thing: if you are taking something from society, you must always give back to society. Both Chiranjeevi Garu and Amitabh Ji walked this path so beautifully. God bless you.

The bond Amit Ji and Chiranjeevi Garu share is absolutely wonderful. Amit Ji famously calls Chiranjeevi the king of Indian cinema, which is so true considering Chiranjeevi’s sway over the audience. So, it’s an absolute honor to have both of them here on stage once again. How do I express what these legends—Amitabh Ji and Chiranjeevi Garu—mean to cinema? I have only one apt expression: the ABC of Indian cinema.

It’s a matter of great joy for all of us that the ANR Award is being presented to Chiranjeevi Garu by Amit Ji today. Thank you both for being here. I especially thank Keeravani Garu for the emotional tribute he paid to my father. The Telugu people will always cherish this. We are so happy to have Shri Subbarami Reddy Garu, a dear friend of my father, who has always been a part of this award and the family. The presence of so many friends, family, colleagues, journalists, and media persons to witness this occasion is heartwarming. I welcome you all on this very special occasion, and I thank each one of you for joining us here and making this moment more memorable. ANR lives on.”

Subbiramireddy said, “Greetings to everyone present. Nagarjuna is truly extraordinary. I share a strong bond with ANR. His love is vast, like the Himalayas, and his wisdom is profound. Even in his absence, he lives in my heart and visits me in my dreams. When he received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, he expressed a desire for the ANR Award to achieve similar recognition. I have been honored to serve as Chairman of the National Film Awards twice, but it is a special privilege to chair the ANR Award. Together, we have honored stalwarts like Lata Mangeshkar, Devanand, and Amitabh Bachchan. This year, I am thrilled to present the award to another giant, Chiranjeevi, who shines in everyone’s hearts.”

Amitabh Bachchan said, “It is very difficult to stand here and say anything after what we’ve just seen, heard, and observed. I must express my extreme gratitude to the ANR Foundation, Nagarjuna, and the entire family for giving me this deep honor and privilege this evening. I want to express my gratitude to Nag, the foundation, and the entire family for bringing to life the legacies that we had the privilege to observe and see—legacies that walked on this earth, this earth of Telugu cinema and the entire film industry—and gave us so much happiness, joy, entertainment, and culture. It is very difficult for anyone to stand here and match ANR’s contribution to Indian cinema. Nag, to you and your family, I want to express my gratitude for living up to the legacy that your respected father left for all of us.

I’m reminded of a poem my father wrote called “The Last Will.” He talked about how his friends had been telling him, “You must write a will. What are you going to leave for your sons?” In today’s time, the kind of life we are living means even a son has to go to court to prove that he is his father’s son. My father then says in the poem that whatever he has, he hasn’t been able to leave any material wealth for his sons.

The line I wish to share today is from that poem, which is in Hindi: “Mere Bethe, Bothe Honese Mere Utharaadhikaari Nahee Honge… Jo Mere Utharaadhikari Honge Wo Mere Bethe Honge.” My sons, just because you are my sons doesn’t mean that you will be my inheritance; those who determine my inheritance will be my sons. And now, prove that you and your family are the true inheritors and true sons of this great personality, Shri Nageswara Rao, who has adorned our film industry.

I’m deeply honored that you’ve chosen me to honor my dear friend, my colleague Chiranjeevi. Whenever I ask him for something, he’s always been there for me. I appreciate all that you have done for me, including giving me a part in your film, and also Nag for giving me a part in your film, and Nag Ashwin for giving me a part in your film. Now I proudly say that I’m a member of the Telugu Film Industry. I wish to thank Chiranjeevi for his friendship, concern, love, affection, humility, and hospitality. He sent me so much lunch today that I could have fed the entire hotel. Please treat me as a member of the Telugu Film Industry from now on.”

Chiranjeevi said, “Hello everyone. It brings me immense joy to receive this award amidst your applause. Before that, I want to thank my Guru, my mentor, and source of inspiration, Shri Amitabh Ji. Whenever something good happens to me, or any occasion occurs in our family, or I receive awards like this, he is the first person to send a message, good wishes, and blessings. Sometimes, at our request, he makes his presence felt at these events. I feel incredibly fortunate to have such a prominent figure of India here with me as I receive this award.

When I was awarded the Padma Bhushan Award, the entire industry celebrated me, and he was the chief guest. I can’t forget the words he spoke. As you’ve seen in the video, he referred to me as Chiranjeevi, the king of Indian cinema. I was taken aback; I had no words to say. I became completely speechless and overwhelmed. I didn’t know if I had thanked him that day. So today, I want to express my gratitude, keeping that incident in mind, for the words from the Baadshah and Shahenshah of Indian Cinema, Shri Amitabh Ji. Thank you so much for encouraging me with your words; they mean a lot to me. Each moment with him has been incredibly valuable.

When I first acted in my Hindi film, Pratibandh, in 1990, I was eager to show it to my only idol, Amitabh Ji. We watched it together, and I was so touched by his reaction. He came to me and said, “Powerful performance, Chiranjeevi, and it’s a very purposeful film.” Those words gave me immense energy. I felt like a child that day.

For every occasion at his house, and for every occasion at mine, he makes it a point to be present and bless us. That’s how we’ve grown together. During the time of Sye Raa, we all wanted Shri Amitabh Bachchan to play a cameo as my Guru. Everyone hesitated about how to approach him, but I took the initiative and sent a message. He responded immediately, asking what I needed. When I discussed the character with him, he said he would do it, and we all felt so happy.

When I inquired about arrangements, he insisted that I should not do anything; he would take care of all the expenses. He finished his character in record time and didn’t allow me to do anything for him. On the last day, I hesitantly asked him how to fulfill the formalities, and he simply refused, showing his love and affection that way. From the bottom of my heart, I am deeply indebted to you for a lifetime. What can I say or give other than humbly saying thank you so much? May God grant you enormous strength and health. Long live Amitabh Ji. Thank you for being here. We are all happy with your presence.

In Telugu, we have a saying: “You must win at home before winning elsewhere.” I feel like I’ve won at home after winning this award. During my journey as an actor, I often wondered if my father would ever praise me, but he rarely did. However, my mother told me how much he loved my acting and how much he used to praise me. My father believed it was not good to overly praise children.

The opportunity to succeed in this industry came for me during Vajrotsavam Celebrations. When everyone gathered to present me with the Legendary Award, I felt incredibly happy. But when some didn’t seem pleased, I didn’t think I deserved it. That day, I didn’t feel like I had won at home. Today, receiving the Great ANR Award from Amitabh Bachchan, and hearing my friend say I have all the qualifications, makes me feel like I have won both at home and elsewhere.

I overreacted when Nag and Venkat visited my home to invite for the function. Regardless of how many awards I receive, when my loved ones recognize me, that feels like the true achievement. That’s how I feel today, from the bottom of my heart.

The reason I wanted my mother to sit in the front row is that she is a very senior fan of ANR. She was pregnant with me in Mogalthur when ANR’s film was released. My arranged for a rickshaw. There was a minor accident during that time, yet she insisted on watching the film. I feel my admiration for ANR came through her. She loved his dance, and I grew up dancing to his songs. ANR was my inspiration for dance. I can never forget what he spoke in an interview. ‘I might have been the first dancer in Telugu, but Chiranjeevi brought grace to that dance.’

He encouraged me to shift here in Hyderabad, when I came to shoot in the same studio. Thanks to his efforts, we are in such a good position today. He invited me as a guest for the 100 days function of “College Bullodu.” When I was following him, the audience cheered for us. But, he told me that the audience actually cheered. That’s how he used to encourage me.

Working in “Mechanic Alludu” taught me many lessons in life. He was like a walking encyclopaedia for me. There was always a romantic touch in his words, which is why he remains young at heart. When I was away from the industry, I used to share things with him, while he was resting on his bed. He was a fatherly figure to me. Later, that love transitioned to Nagarjuna. In terms of health, Nagarjuna has been an inspiration. He is not just my friend and brother but also a doctor who shares health tips with me. The principles Nagarjuna taught me are the reason I look so young. He is a great blessing that God has given me. Their family feels like my own.

Thank you all. Receiving this award, after such greats like Devanand, Lata Mangeshkar, Amitabh Bachchan, Shyam Benegal, Rekha, and K Balachander gives completeness to my cinematic journey. I cherish this moment for a lifetime. I’m very happy that Subbarami Reddy’s committee selected me, and I extend my gratitude to them as well.”