I Am Lucky To Be Born As NTR's Son: Balakrishna

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) founder and former AP Chief Minister Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao's family members paid floral tributes to him at NTR Ghat in Hyderabad today on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary.

The late actor's son and TDP MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna, grandson Junior NTR, Nandamuri Ramakrishna, actor Rajendra Prasad and others paid tributes to him at the memorial.

Speaking to the media on the occasion, Balakrishna said, "NTR's birth centenary is being celebrated not only in the two Telugu States but all over the world. NTR founded the TDP to pay off his debt to the Telugu people. He brought the party to power and introduced several welfare schemes. His Rs 2 per kg rice scheme is the basis for the food security policy today. He also took many historic decisions like women's right to property. NTR also played a key role in national politics. I feel lucky to be born as his son."

Rajendra Prasad said, "I am happy to know that tributes are being paid to NTR across the world on his birth centenary. It is our responsibility to convey his greatness to the future generations." He recalled that NTR used to get angry if anybody brought up the topic of castes before him. He said that he would have performed pada puja for NTR with golden leaves if the latter was alive today. "NTR is my guru and God, and he considered the people as his gods," he added.