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The centenary celebrations of Padma Vibhushan and legendary actor Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao were held with grandeur. Hosted by the Akkineni Foundation of America (AFA), an international virtual conference took place, highlighting various perspectives on the iconic actor’s illustrious career.
The Acting Journey of Natasamrat Akkineni: A Global Tribute
The international virtual event commemorating the centenary of Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao (1924–2024) showcased the actor’s remarkable journey, celebrating his contributions to cinema and society. Held on Sunday, under the auspices of the Akkineni Foundation of America (AFA), the event was graced by notable guests, each offering unique perspectives on the legendary actor’s career.
- Murali Vennam, the current president of AFA, warmly welcomed the participants and shared his special bond with Akkineni Nageswara Rao, emphasizing the emotional connection he felt with the late actor.
- Ravi Kondabolu, former AFA president, highlighted Akkineni’s love for family values and how deeply he cherished his personal relationships.
- Prominent singer Sharada Akunoori expressed her privilege of singing in Akkineni’s presence, fondly remembering the blessings she received from him.
- Former AFA president Rao Kalvala recalled Akkineni’s exceptional memory and kind nature, sharing personal anecdotes.
Learning from a Legend: Insights from Distinguished Guests
The event featured a series of insightful discussions, where each guest elaborated on different aspects of Akkineni Nageswara Rao’s illustrious career:
- Jonnavithula Ramalingeswara Rao, a renowned lyricist and Telugu poet, discussed his unique experiences during “Conversations with Akkineni.”
- Dr. V.N. Aditya, a prominent film director and producer, presented the theme “Akkineni – The Hero of Folklore.”
- S.V. Rama Rao, a cine historian, shed light on Akkineni’s cinematic triumphs.
- Balabhadrapatruni Ramani, an acclaimed screenwriter, provided insights into “Akkineni – The Hero of Novels.”
- Kadambari Kiran, a close friend and actor, spoke about Akkineni’s unforgettable presence on television, under the theme “The Great Actor on the Small Screen.”
- Ponangi Bala Bhaskar, a former newsreader and anchor, discussed Akkineni’s devotional film roles, emphasizing his spiritual depth.
- Para Ashok Kumar, a literary researcher, explored “Akkineni’s Rational Perspective.”
- Lakshmi Bhavani, a devoted fan, reminisced about Akkineni’s influence in social films under the theme “The Unforgettable Hero in Social Films.”
Entertainment and Grand Celebration
- Renowned mimicry artist Bhaviri Ravi entertained the audience by imitating Akkineni’s unique voice and speaking style, adding a fun element to the event.
- Dr. Prasad Thotakura, AFA’s founding president, announced a grand centenary celebration to be held at the Radha Krishna Temple auditorium in Allen, Texas, on September 20, 2024, marking Akkineni’s birthday. The event will feature performances of select songs from Akkineni’s movies under the title “Akkineni Chitrageethanjali/Nrityanjali.”
Everyone is invited to attend and pay tribute to the legendary actor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Akkineni Nageswara Rao?
Akkineni Nageswara Rao was a legendary Indian actor and producer known for his contributions to Telugu cinema. He received the Padma Vibhushan and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his achievements.
2. What was the theme of Akkineni’s centenary celebrations?
The centenary celebrations were themed “The Acting Journey of Natasamrat Akkineni – From Various Perspectives.”
3. What is AFA, and how are they connected to Akkineni Nageswara Rao?
The Akkineni Foundation of America (AFA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of Akkineni Nageswara Rao and promoting Telugu culture.
4. When and where will the grand centenary celebration be held?
The grand centenary event will be held on September 20, 2024, at the Radha Krishna Temple auditorium in Allen, Texas.
5. What can we expect at the grand centenary celebration?
The event will feature performances of select songs from Akkineni’s films under the title “Akkineni Chitrageethanjali/Nrityanjali,” and will be open to the public.
6. Who are the notable guests that participated in the virtual event?
Prominent guests included lyricist Jonnavithula Ramalingeswara Rao, director Dr. V.N. Aditya, cine historian S.V. Rama Rao, and screenwriter Balabhadrapatruni Ramani.
7. What are some of Akkineni Nageswara Rao’s most famous films?
Some of his famous films include Devadasu, Maya Bazaar, Missamma, and Prem Nagar.
8. How did AFA presidents reflect on Akkineni Nageswara Rao’s life?
AFA presidents shared their personal connections with Akkineni, emphasizing his dedication to family values, humility, and remarkable memory.
9. What was Akkineni’s contribution to Indian cinema?
Akkineni Nageswara Rao was instrumental in shaping Telugu cinema and was known for his versatile roles, from folklore heroes to social reformers.
10. How did the international audience participate in the virtual event?
The event was hosted virtually, allowing global participation and providing a platform for fans and industry professionals to share their admiration for the legendary actor.