Prime Minister Narendra Modi met veteran actor Akkineni Nagarjuna at Parliament House today. Nagarjuna presented him with the book Mahaan Abhineta Akkineni Ka Viraat Vyaktitva, honouring legendary Telugu actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao on his 100th birth anniversary. The book is written by Padma Bhushan awardee Prof. Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad.
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While presenting the book, Nagarjuna, ANR’s son and a well-known actor, thanked PM Modi for honoring his father’s legacy. The Prime Minister assured him that ANR’s contributions to cinema and society would always be remembered and appreciated.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi praised ANR Garu for his immense contributions to Indian cinema, especially in shaping Telugu cinema’s identity. He reflected on ANR Garu’s seven-decade career, highlighting his talent for portraying Indian traditions, values, and emotions with authenticity and grace.
PM Modi recalled his tribute to ANR Garu in the 117th episode of Mann Ki Baat, where he also honored legends like Tapan Sinha, Raj Kapoor, and Mohammed Rafi. He highlighted ANR Garu’s key role in shifting the Telugu film industry from Chennai to Hyderabad, shaping its growth into a major hub.
PM Modi praised ANR Garu’s contributions beyond cinema, highlighting his dedication to education, literature, and philanthropy. He established Annapurna Studios, a key hub for filmmakers, and played a vital role in education by founding and supporting institutions like Akkineni Nageswara Rao College in Gudivada.
Nagarjuna informed PM Modi about the progress at Annapurna Studios and Annapurna College of Film and Media, highlighting its modern facilities and role in training future filmmakers. The Prime Minister appreciated these efforts and emphasized their importance in shaping India’s film and media industry.
PM Modi highlighted that ANR Garu was not just an actor but an institution. His books, Nenu Na Jeevitham and Manasuloni Maata, reflect his deep insights into life and cinema. His impact reached beyond India, as he represented Indian art and culture on the global stage.
