CM Kiran Kumar Reddy Condoles ANR's Demise

Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy expressed grief and deep sorrow over the demise of legendary Telugu actor Padma Vibhushan Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao in the early hours of today.

The CM recalled yeoman services of Dr. Akkineni in the cine and drama fields since the beginning of his career, at a young age.

He said that ANR, as he was popularly known, strode the Telugu film scene like a colossus, and created a history by being a part of the industry for almost 75 years.

Kiran Kumar Reddy said that with the demise of Akkineni, the Indian Cinema, particularly the Telugu film industry has lost a great legend.

He added that it is very difficult to fill the void created by the demise of Dr. Akkineni.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to Akkineni Nagarjuna and other bereaved family members.

The CM said that the ANR, who is a Dada Saheb Phalke Award winner, was the "ever green hero" of Telugu films and that he created many records with his hit films.

He said the doyen of the Telugu film industry, ANR, was the main reason for bringing the Telugu film industry from Chennai to Hyderabad (as he was the first to establish a full-fledged sprawling cine studio, the Annapurna Studios decades back in Hyderabad).

He said that majority of ANR's films were great successes and his films attracted the family audience in a big way.

Kiran Kumar Reddy also described ANR as a great human being and a role model for youngsters in the film industry, since he was a great disciplinarian.

He said Dr. Akkineni was known for his strong will power and positive attitude in life. (INN)