On the occasion of legendary actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao's centenary, Tollywood megastar Chiranjeevi received the esteemed 'ANR National Award' today in a grand ceremony presided over by Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan. This award, founded by the Akkineni International Foundation, recognizes extraordinary contributions to Indian cinema, with past recipients including legends such as Lata Mangeshkar, SS Rajamouli, and Hema Malini.

A Heartfelt Ceremony

The event brought together luminaries from the film industry, with the Akkineni family, including Nagarjuna, Naga Chaitanya, and Akhil Akkineni, warmly hosting. Nagarjuna, reminiscing about his initial days in cinema, shared a fond memory of Chiranjeevi’s influence, describing a pivotal moment when he witnessed Chiranjeevi’s exceptional dancing. Nagarjuna expressed that his own career doubts were challenged by the passion Chiranjeevi displayed, making him both a source of inspiration and a true mentor.

Chiranjeevi's Emotional Tribute

Receiving the award from Amitabh Bachchan, Chiranjeevi reflected on his career journey, recalling the Vajrostavam event where he first received a lifetime achievement honor. He candidly shared his emotional connection to the Akkineni family, highlighting how ANR had always welcomed him with a fatherly warmth. Chiranjeevi added that his own mother had been a devoted fan of ANR, watching his films even through difficulties, and that he feels a special kinship with the Akkineni family.

The award, he said, is especially meaningful as it represents recognition from within his cinematic family. Chiranjeevi thanked the ANR Foundation and noted that this honor surpassed even his Padma Vibhushan in personal significance.

Amitabh Bachchan’s Moving Speech

Amitabh Bachchan’s address struck an emotional chord. Quoting his father’s poem *Vasihatnama*, he reflected on the true inheritance of legacy, praising the Akkineni family for honoring ANR's memory. Bachchan expressed gratitude to Chiranjeevi and the Telugu industry, calling Chiranjeevi a lifelong friend who welcomed him warmly. He humorously mentioned the extensive food Chiranjeevi had sent him, saying he felt like part of the Telugu film family, and joked about looking forward to another film role alongside his Tollywood peers.

A Star-Studded Evening

The event featured cultural performances led by composer M.M. Keeravani, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. A touching montage of ANR’s final moments brought tears to the eyes of many attendees. Among the notable guests were Chiranjeevi’s family, including his mother Anjanadevi, as well as prominent figures such as Allu Aravind, Ram Charan, Nani, Srileela, director K. Raghavendra Rao, Boyapati Srinivas, and several others from the Telugu film fraternity.

This memorable occasion not only celebrated Chiranjeevi’s remarkable career but also underscored the enduring legacy of Akkineni Nageswara Rao in Indian cinema. The ANR National Award serves as a bridge connecting past cinema legends with contemporary icons, honoring those who carry forward the legacy of Indian cinema.