Nagarjuna, Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala thank PM Modi for Akkineni Nageswara Rao tribute in Mann Ki Baat

In his tribute, PM Modi said, “Akkineni Nageswara Rao Garu elevated Telugu cinema, showcasing Indian traditions and values.” He described ANR as one of the pillars of Telugu cinema who significantly shaped the film industry and inspired generations of filmmakers and actors. Modi also pointed out that ANR’s work continues to influence and inspire the younger generation even today. The Prime Minister’s words highlighted the profound legacy that ANR left behind in the world of cinema.

The Akkineni family—comprising ANR’s son, actor Nagarjuna Akkineni, his grandson Naga Chaitanya Akkineni, and Naga Chaitanya’s wife Sobhita Dhulipala—expressed their gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for this special tribute to their beloved patriarch. This recognition came at a time when the Akkineni family had been celebrating ANR’s centenary year with multiple events.

Actor Nagarjuna Akkineni, deeply moved by the tribute to his late father and veteran actor, shared his appreciation on social media. He posted a clip of PM Modi’s tribute and wrote, “Thank you, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, for honoring my father, Akkineni Nageswara Rao 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. #ANRLivesON #IndianCinema.” Nagarjuna’s post reflected the pride he felt for his father’s legacy, and the importance of this public acknowledgment by the Prime Minister.

Similarly, Naga Chaitanya Akkineni, the grandson of Akkineni Nageswara Rao, expressed his gratitude by posting a message on social media. He wrote, “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.” Naga Chaitanya’s words further demonstrated how important this recognition was for him and his family, as it came from such a respected figure.

Sobhita Dhulipala, Naga Chaitanya’s wife, also joined in thanking the Prime Minister. She shared similar sentiments on social media and posted pictures of Prime Minister Modi alongside ANR. Her post helped highlight the emotional connection the Akkineni family felt to this tribute, further emphasizing the honor bestowed upon ANR.

Akkineni Nageswara Rao, affectionately known as ANR, was one of the most influential actors in Telugu cinema. With a career spanning over seven decades, ANR starred in numerous iconic films such as Tenali Ramakrishna, Vipra Narayanan, and Bhakta Tukaram. His contributions helped elevate Telugu cinema to new heights. In recognition of his outstanding achievements, ANR was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honors, in 2011.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to legendary actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR) during radio programme, Mann Ki Baat. His son and actor Nagarjuna, grandson Naga Chaitanya and his actor-wife Sobhita Dhulipala thanked PM Modi for his heartfelt homage to ANR, one of the pillars of Telugu cinema. Recently, the Akkineni family celebrated ANR's centenary year with multiple events.

On December 29, PM Modi remembered Raj Kapoor, Mohammad Rafi, Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Tapan Sinha during Mann Ki Baat. 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 further added that the personalities have been an inspiration for the entire film industry.

Sharing the clip of PM Modi's tribute, Nagarjuna thanked him for honouring his father in his centenary year. "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)," he wrote on X.

Here's the post:

Thank you, Hon’ble Prime Minister shri @narendramodi ji, for honoring 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... https://t.co/PK0kah9gHT pic.twitter.com/Yh5QSYm4cA — Nagarjuna Akkineni (@iamnagarjuna) December 29, 2024

Replying to PM Modi's tribute, Naga Chaitanya wrote, "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)."

Here's the post:

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 the same words as she posted pictures of PM Modi and ANR.

Here's the post:

Akkineni Nageswara Rao, popularly known as ANR, was an actor and film producer. In his seven-decade-long career, he was a part of many films that catapulted Telugu cinema to a new high. Some of his iconic films include Tenali Ramakrishna, Vipra Narayanan and Bhakta Tukaram among others.

ANR was honoured with Padma Vibhushan in 2011. He was last seen in Manam, which also starred Nagarjuna and Naga Chaitanya in the lead roles. Akhil Akkineni and Amala Akkineni played cameo roles in the film, directed by Vikram Kumar.