Hyderabad, India – September 21, 2024: To commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of legendary actor ANR, a renowned figure in Indian cinema, Annapurna Studios, in collaboration with the Film Heritage Foundation, NHAI, and NDFC, has launched a nationwide initiative, “ANR100: King of Silver Screen.” This event aims to celebrate ANR’s significant contribution to the Indian film industry through the screening of his iconic films in 31 cities across India.
The first screening event was held in Hyderabad, with the Akkineni family, including Akkineni Nagarjuna, Akkineni Naga Chaitanya, Akkineni Akhil, Sumanth, and Sushanth, in attendance. Renowned writer Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad hosted the event, while director K. Raghavendra Rao and actor Murali Mohan graced the occasion as special guests.
During the event, Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad highlighted ANR’s passion for education and his establishment of a college in his hometown, Gudivada, in the 1950s. He also praised ANR’s unwavering commitment to supporting students’ education through regular donations.
In a significant gesture, the Post Master General unveiled a special ANR centenary stamp. Shivendra Dungarpur of the Film Heritage Foundation expressed the organization’s honor in celebrating ANR’s legacy and noted the positive response to the screening initiative across India.
Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Information & Broadcasting Ministry, announced that a special chapter dedicated to ANR’s centenary would be included in the upcoming IFFI, Goa. Director K. Raghavendra Rao shared his family’s association with ANR and lauded his dedication to his work.
Murali Mohan recalled watching ANR films in his childhood and his desire to obtain an autograph. He expressed gratitude for the long association with his idol and his family.
Akkineni Nagarjuna, representing the Akkineni family, thanked senior fans for organizing blood donation camps across the state. He also announced that the ANR award for ANR’s centenary year had been conferred upon Megastar Chiranjeevi, with Amitabh Bachchan scheduled to present the award on October 28th.
Prior to the event, the Akkineni family celebrated ANR’s 100th birthday at Annapurna Studios by garlanding his statue and inviting 600 senior fans. They shared a meal with the fans and presented them with gifts as a token of appreciation for their unwavering support.