In his final Mann Ki Baat address of 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored four iconic figures of Indian cinema—Raj Kapoor, Mohammed Rafi, Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), and Tapan Sinha—on their birth centenaries. Modi praised ANR’s invaluable contribution to Telugu cinema, highlighting how his films beautifully reflected Indian traditions and cultural values.
Following this heartfelt recognition, ANR’s son, superstar Nagarjuna Akkineni, expressed his deep appreciation. “Thank you, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, for celebrating my father, ANR Garu, on his centenary year alongside such legendary artists. His vision and contributions continue to inspire generations,” he stated.
Nagarjuna’s son, actor Naga Chaitanya, also acknowledged the tribute, saying, “Thank you, Shri Modi ji, for your wonderful words about ANR Garu’s artistic legacy and his pivotal role in shaping the Telugu film industry as we see it today.”
ANR’s enduring legacy remains a source of inspiration for Indian cinema, and this recognition by the Prime Minister reaffirms his timeless influence on the industry.
