I’m honoured to take ANR Award from Amitabh – Chiru

Megastar Chiranjeevi received ANR National Award from Shehenshah Amitabh Bachchan at a special event conducted in Annapurna Studios by Akkineni Family. They conducted the event in a grand manner.

The event started off with Oscar award winning composer MM Keeravani giving an emotional tribute to memory of ANR with a ballad of the legendary actor’s songs. Many distinguished personalities arrived at the event and they all became highly emotional with such a moving tribute.

Amidst such distinguished crowd, Chiranjeevi expressed his happiness for receiving the award. He stated that he always felt as underappreciated by Telugu Film people even though he did his best every time. He remembered that he had to reject the “Legend of Telugu Cinema” award at Vajrostavam event due to some objections and he felt bad about it.

Later, he shared that has been waiting for a proper recognition for a long time and he is proud and honoured to be receiving ANR National award from the hands of Amitabh Bachchan. He thanked the legend of Indian Cinema for making the award extra special for him.

He remembered how his mother Konidela Anjanamma was a crazy fan of ANR by stating a funny incident. Afterwards, he shared about the connect he had with ANR and how he always praised him, encouraged him despite being super senior to him. He thanked Akkineni Nagarjuna for being a great friend to him always.

Akkineni Nagarjuna in his welcome address stated that Akkineni family is happy to honor “ABC – AB and C of Indian Cinema”. He expressed his gratitude composer MM Keeravani for great musical tribute to ANR. He praised Chiranjeevi as an inspiration to many and him, too. He remembered his father asking him to learn to dance like Chiranjeevi before starting his acting career.

Later in his speech, Amitabh Bachchan thanked Akkineni family for inviting to honor the colossal contribution of ANR to Indian Cinema. He gladly and proudly stated that he is part of “Telugu Cinema” as he acted in Manam, Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy and recently, Kalki. He also stated that Akkineni Nagarjuna and entire Akkineni family are “true inheritors” of ANR.