Nagarjuna, Naga Chaitanya And Sobhita Express Gratitude To PM Modi For His Tribute To Akkineni Nageswara Rao
Actor Nagarjuna, his grandson Naga Chaitanya, and his actor-wife Sobhita Dhulipala expressed their gratitude to PM Modi for the heartfelt homage to one of the stalwarts of Telugu cinema.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to legendary actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR) during his radio program Mann Ki Baat. In response, ANR’s son, actor Nagarjuna, his grandson Naga Chaitanya, and his actor-wife Sobhita Dhulipala expressed their gratitude to PM Modi for the heartfelt homage to one of the stalwarts of Telugu cinema.
The Akkineni family recently marked ANR’s centenary year with a series of celebrations.
PM Modi pays tribute to Akkineni Nageswara Rao
On December 29, during Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi commemorated iconic figures from Indian cinema, including Raj Kapoor, Mohammad Rafi, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, and Tapan Sinha.
He said: "Raj Kapoor ji introduced the world to India’s soft power through films. Mohammad Rafi Sahab’s magical voice continues to captivate the younger generation even today. Akkineni Nageswara Rao Garu elevated Telugu cinema, showcasing Indian traditions and values. Tapan Sinha ji’s films offered new societal perspectives while promoting social consciousness and national unity."
He also acknowledged their lasting influence, adding that these personalities have been an inspiration for the entire film industry.
Nagarjuna thanks PM Modi
Sharing a clip of PM Modi's tribute, Nagarjuna thanked him for honoring his father in his centenary year. He wrote: "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. #ANRLivesON #IndianCinema (sic)."
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
Naga Chaitanya also expressed his gratitude, saying: "Thank you Shri Modi ji @narendramodi for your wonderful words about ANR Garu’s artistic merit and his efforts that have played a key role in shaping the brilliant Telugu film industry as we know it today. Means a lot to hear these words from a stalwart like you! Blessed and immensely grateful (sic)."
Thank you Shri Modi ji @narendramodi for your wonderful words about ANR Garu’s artistic merit and his efforts that have played a key role in shaping the brilliant Telugu film industry as we know it today. Means a lot to hear these words from a stalwart like you! Blessed and…
— chaitanya akkineni (@chay_akkineni) December 29, 2024
Sobhita Dhulipala shared similar sentiments, posting pictures of PM Modi and ANR alongside her message.
About Akkineni Nageswara Rao
Akkineni Nageswara Rao, fondly known as ANR, was an actor and film producer whose seven-decade-long career elevated Telugu cinema to new heights. His iconic films include Tenali Ramakrishna, Vipra Narayanan, and Bhakta Tukaram, among others. ANR was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2011 and was last seen in Manam, a film that also featured Nagarjuna, Naga Chaitanya, Akhil Akkineni, and Amala Akkineni, directed by Vikram Kumar.