Chiranjeevi: ANR was like a father figure to me

Megastar Chiranjeevi received the ANR National Award from the hands of Amitabh Bachchan. Akkineni Nageshwara Rao’s family, which includes Akkineni Venkat and Akkineni Nagarjuna, instituted the national award.

At the event, Chiranjeevi recalled his long association with ANR and Nagarjuna.

“The entire industry celebrated me when I received the Padma Bhushan Award, with Amitabh serving as the chief guest. On every occasion at his house and on mine, he makes it a point to be present and bless us. That’s how we’ve grown together. He is my mentor, guide, and inspiration,” Chiranjeevi said about chief guest Amitabh Bachchan.

“During Vajrotsavam Celebrations, when everyone gathered to present me with the Legendary Award, I felt incredibly happy. But when some didn’t seem pleased, they didn’t think I deserved it. That day, I didn’t feel like I had won at home. Today, receiving the Great ANR Award from Amitabh Bachchan and hearing my friend say I have all the qualifications makes me feel like I have won both at home and elsewhere,” Chiranjeevi said, recalling the controversy Mohan Babu caused in 2008 during the Telugu film industry’s 75th anniversary celebrations.

“My mother was a very big fan of ANR. She loved his dance, and I grew up dancing to his songs. ANR was my inspiration for dance. I can never forget what he said in an interview. I might have been the first dancer in Telugu, but Chiranjeevi brought grace to that dance, ANR mentioned. He encouraged me to shift to Hyderabad from Madras. Thanks to his efforts, we are in such a good position today,” he added.