Popular Telugu actor Chiranjeevi urged the Centre to honor late actor and politician NTR (Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao) with Bharat Ratna. The actor said this as he paid homage to NTR on his 101st birth anniversary on Tuesday.
"The fame of some is immortal. Generations are eternal. An example for future generations. Remembering Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao today, I think the Bharat Ratna award is a fitting tribute to his services in public life. I hope that the central government must forgive this long-standing wish of the Telugu people,” Chiranjeevi said in a tweet in Telugu.
Hailed as one of the most influential actors in Telugu cinema, NTR was popular for playing Robin Hood-esque hero characters. Some of his most notable movies include Pathala Bhairavi (1951), Mayabazar (1957), and Nartanasala (1963).
N. T. Rama Rao served as chief minister of Andhra Pradesh for seven years over three terms. In 1982, he founded the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and in the year next, the party won the legislative assembly elections and NTR became the chief minister.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi too paid tributes to NTR on his birth anniversary, saying his contributions to film and politics continue to inspire generations.
"Remembering the legendary NTR on his birth anniversary. He was a remarkable icon of Telugu cinema and a visionary leader. His contributions to film and politics continue to inspire generations."
"From his unforgettable roles on screen to his transformative leadership, he is fondly remembered. We will keep working to fulfil his vision for our society," the prime minister wrote.
