‘RRR’ star Ram Charan has said that it was Tollywood hero-turned-Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister NT Rama Rao who put Telugu on the world map and he will live as long as Telugu cinema is there. He was speaking at a program organized on Saturday night to mark the birth centenary of NTR, which falls on May 28. The irony is that Ram Charan’s father, mega star Chiranjeevi, used to be a political adversary of NTR, but frankly, watered a lot. Since then it has flowed down the Godavari. Her co-star in SS Rajamouli’s ‘RRR’, Jr NTR, incidentally happens to be the grandson of the Andhra icon.
Ram Charan said, ‘Nowadays Telugu cinema is being appreciated a lot in foreign countries and everyone is praising South Indian cinema.’ The ‘Global Star’ added, “But, those days long ago NTR Garu proved and reiterated the strength of our cinema. We should never forget about those days. We should remember those great achievements.”
He was speaking at the centenary celebrations held at Kaithalpur Maidan, Kukatpally, Hyderabad. Many film and political personalities participated in this program. On this occasion, Ram Charan recalled his personal association with NTR Garu. “I don’t know where to begin,” Ram Charan continued. “His name is beyond all benchmarks and achievements. Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Garu was a towering personality.”
Talking about mass leaders like NTR, he respectfully said: “We should remember their achievements and take inspiration from the way they lived their lives. Following in their footsteps gives us immense pride and happiness.”
“Every artist, including me, who goes to a film set every day remembers his name. He got to know us. What is the film industry? What is the Telugu film industry? People from our neighboring states as well as across the country and other countries Even for? The Great Legend NT Rama Rao Garu honored our film industry. Such a towering personality of this industry. It is a privilege for all of us to work in the industry where NTR Garu was.”
On a personal note, Ram Charan recalled: “I met NTR Garu only once. Purandhareshwari Gari’s son Ritesh and I used to go to skating classes together as children. We used to meet from 5:30 to 6:00 in the morning. He used to finish his classes by 15:00. One day, Ritesh asked me to accompany him to his grandfather’s house. He was the Chief Minister at that time. He had heavy security. I felt I had no right to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’. There is no strength either.’. I said ‘ok’. We both went on our skates from Purandhareshwari Gari’s house and reached Rama Rao Garu’s house at 6:30 am
“I wanted to meet NTR garu and take leave from him. But when we reached his house, he was about to have his breakfast. When he saw me, he made me sit and offered tiffin. I felt very lucky. Was. I will always remember.” That moment of sharing breakfast with him. I thank Purandhareshwari garu for giving me that opportunity.
(With IANS inputs)