Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi was recently honoured with the prestigious ANR National Award at a grand event in Hyderabad. This award, given by the Akkineni International Foundation in memory of the legendary actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao, was presented to Chiranjeevi by Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan. Amitabh had also received the same award back in 2014.
As the event unfolded, several touching moments were captured and shared widely on social media. One particularly heartwarming video showed Amitabh Bachchan greeting Chiranjeevi’s mother, Anjana Devi, by respectfully touching her feet. Another video featured a warm welcome for Amitabh from well-known actors like Venkatesh, Nagarjuna, Amala, and Naga Chaitanya. Nagarjuna, the son of Akkineni Nageswara Rao, has played a key role in carrying forward his family’s legacy through Annapurna Studios, which was established in 1976.
In his acceptance speech, Chiranjeevi expressed immense joy. He said that while he has previously received honours like the Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan, the ANR Award felt more special because it represents a victory in his own home—the Telugu film industry. He referred to the saying “IntaGelichiRachaGelavatam,” meaning that while national awards are prestigious, the ANR Award is a personal triumph for him.
Chiranjeevi also touched upon past controversies regarding an award he declined at the Vajrotsavam Event. He explained that although he was honoured back then, he chose to step back because of mixed sentiments within the industry. However, receiving the ANR Award from Amitabh Bachchan, in the presence of close friends like Nagarjuna, made him feel fully accepted and recognized by his peers.
In an emotional moment, Chiranjeevi shared that the ANR Award holds a special place in his heart, affirming his belonging in the Telugu film community. His heartfelt speech resonated with many and evoked memories of his long and successful career within the industry.
Amitabh Bachchan also spoke at the event, paying tribute to the late Akkineni Nageswara Rao. He praised Rao’s contributions to Telugu cinema, saying that his legacy continues to inspire generations. Amitabh expressed gratitude to the Akkineni family for preserving the values and vision established by the cinema legend.
The event wasn’t just about awards; it also celebrated the strong bonds of friendship and mutual respect among icons of Indian cinema. One of the highlights of the evening was the presence of Sobhita Dhulipala, who recently got engaged to Naga Chaitanya. This was her first public appearance as part of the Akkineni family, and her light-hearted interactions with Nagarjuna and Chaitanya caught the attention of fans online.
Several prominent personalities from the film industry attended the event. Notable figures included actors like Nani, Prakash Raj, Ramya Krishnan, and Brahmanandam, as well as directors such as Nag Ashwin and Trivikram. Previous recipients of the ANR Award include legendary actresses like Sridevi and Rekha, making this award highly prestigious.
In a special honour, Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani was also recognized during the ceremony. Other notable attendees included heroes like Ram Charan, Siddu Jonnalagadda, and Sudhir Babu, as well as several directors, producers, and actors from the Telugu film industry.
The event was a beautiful tribute to the legacy of Akkineni Nageswara Rao and celebrated the enduring bonds between the stalwarts of Indian cinema.
