In a heartfelt ceremony held on October 28 in Hyderabad, Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan honored Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi with the prestigious Akkineni Nageshwara Rao (ANR) National Award. The event coincided with the centenary celebrations of legendary Telugu actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), who was also the father of actor Nagarjuna. The award acknowledges exceptional contributions to Indian cinema and has become a significant tribute within the film industry.
A Moment of Mutual Respect
A video from the event captured a memorable moment as the 82-year-old Bachchan presented a shawl and a trophy to Chiranjeevi, aged 69. Chiranjeevi, visibly moved, showed his respect by bowing before Amitabh and touching his feet. After accepting the honor, the Waltair Veerayya actor posed for photos alongside Nagarjuna and Bachchan, symbolizing a deep sense of camaraderie and reverence within Indian cinema.
Nagarjuna’s Tribute to His Father’s Legacy
Nagarjuna, who organized the event, expressed his excitement on social media ahead of the ceremony, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “This year is extra special as we celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of my father, ANR garu! Honoured to invite @SrBachchan ji and Megastar @KChiruTweets garu to the ANR Awards 2024 to mark this milestone! Let’s make this award function unforgettable!”
The ANR National Award was instituted in 2005 by the Akkineni International Foundation to celebrate excellence in Indian cinema. Past recipients include industry legends such as Dev Anand, Lata Mangeshkar, SS Rajamouli, Hema Malini, Sridevi, Rekha, Shabana Azmi, and Vyjayantimala Bali, with Amitabh Bachchan receiving the award in 2014.
Chiranjeevi’s Upcoming Project: Vishwambhara
Following the prestigious recognition, Chiranjeevi is gearing up for his next film, Vishwambhara, a fantasy drama set for release on January 10, 2025. This project adds to his illustrious filmography, reflecting his continued dedication to Indian cinema.
The ANR National Award event was a significant celebration, honoring the legacy of ANR and the remarkable achievements of Chiranjeevi, a beloved figure in Indian cinema.
