Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR) was one of the most prominent and respected actors in the Telugu film industry, known for his versatile roles and contributions to Indian cinema. He was one of the founding pillars of Telugu cinema and a cultural icon, admired for his performances and charismatic presence on screen. Below are the full details of his life and career:
1. Early Life:
- Full Name: Akkineni Nageswara Rao
- Date of Birth: September 20, 1924
- Place of Birth: Venkatraghavapuram (present-day Gudivada), Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Parents: Akkineni Sanjeeva Rao (father) and Akkinen Rukminamma (mother)
- Family Background: ANR came from a family with no connection to the film industry. His early life was spent in the village of Gudivada, where he received his schooling before moving to Chennai to pursue acting.
2. Early Career and Entry into Films:
- Debut Film: Dharmapatni (1941) – ANR made his debut as an actor in this film at the age of 17, which marked the beginning of a successful and illustrious career.
- First Major Role: He played the lead role in Balanagamma (1942), which was his first major success, leading to his recognition as an actor in the Telugu film industry.
Personal Life:
- Family:
- Wife: Akkineni Nageswara Rao married Annapurna in 1949. They had a strong, supportive relationship.
- Children: ANR had two children. His son, Akkineni Nagarjuna, became one of the leading actors in Telugu cinema. His daughter, Savitri, is married and settled in the United States.
- Philanthropy: Apart from his acting career, ANR was involved in various social causes, particularly in the field of education and healthcare, and contributed significantly to the welfare of the Telugu people.
Major Awards and Recognition:
ANR was widely recognized for his contributions to cinema and society, receiving numerous prestigious awards and honors.
Awards:
- Padma Bhushan (2011): The Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award, in recognition of his contributions to Indian cinema.
- Padma Shri (1968): Earlier, ANR was also honored with the Padma Shri for his artistic achievements.
- Nandi Awards (State Awards of Andhra Pradesh): Over his long career, he won numerous Nandi Awards, including the Best Actor award for his iconic performances.
- Filmfare Awards South: He received several Filmfare Awards for Best Actor, especially in the 1950s and 1960s, for his outstanding performances in films.
- Raghupathi Venkaiah Award (1982): He was honored with the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award for his lifetime contribution to Telugu cinema.
- NTR National Award (1994): ANR received the NTR National Award from the Telugu Desam Party, recognizing his unparalleled legacy in Telugu cinema.
- Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1998): ANR was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the South Filmfare Awards.
- Honorary Doctorates: He received multiple honorary doctorate degrees from various universities for his contributions to the arts and cinema.
Major Awards:
- Padma Bhushan (2011)
- Padma Shri (1968)
- Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1998)
- Raghupathi Venkaiah Award (1982)
- Nandi Awards (Multiple times for Best Actor)
- Filmfare Best Actor Award (South) (Various years)
- NTR National Award (1994)
Death:
- Date of Death: January 22, 2014
- Cause of Death: Akkineni Nageswara Rao passed away at the age of 89 due to cancer, which he had been battling for some time. His death marked the end of an era in Telugu cinema, leaving behind a huge void in the industry.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS : Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AClgV5AjKo0&pp=ygUXYW5yIGludGVydmlldyBpbiB0ZWx1Z3U%3D
