Chiranjeevi, the megastar with a swagger you couldn’t miss in a dark room, is about to receive one of the industry’s highest marks of respect – the Akkineni National Award. Word of it came during the centenary celebration of the late Akkineni Nageswara Rao, a name that still carries weight like a safe loaded with secrets. The ceremony’s set for October 28. And here’s the kicker—Bollywood’s Amitabh Bachchan, the kind of man who doesn’t walk into a room unnoticed, will be there, chief guest for the night, to hand over the award to Chiranjeevi.
The Announcement of Chiranjeevi’s ANR Award During ANR’s Centenary Celebrations
The announcement came straight from Akkineni Nagarjuna himself, ANR’s son. It hit the fans like a shot of bourbon—smooth but with a burn. Chiranjeevi’s already marked the moment, sharing an old photo of him and ANR, along with a heartfelt note on X. September 20 saw Hyderabad’s RK Cineplex light up with celebrations—a hundred years since ANR, and the industry’s finest were there to see it.
At the International Film Festival of India this November, they’ll roll a reel showcasing Nagarjuna’s journey through cinema. Alongside it, a few choice clips of ANR and other legends—like Raj Kapoor—are in the works, each frame a reminder of a time when stars carried weight.
History of the ANR National Award: Honoring Legends of Indian Cinema
Back in 2006, the Akkineni International Foundation started handing out the ANR National Award. It’s not for the new blood; it’s for those who’ve given a lifetime to the film industry. The first man to get it? Dev Anand—Bollywood royalty. Amitabh Bachchan’s got his too. The others? Names that don’t need explaining: Shabana Azmi, Lata Mangeshkar, Hema Malini, Sridevi, and more. Each one a titan in a business where most burn out fast.
Nagarjuna’s Address at the Devadasu Screening
Nagarjuna Akkineni stood tall, his voice edged with pride, as he addressed the crowd in Hyderabad. They were all there for Devadasu—the 1953 Telugu classic where his father, the legendary Akkineni Nageswara Rao, delivered one of those roles you don’t forget. The Film Heritage Foundation and Annapurna Studios had restored the gem, along with nine other ANR films, in partnership with the National Film Development Corporation and the National Film Archive. Beside him, the family gathered—Amala, Naga Chaitanya, Akhil, Supriya, Sumanth, Sushanth—and Telugu cinema’s finest filled the room.
ANR 100: King of the Silver Screen Festival Rolls Out Across India
This weekend, the ANR 100: King of the Silver Screen festival rolls out ten classics across 31 cities, lighting up PVR and Inox multiplexes. It’s all part of the centenary celebration for the late Akkineni Nageswara Rao. Nagarjuna let it slip that the Indian government will take the party to Goa’s International Film Festival, paying tribute to the legend. Chiranjeevi—Telugu cinema’s heavyweight—will walk away with the ANR Award, and Amitabh Bachchan himself will be handing it over on October 28.
Restored ANR Classics to Shine Again in 4K Glory
Among the restored films? Devadasu, of course, plus Missamma, Mayabazar, Gundamma Katha, and others. They’ve polished them up in 4K, like jewels set to sparkle again. Manam, ANR’s final film with Nagarjuna and the family, will also be part of the mix. They even put out a commemorative postal stamp for the man. Something to remember him by, as if anyone could forget.
Conclusion
The ANR National Award heading Chiranjeevi’s way isn’t just about his mark on Indian cinema—it’s a nod to the lasting power of legends like Akkineni Nageswara Rao. Coming during ANR’s centenary, this honor threads together the past, present, and future of Telugu film. On October 28th, when Amitabh Bachchan hands him the award, it’ll be more than a ceremony. It’s a reminder of the deep footprints left by cinematic giants and the way their influence still pushes the industry forward, inspiring those who dare to follow.
FAQs
1. What is the ANR National Award?
The ANR National Award, handed out by the Akkineni International Foundation, isn’t for the fleeting stars. It’s for those who’ve spent a lifetime shaping Indian cinema. Since 2006, they’ve given it to the untouchables—Dev Anand, Amitabh Bachchan, Lata Mangeshkar—legends you don’t forget.
2. Why is Chiranjeevi receiving the ANR Award?
He’s spent decades building a legacy in Indian, especially Telugu, film. His influence? Too big to miss. That’s why they’re giving him this lifetime achievement award—because few have done more to earn it than he has.
3. When will Chiranjeevi receive the ANR Award?
Chiranjeevi will receive the ANR Award on October 28th during a special ceremony as part of the centenary celebrations of Akkineni Nageswara Rao.
4. Who will present the ANR Award to Chiranjeevi?
Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan will present the ANR Award to Chiranjeevi at the ceremony on October 28th.
Amit Gupta is a 2016 graduate of Delhi University, India. After working over a decade as an additional writer at TheScoopVilla, he decided to start his own news publication. He mainly focuses on Bollywood News, Hindi and South Indian Movies, Web series articles and editorials. He likes to cooking and play cricket in his free time. Follow On Facebook.