It's A Privilege for Me to Present the Prestigious 'ANR National Award' - Megastar Chiranjeevi (Boney Kapoor on behalf of Sridevi for 2018, Rekha for 2019)
ANR National Award is one of the most prestigious awards in the film industry. It is institutionalized by Akkineni International Foundation in the name of Natasamrat Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao garu. This award will be presented to honor the personalities who carved a niche for themselves in the films and for their contribution to the Indian film industry. The first award was presented to Bollywood actor Dev Anand in 2006. Recently All-India Director 'Baahubali' SS Rajamouli was honored with the ANR National Award for the year 2017. Legendary actors Sridevi and Rekha are conferred with this prestigious award for the years 2018 and 2019. The award presentation ceremony was held in a grand manner on November 17th at Annapurna 7 acres, Hyderabad. Megastar Chiranjeevi graced the event as chief guest.
King Akkineni Nagarjuna said, “‘Cinema is my mother and father. Cinema is everything for me. It gave me everything I have. As respect towards Cinema, I want to honor prominent personalities of Cinema with 'ANR National Award'.', these were the words my father Akkineni Nageswara Rao garu while initiating this award. His determination is driving us today. We are following his words and thoughts. This award will honor legendary personalities in the film industry and will carry forward the legacy of ANR garu. My father always wanted to present this award to Sridevi garu and Rekha garu. We were unable to give this award to them while he was alive. Along with this award, He is still here among all of us. His presence will always be felt. I am very happy that today his wish is being fulfilled. People call T Subbarami Reddy garu as Kalabandhu but I call him Andari Bandhu. He was very close to my father ANR garu and He maintains the same kind of relationship with me too. I worked with Sridevi garu for four films. My first film with her was 'Akhari Poratam'. She carries an aura into the set. She is a goddess of grace. Everyone says that the beauty and talent she possess were god's gift. But, I say that Boney Kapoor was a real gift to her. I knew both of them for a long time. Sridevi is lucky to have Boney Kapoor as her husband. While 'Himmatwala' made her a star in Bollywood, It is 'Mr. India' Produced by Boney Kapoor made her a national superstar. ANR garu and Sridevi garu live on as long as Cinema is alive. Rekha gari's first film in a full-length role was a Telugu film, 'Rangularatnam'. Rekha garu is a very kind-hearted person. She dubbed for Sridevi garu in 'Aakhri Rasta'. I am privileged to honor her with this award today. Our Chief Guest here today, Padmabhushan Megastar Chiranjeevi garu is very close to me as a brother. I can't express our bonding in words. When I told him about this award he has cut-short his US trip and came here today."
ANR National Award Committee Chairman, Kalabandhu Dr. T Subbarami Reddy said, " Today, Maha Natudu ANR garu who is very close to my heart will be watching this award with pride and happiness. We have Megastar Chiranjeevi garu who has made our Telugu film proud with 'SyeRaa Narasimha Reddy' on one side and a great Producer, Husband Boney Kapoor on another side on this stage. Today wherever I go, I come across people saying that they are my fans. It is because of my friend ANR garu. When ANR garu was conferred with Dadasaheb Phalke award he said to me that he wanted to start 'ANR National Film Award' and honor prominent personalities who contributed to the film industry. He wished that this award must go on whether he is alive or not. During his last days, he wished to present this award to Sridevi garu and Rekha garu. I heartfully appreciate Nagarjuna for fulfilling his father's wish today. Along with beauty, Sridevi has a very good heart. She earned fame nationwide with her talent. Rekha garu is a synonym of beauty for the last 35 years. She is a much disciplined person. I am very happy to present this award today to both of these great film personalities."
Boney Kapoor said, “I am proud today to receive this award on behalf of Sridevi. Thanks to Akkineni Foundation, Akkineni family and T Subbarami Reddy garu for this prestigious award."
Megastar Chiranjeevi said, “My mother admires ANR garu a lot. Maybe that's why I developed a huge admiration for the Cinema. I wanted to come to this industry after the completion of my education. I always feel happy about becoming Hero during the times of legendary personalities NTR garu, ANR garu. I was lucky to act with Nageswara Rao garu in 'Mechanic Alludu' film. His guidance about this industry has helped me. He is like a 'Guru' for me. He was a walking encyclopedia. It's a great honor for me to share a bond with such a great personality. Till his last breath, Nageswara Rao garu was a very strong person both physically and mentally. This Prestigious ANR National Award which is being presented to Stalwarts of the Indian film industry will soon join the league of Dadasaheb Phalke Award. I am honored to present this award to Legendary Personalities like Sridevi and Rekha garlu. Thanks to Nagarjuna garu for letting me present such a great award to great actors. I worked with 3,4 films with Sridevi garu. Even during the shoot, she used to talk about the cinema. She was completely dedicated to Cinema. It's very sad that she left us very early. She acted in almost all Indian languages and became The Lady Superstar of India. I am very happy that this award is giving an opportunity to once again remember her on this stage. I received a Filmfare award from ageless stunning beauty Rekha garu. I invited her as a chief guest for the 80's club event held at my home this year. It is an honor to Rekha garu to be presented with ANR Award and likewise, it's an honor for me to present this award to Rekha garu. My heartful thanks to the whole Akkineni Family for the opportunity."
Rekha said, “I spent 10 years here in this Annapurna studios. This is a happy moment for me to come back here today. Nageswara Rao garu guided me with a lot of things about the industry and acting. His words helped me a lot in my career. As per my mother's last wish, I did a Telugu film after a long time. I will do a Telugu film soon by clearly learning Telugu like Sridevi garu."
Amala Akkineni said, “Congrats to Boney Kapoor on behalf of Sridevi garu and Rekha garu for receiving 'ANR National Award'. It's been 7 years since we started Annapurna College Of Film and Media. It grew day by day since then and became an international school today. Now we are having international students. More than 450 students are getting trained in this school. I am very happy that their Graduation Ceremony will be conducted here along with this Award Function."
66 students of Annapurna School of Film and Media were presented with their Graduation Certificates by Popular Producer Boney Kapoor and Popular Actor Rekha.
Amala Akkineni and Dr. Anuradha Rao (Dean of Annapurna College of Film and Media) offered a salute of honor.
