Telugu film industry shuts down for today, pays last tributes to late Akkineni Nageswara Rao

It is a mourning phase in the Telugu film industry which has been grief stricken since news of legendary actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao’s death broke out yesterday. Today it is a complete shutdown in the industry as prominent film personalities are set to present their last homage to the veteran actor at Annapurna Studio.

The shutdown has been conducted as a mark of tribute to the legend who was the first one from the film fraternity who shifted to Hyderabad from Chennai after Andhra Pradesh was formed in 1956. The total shutdown was announced by Movie Artists Association (MAA) President Murali Mohan and film theatres in the state will also remain closed throughout the day. Mohan said after the tributes at Annapurna Studio, members from South Indian Film Chamber, Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce, Producers' Council, Telangana Film Chamber of Commerce and other organizations would take Rao’s body in a procession before his last rites are performed today or tomorrow, on Friday. Murali said, "It is a sad day not just for the Telugu and Indian cinema but for the world cinema. I don't think there was any actor in the world who was (around) 90 but was still acting." No decision in this regard has been taken by Rao’s family. Industry biggies like Chiranjeevi, Krishna, D. Ramanaidu, Mahesh Babu, Mohan Babu and Ram Charan recalled their association with the icon who breathed his last on Wednesday at the age of 89.

Chiranjeevi stated, “My mom was due for delivery when one of ANR's films (Jeevitham) released. She is such a huge fan that despite her pregnancy, she wanted to watch the film. But my dad had his apprehensions, since she was due for delivery in the next few days. In the end, she had her way and started from the house to see the film in Palakollu. En route, however, she met with an accident. When my dad asked her to visit the hospital, she flatly refused and went ahead and saw the film! I was born two days after the incident.” Krishna said, “Films have held my fascination since childhood, and it was the Telugu cinema doyen who inspired me to join the industry. When ANR had completed 60 films, he was being felicitated across the state, and my college was one of the institutions which honoured him. When he entered my college campus, I was stunned to see the crowd that was gathered, just to get a glimpse of the actor! I got to watch him from close quarters and saw the fame an actor would get. That triggered the desire in me to make a career in films. When I heard that the makers of Tene Manasulu were looking for fresh talent, I wasted no time in applying for it. ANR was instrumental in choosing me for my debut film.” Ramanaidu mourned, “It's a great loss to the industry,and since he's also a part of our family, it is personally a huge loss. It's shocking because when I met him recently, he was doing well. He was a man of discipline and would never come late, be it on the sets of movies or marriage. Making a film with ANR was the easiest thing for me, since he hardly gave me any trouble.” Mohan Babu also lamented his personal loss saying, “ANR was like a father figure to me. I worked in several films produced under his banner and have learnt a lot.This is an irreplaceable loss.” Ram Charan said, “I'm deeply saddened to know that ANR garu passed away He'll live forever in our hearts. It's unfortunate that I am out of the country and unable to pay my homage personally to the great man.”