Akkineni Nageswara Rao

Akkineni Nageswara Rao (20 September 1924 – 22 January 2014), widely known as ANR, was an Indian film actor and producer, known for his work predominantly in Telugu cinema. He starred in many landmark films in his seventy five-year career, becoming one of the most prominent figures in the history of Indian cinema.[1] He is considered one of the greatest and most successful actor of Indian cinema and one of the two pillars of Telugu Cinema, along with N.T.Rama Rao. He was one of the instrumental figures in moving the Telugu cinema industry from Madras to Hyderabad in the early 1960s.[2] He established Annapurna Studios in 1975 to provide infrastructural support to the Telugu film industry in Hyderabad. He later started the Annapurna International School of Film and Media within Annapurna Studios in 2011.[3]

This is a Telugu name; the family name is Akkineni

Padma Vibhushan

Akkineni Nageswara Rao
Born
Akkineni Nageswara Rao

(1924-09-20)20 September 1924
Ramapuram, Krishna District, Madras Presidency, British India (now Andhra Pradesh, India)
Died22 January 2014(2014-01-22) (aged 89)
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh (now Telangana, India)
OccupationFilm actor
film director
businessman
Years active1941–2014
Spouse(s)
Annapurna Kollipara (m. 1949)
Children5, including Nagarjuna Akkineni
FamilyDaggubati-Akkineni family
Awards

ANR is known for his path-breaking work in biographical films; He essayed the Tamil saint Thondaradippodi Alvar in the 1954 film Vipra Narayana; Tenali Rama in the 1956 film Tenali Ramakrishna, which received the All India Certificate of Merit for Best Feature Film; Kalidas (the Sanskrit poet of Ujjain) in the 1960 film Mahakavi Kalidasu; the 12th Century Sanskrit poet Jayadeva of Odisha in the 1961 film Bhakta Jayadeva; the Kannada sculptor Amarashilpi Jakanachari in the 1964 film Amara Shilpi Jakkanna; the Marathi saint Tukaram in the 1971 film Bhakta Tukaram; Kabir in the 2006 film Sri Ramadasu; Valmiki in the 2009 film Sri Rama Rajyam. Similarly, Rao played many famous mythological figures such as Lord Vishnu in Chenchu Lakshmi; Narada in Bhookailas and Arjuna in Sri Krishnarjuna Yuddhamu.

ANR is also remembered for his performances in romantic dramas Laila Majnu (1949), Devadasu (1953), Anarkali (1955), Batasari (1961), Mooga Manasulu (1964), Prem Nagar (1971), Premabhishekam (1981) and Meghasandesham (1982), which was featured at the 9th International Film Festival of India, the 1983 Cannes Film Festival and the Moscow film festival.[4][5] ANR also starred in the blockbusters Ardhangi (1955), Donga Ramudu (1955), Mangalya Balam (1958), Gundamma Katha (1962), Doctor Chakravarty (1964), Dharma Daata (1970) and Dussehra Bullodu (1971).[6] ANR received seven state Nandi Awards, and five Filmfare Awards South. He is a recipient of the Dada Saheb Phalke Award, the highest Indian award in the field of cinema. He was also honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second highest civilian award, for his contribution to the film industry.[7][8][9][10] Manam (2014) was the last film of ANR, who died on 22 January 2014 during the film's production phase. The film was a "befitting swansong", as he always famously said that he wanted to die acting. The film was screened at the 45th International Film Festival of India in the Homage to ANR section on 29 November 2014.[10]

Early life and background

Akkineni Nageswara Rao was born into a lower-middle-class family on 20 September 1924 in Ramapuram, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh. He was the youngest of five brothers. His parents Akkineni Venkatratnam and Akkineni Punnamma,[11] were from the farming community. His formal education was limited to primary schooling due to his parents' poor economic condition.

From the paddy fields, he strode into the field of fine arts through theatre at the age of 10.[12] He became a famous stage actor, specialising in playing female characters, since women at that time were mostly prohibited from acting. His most noted roles were in some of the famous dramas of the day: Harishchandra, Kanakatara, Vipranarayana, Telugu Talli, Aasajyoti and Satyanveshanam. The turning point of his career came when Ghantasala Balaramaiah, a prominent film producer at that time, discovered him by chance at the Vijayawada railway station. He was cast in the lead role of Rama in Seeta Rama Jananam. This was after his debut in a supporting role in the film Dharmapatni.

Stardom

From very humble beginnings, he went on to star in over 255 films, spanning the Telugu, Tamil and Hindi languages.[13] A majority of his films were both commercial and critical successes.[7][8][9][10][14] His turning point in cinema came in 1953 when he essayed the doomed alcoholic lover in Devadasu. To avoid being typecast, he shifted paths by doing a surprising comic turn in Missamma.

Akkineni Nageswara Rao played a range of characters that very few matched. His movie, Premabhishekam is one of the biggest hits ever in Tollywood, with an amazing 533 days run in Hyderabad. It is still the highest theatrical run in a city for any Telugu movie.

He was the second to play multiple roles after Sivaji Ganesan (Nine in all) in the Telugu film Navarathri which was the remake of Navarathri (1964 film). ANR's portrayal of an alcoholic lover in Devadasu, remains his signature role. Although Devadasu has been made in several languages by many others (in Hindi with Dilip Kumar, and later with Shah Rukh Khan), critics unanimously are of the opinion that ANR's portrayal is by far the best. Even Dilip Kumar once famously remarked that ANR's performance outshone even his own.

Though he did the roles of mythological divine figures such as Rama, Krishna and many others, he was famously an agnostic.[15]

He is fondly called Natasamrat by his fans. Some of his many commercially successful films are Maya Bazaar, Samsaram, Bratuku Theruvu, Aradhana, Donga Ramudu, Dr. Chakravarthi, Ardhaangi, Mangalya Balam, Illarikam, Shantinivasam, Velugu Needalu, Dasara Bullodu, Bharya Bhartalu, Dharmadata, Batasari and College Bullodu. Sitaramayyagari Manavaralu was released in 1991, almost 50 years after his debut, and was a huge success at the box office, despite the influx of younger stars.

Death

On 19 October 2013, ANR was diagnosed with stomach cancer.[16] He continued shooting for his final film Manam, two weeks after a major laparoscopic surgery, which some doctors feared he wouldn't survive.[17] He had often said that he wished to act till his death, and Manam proved that. His last public appearance was befittingly at the foundation day celebrations of Annapurna Studios on 14 January 2014. Akkineni died a week later, on 22 January 2014.[18] He was cremated on 23 January 2014, at Annapurna Studios with full state honours amid a 21-gun salute. Thousands were present to pay their last respects.[19][20][20]

Literary works

Apart from being a movie star, ANR was an avid writer. Most of his books were autobiographical works, the most famous of which are Nenu Na Jeevitham, the memories of his first visit to the US, Nenu Choosina America, and a poetic rendition of his personal thoughts, A Aa lu - Akkineni Alochanalu. Manasuloni Maata is another of his famous books.

Family

ANR married Annapurna Kollipara on 18 February 1949. He said several times that he was indebted to her and her family for accepting the match, and that was the main reason why he named most of his enterprises after her. They had 5 children together and 11 grandchildren, most of whom are actively involved in films and in his entrepreneurships.

Charity

ANR was very active in social service. Pointing to the sky, he once famously said, "If there's a presence there, I'm sure he'll want us to perform our earthly duties well and be a good human being rather than blindly worship him".[21]

He set up the Akkineni Janmabhoomi trust to foster development in his home town, Ramapuram. He strove hard to have it realised under the Janmabhoomi programme during the TDP regime. He was instrumental in the construction of the Akkineni Varadhi (a bridge named after him), which improved his village's economy by facilitating easy connectivity. In Ramapuram, even safe drinking water was something which was unheard of until Akkineni's contribution towards the construction of a water filtration plant.[22]

He instituted the Akkineni International Foundation in 2005 to honour those who contributed to the Film Industry.[23] The Annapurna International School of Film and Media, founded by his family in 2011, was set up as a non-profit entity. ANR was generous towards educational institutions since the beginning of his career. Even though he didn't have the opportunity to fully complete his schooling, he understood the importance of education. He created scholarships at GITAM University (Vizag).[24] He was the Chief Donor and President of the College at Gudivada, which was subsequently named Akkineni Nageswara Rao College after him.[25] Apart from being a Life member of the board of the Andhra University, he was also adviser to its Department of Dramatics and Theatre Arts. He instituted Gold Medals for students who excelled in Acting and Direction.[26] In 2012, he instituted the Akkineni Annapurna Educational Trust in memory of his wife Annapurna.[27]

Awards and honours
Civilian honors
National Film Awards
Filmfare Awards South
Nandi Awards
Nandi Award for Best Actor
Other state honours

Filmography

Main Article:Akkineni Nageswara Rao filmography

Books Written on ANR
  • Manishilo Maneeshi by Dr.K.V. Krishnakumari
  • Akkineni Nageswara Rao Oka Spoorthi Santhakam by Surepalli Vijaya
  • Mahanatudu Akkineni by Dr.K.V. Krishnakumari
  • Akkineni Abhinaya Vedam
  • Mahannatudu Akkineni Natinchina Maruvaleni Pathralu by Rasamayi
  • Kathanayakudi Katha by Mullapudi Venkataramana
  • Living Legend Dr. Akkineni by Rasamayi
  • Akkineni Sahasra Chandra Darshanam by Sripada Jyothi Prakash
  • Akkineni Kathanayikalu by S.V.Rama Rao
  • Akkineni Chitrallo Sookthulu by S.V.Rama Rao
  • Akkineni Nageswara Rao Jeevithame Vyaktitwa Vikasam by Govindraju Chakradhar
  • Natasamrat Dr. Akkineni Diary by Shaik Ibrahim

References
  1. Shankar Dayal Sharma (1997). President Dr. Shanker Dayal Sharma: January 1995 – July 1997. Publication Divisions, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, AGovernment of India. p. 74. ISBN 9788123006147.
  2. Sengupta, Pallavi. "Telugu filmstar Akkineni Nageswara Rao no more – News Oneindia". News.oneindia.in. Retrieved 22 January 2014.
  3. "About Us". Annapurna Studios. 13 August 1975. Archived from the original on 19 January 2014. Retrieved 22 January 2014.
  4. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 December 2015. Retrieved 27 December 2015.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  5. Ranjana Dave (30 June 2011). "The meaning in movement". The Asian Age. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
  6. "ANR – Telugu cinema stars". Idlebrain.com. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
  7. "Akkineni Nageswara Rao lived and breathed cinema". Rediff.com. 22 January 2014. Retrieved 23 January 2014.
  8. "Nagarjuna about God". MyFirstShow.com. Archived from the original on 5 January 2016. Retrieved 23 January 2014.
  9. "ANR, Actor Par Excellence, Student and Humanist". The Indian Express. 23 January 2014. Retrieved 23 January 2014.
  10. "Romance Is All". Outlook India. 14 October 2013. Archived from the original on 5 October 2013. Retrieved 23 January 2014.
  11. India Who's who. INFA Publications. 2000.
  12. Narasimham, M. L. (25 January 2014). "Irreplaceable icon". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 14 June 2018.
  13. "Legendary telugu actor ANR passes away at 91". Eenadu. Retrieved 22 January 2014.
  14. "Interview with A. Nageswara Rao". Telugu Filmfun. Archived from the original on 6 May 2008 – via www.telugufilmfun.com.
  15. "Nageswara Rao, my father was a humble human being: Son Nagarjuna". Daily News and Analysis. 29 January 2014. Retrieved 23 December 2018.
  16. Krishnamoorthy, Suresh (20 October 2013). "ANR Struck by Cancer of intestine". The Hindu.
  17. "ANR dubbed for his film from his death bed". The Times of India.
  18. "Evergreen actor ANR has cancer". The Times of India.
  19. "Thousands bid tearful farewell to Akkineni Nageswara Rao". The Hindu. 24 January 2014.
  20. "Film personalities pay last respects to ANR". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 4 February 2014.
  21. Mary, S. B. Vijaya (22 January 2014). "ANR Always". The Hindu. Retrieved 26 February 2014.
  22. Nagaraja, G. (24 January 2014). "Akkineni Varadhi". The Hindu.
  23. "Entertainment Hyderabad : Such a long journey". The Hindu. 20 January 2006. Retrieved 22 January 2014.
  24. "2013 Merit Fellowships, GITAM University". Education in India. Retrieved 26 February 2014.
  25. "ANR College History". ANR College. Archived from the original on 25 January 2014. Retrieved 26 February 2014.
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  27. "ANR @ Akkineni Annapurna Education Trust Press Meet". Bharath Movies. Retrieved 26 February 2014.
  28. Krishnamoorthy, Suresh (22 January 2014). "Akkineni Nageswara Rao passes away". The Hindu. Retrieved 22 January 2014.
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  30. "Telugu legend Akkineni Nageswara Rao dies aged 91". ibnlive.in.
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  32. K Rajnikanth (22 January 2014). "Doyen of Telugu cinema ANR dies at 91". Business Standard. Retrieved 22 January 2014.
  33. "Collections". 1991.
  34. Reed, Sir Stanley (1969). "The Times of India Directory and Year Book Including Who's who".
  35. The Times of India Directory and Year Book Including Who's who. Bennett, Coleman. 1980. p. 308.
  36. "35th Annual Filmfare Awards South Winners : Santosh : Free Download &…". archive.is. 5 February 2017. Archived from the original on 5 February 2017.
  37. "Lifetime Achievement Award (South) winners down the years..." filmfare.com.
  38. "39th Annual Filmfare Best Actor Director Telugu Winners : santosh : F…". archive.is. 7 February 2017. Archived from the original on 7 February 2017.
  39. Sainik Samachar: The Pictorial Weekly of the Armed Forces, Volume 40. Government of India. 1993. p. 30.
  40. "Nandi Awards – 1964 – Winners & Nominees". awardsandwinners.com.
  41. "Nandi Awards – 1965 – Winners & Nominees". awardsandwinners.com.
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  44. Who's who. Rajya Sabha Secretariat, Indian Parliament. 2000. p. 496.
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  46. Tamil Nadu State Film Honorary Award
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