The Vice President, Shri. Venkaiah Naidu, in presence of chief Ministers K. Chandrashekar Rao honoured acclaimed film-maker, storyteller SS Rajamouli, with the prestigious ANR National Award for his contribution to the Telugu Film Industry and inspiring new generation film makers at a function here today.
SS Rajamouli became the 10th recipient of the award which carries a memento, a citation and a cash prize.
ANR’s son Nagarjuna Akkineni along with entire Akkineni Family, numerous illustrious film industry well known personalities and students of AISFM and their parents were in full attendance at award function.
Speaking about legendary actor Dr. ANR, Telangana Chief Minister shri. K Chandrashekar Rao said “The doyen of Telugu film industry Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao left lasting impression for many generations as he immortalised many films across social, romantic and mythological generis.” He also recited lyrics from old songs from Dr.ANR films. He also praised Director Rajamouli and said he enjoyed watching Bahubali first in Hindi and in Telugu the second time.
Telangana CM also added Dr. ANR symbolised Telugu cinema in its entirety, laid the foundation for the development of Telugu Film Industry, in the state and dedicated his life not only to films but also building the film industry eco-system by creating one of the finest institutes AISFM in this country.
In his acceptance address, Mr. Rajamouli, said "Though I do not feel deserving for this exemplary award, I feel it gives you power and wings to fly. It is a huge burden, it certainly inspire me to work harder. I will certainly continue to work harder and try to worthy of this award started by great ANR Garu.
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu described Mr. Rajamouli as "One of the most creative, innovative and inspiring film-maker".
"You deserved the award because you are Baahubali”. he wished him many more accolades. You film all elements that makes you feel happy and proud of Indian cinema
He also added "Felicitation is to provide inspiration and to inspire people. It is a memorable moment for me to present evergreen ANR award today.
In his address Nagarjuna said Rajamouli’s contribution to expanding the Telugu Film Industry global reach with universally appealing content and inspiring new film makers to break new creative boundaries would also have made Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao proud of "our" choice of today's awardee.
At Dr.ANR National award function 95 students of Annapurna International School of Film + Media ( AISFM ) was honoured with their degrees in the presence of Director Rajamouli and other dignitaries.
About ANR National Award : This award was instituted in 2005 by the Akkineni International Foundation with an intent to recognise the contribution of stalwarts to the Indian film industry. Earlier recipients of the prestigious ANR National Award include Dev Anand, Shabana Azmi, Anjali Devi, Vyjayantimala Bali, Lata Mangeshkar, K. Balachander, Hemamalini, Shyam Benegal and Amitabh Bachchan.
