Legendary actor ANR-Akkineni Nageswar Rao passed away

January 22, 2014 07:10

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"LIFE IS FUNNY : NOW COMES A TWIST" - ANR

The legendary actor of Telugu film industry Akkineni Nageswara Rao died battling cancer today. ANR’s condition worsened at around 2.10 am today and was taken to Care hospital for treatment. He breathed his last in the hospital at 2.45 am. He was 91.From paddy fields, he strode into the field of fine arts through theatre. He became a famous stage artiste, specialising, surprisingly, in playing female characters.

ANR had complained of stomach ache on October 8 and was taken to two different hospitals. After a thorough examination and conducting various tests, the cancer was detected. He was diagnosed with cancer of the intestine. The 90-year-old actor revealed about the cancer diagnosis in a dramatic manner at a press conference that he called for. He talked about himself and his acting career for sometime and said: "Life is funny. Now comes a twist."

ANR died in Care hospital, Hyderabad. He is survived by three daughters and two sons.

Akkineni Nageshwara Rao, better known as ANR to Andhra Pradesh people was born on September 20, 1924 in Venkata Raghavapuram in Krishna district. He was awarded Padma Bhushan in 1988. He also received Padma Sree and Raghupati Venkaiah awards earlier. He is presently acting in Manam movie which is in its shooting stage. Nagarjuna and Naga Chaitanya are also acting in the movie. He was suffering from cancer since few days. his condition became worse at 2.10 am today and he was shifted to Care hospital. He was treated for ten minutes but breathed his last at around 2.45 am. Care hospital doctors confirmed his death. His body was shifted to his residence. At around 9.00 am his mortal remains will be taken to the Annapurna Studio.

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Akkineni Nageswara Rao is one of the first generation actors in Telugu. His first movie Dharmapatni was released in 1941. He acted in nearly 256 films. He also acted in some Hindi films which include many mythological and folk films. He worked hard for the shifting of Telugu film industry to come to Hyderabad. He received three Filmfare awards. He won state government Nandi Awards for Bangaru Kutumbam and Megha Sandesam films. He was the first actor to play double role in Telugu.

Akkineni Nageswara Rao’s career started on stage. He played female roles also on stage. He acted in his first film Darmapatni which was released in 1941. From then he played many types of roles. Some of his hit films are Tenali Rama Krishna, Devdas, Maya Bazaar, Missamma, Muga Manasulu, Dr. Chakravarthi, Dasara Bullodu, Prem Nagar, Premabhishekam, Seetaramayyagari Manavaralu and the list is very long.

Apart from being a movie star, ANR was a prolific writer. Some of his prominent books being are his autobiographical work, Nenu Na Jeevitham, the memoirs of his first visit to the USA, Nenu Choosina America, and the expression of his thoughts in his book, A Aalu. His most recent, contemplative, self-reflective work is the book Manasuloni Maata. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from several Indian universities.

He established Annapurna studios and his son Nagarjuna , daughter-in-law Amala and several grandsons followed in ANR's footsteps to become actors. ANR is credited with being a pioneer in shifting Telugu film industry from then Madras to Hyderabad.

ANR's body has been shifted to his residence. His last rites will be performed after his body is kept for fans to pay respects at the Annapurna Studio in Hyderabad.

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