Padma Vibhushan Chiranjeevi felicitates Padma Awardees

Megastar Chiranjeevi’s impact transcends his legendary acting career, as evidenced by his prestigious Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India. In a touching gesture, Chiranjeevi hosted a reception at his residence to honor the Padma Shri awardees from Telangana, including distinguished guests like Yakshagana artist Gaddam Sammaiah and sculptor Dr. Anandachari Velu, personally felicitated by the megastar.

Among the notable awardees were Dasari Kondappa, a Burra Veena player from Narayanpet, and Gaddam Sammaiah, a Chindu Yakshaganam theater artist from Jangaon. Dr. Anandachari Velu, a renowned sculptor, was also recognized for his significant contributions to the arts.

Gaddam Sammaiah, a seasoned Chindu Yakshaganam artist, showcased unwavering dedication with over 19 thousand performances in the last 50 years. Notably, he gained acclaim for portraying Keechakudi in the 1985 show ‘Keechakavadha.’ Sammaiah received several accolades, including the Telugu University Merit Award in 1994, the Kala Ratna Award in 1995, and the Telangana Abirbhava Award in 2017.

Dr. Anandachari Velu played a pivotal role in reconstructing the Yadadri temple, employing Krishna stone as the primary material. Serving as the Pradhan Sthapathi, he intricately designed stone sculptures and diligently shaped the octagonal mandapa’s walls in Kakatiya, Dravida, and Chola architectural styles. Velu’s journey began with training at the Shilpa College of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, followed by service as a Sthapathi in the united Andhra Pradesh’s Devadaya branch.

Chiranjeevi expressed delight at Gaddam Sammaiah’s Padma Shri recognition, applauding his efforts in preserving the endangered Chindu Yakshagana art form. He extended gratitude to the central government for acknowledging such art forms and artists, appealing to both central and state governments to support and protect artists and their families, ensuring the preservation of India’s cultural heritage.

Chiranjeevi congratulated Dr. Anandachari Velu for his innovative contributions to sculpture, particularly his pivotal role in reconstructing the Yadadri temple with Krishna stone.mmaiah and Velu expressed happiness and gratitude for the special invitation to Chiranjeevi’s residence, considering the experience an indelible and cherished moment in their lives.