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The Akkineni International Foundation founded by Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR) today bestowed one of India`s most acclaimed Actor Amitabh Bachchan with ANR Award. The Actor was presented with the prestigious award for his decades of dedication to Indian cinema at a glittering ceremony held at the Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad.

ANR Award recognizes film artists whose body of work has made a lasting impact of outstanding artistic, cultural and commercial significance to the field of cinema.

Hon`ble Chief Minister of Telangana K. Chandrasekhar Rao and Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu graced the occasion in the presence of many distinguished guests from the industry along with the entire ANR family members and numerous fans of legendary Actor ANR. Rajya Sabha Member and industrialist T. Subbarami Reddy, who is the chairman of selection committee was also present during the occasion.

Thanking Amitabh Bachan for accepting the award, Akkineni Nagarjuna, son of ANR said “It is a moment of great pride for entire Akkineni family". By accepting the award Amitji has given the Award its fullest recognition and made it even more precious. Amitji graciousness has brought tremendous motivational significance, both symbolic and high degree of prestige for ANR Award”.

With remarkable talent, a meticulous work ethics and a tremendous ability to reinvent himself, Amitabh Bachchan continue to enthrall us with his unforgettable impression in world cinema and in the hearts of millions of fans including ANR. Nagarjuna added.

Nagarjuna recalled, his father had the highest regard for legendary Amitabh Bachchan work and his potion of advice to his grandchildren that if you ever aspire to enter the tinsel world you must look at Amitabh Bachchan films, to learn the art of screen performance.

In speech shri Amitabh Bachchan said, "It is privileged to be part of this industry. It is stalwart like ANR who has given the film industry dignity, respectability and grace. Because of people like him that the industry survives. He is an Iconic figure, he also spoke about his immense contribution to this society. I am humbled to received this ANR national award. I would like to add his family is his true successors".

KCR hailed ANR as an iconic figure and remembered how the legendary actor was instrumental in bringing Telugu film industry to Hyderabad from Madras. He also praised Amitabh Bachchan as a great actor and said the only film he saw more than 50 times is Amitabh's 'Abhimaan' and he still watches it whenever he wants relief from work pressure.

Venkaiah Naidu also praised Amitabh Bachchan and ANR. He said, "We generally talk about no.1 and no.2 in industries. But Amitabh doesn't give us that chance. AB is both A and B to the Indian industry. ANR is a great actor. He was a trendsetter in the industry and was also a great human being. Amitabh Bachchan truly deserves to receive the award in the name of that great actor"

At the award function well known actress-dancer Sobhana presented Dancing Drums` a specially-choreographed dance recital followed by a performance of 50 children sing a song from Manam`. Also, 19 students who are passing out of the Annapurna International School of Film & Media received their degrees from Amitabh Bachchan.

Born in Uttar Pradesh, India in 1942, Bachchan was brought up in a rich tradition of the arts by his father Harivanshrai Bachchan, a highly acclaimed poet, and his mother Teji Bachchan.

Amitabh Bachchan has entertained Asian and International audiences in his acting career that has spanned more than five decades. His roles in over 100 films have earned him numerous awards, including three National Awards and thirteen Filmfare Awards.

The Akkineni International Foundation was founded by Sri Akkineni Nageswara Rao to provide aid to the disabled people and funds for education for needy students.

Named after Dr. Akkineni Nageshwara Rao, the ANR award honors artists who made distinguished contribution to the growth and promotion of film medium and carries prize money of Rs. 5lakhs.

Started in the year 2005, the previous awardees are Sri Dev Anand, Padmashri Shabana Azmi, Smt. Anjali Devi, Padmashri Dr. Vyjayantimala Bali, Bharat Ratna Dr. Lata Mangeshkar, Padmashri Dr. K. Balachander, Padmashri Smt. Hema Malini, and Dada Saheb Phalke Awardee Dr. Shyam Benegal.