Tollywood recollecting memories with Akkineni Nageswara Rao

Tollywood industry actors and technicians are recollecting their memories with the legendary acor Akkineni Nageswara rao, the one who changed Telugu cinema.

CHIRANJEEVI
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
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
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.

DASARI NARAYANA RAO
Telugu cinema had two eyes — NTR and ANR. ANR and I go back a long way in the film industry. I'm the only person who's had the honour of working with him in more than 25 films! He was the man instrumental in bringing the Telugu film industry from Chennai to Hyderabad and was one of the few personalities who dedicated his life to movies. As long as there's Telugu cinema, he'll be remembered...

MOHAN BABU
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.

MAHESH BABU
The great ANR will remain in our memory forever. He'll stay with us forever in our hearts.

NTR JR
NTR and ANR are film industry's two eyes and we lost the second pillar. It's a black day for Telugu film industry. I'm not eligible to acclaim ANR's accomplishments and feats. I hope he continues to show his blessings on the industry.

RAM CHARAN
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.

source - TOI