New Delhi: N.T. Rama Rao, the former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh and Tollywood hero, is credited with putting Telugu on the global map. Ram Charan stated that the actor will survive as long as Telugu cinema exists. Speaking on behalf of NTR’s centenary, which falls on May 28th, he appeared at an event that was held on Saturday night.
Ironically, Ram Charan’s father, Mega Star Chiranjeevi, once opposed NTR politically. Junior NTR, his co-star in S.S. Rajamouli’s ‘RRR’, is also the grandson of the Andhra legend.
“Nowadays Telugu Cinema is being greatly lauded in foreign countries, with everyone’s praising South India Cinema. But, long back in those days, NTR Garu proved and reiterated the power of our Cinema widely. We should never forget about those. We keep remembering those great achievements.”, said Ram Charan.
Late Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Gari Centenary celebrations held in a magnanimous manner at Kaithalapur Grounds, Kukatpally.
Ram Charan recalls his childhood encounter with NTR and said, “His name is beyond all benchmarks and achievements. Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Garu is a Big Personality. More than we speak about Rama or Krishna, we keep thinking about them within ourselves. We shouldn’t talk but experience such things. We should remember their achievements, and draw inspiration from their way of living. Walking in their footsteps gives us immense pride and happiness.”
“I met NTR Garu only once. I and Purandhareswari gari’s son Ritesh used to go to skating classes as kids. We used to finish our classes by early morning 5:30 to 6:00. One day Ritesh asked me to go to his grandfather’s house. He was a chief minister at that time. He has huge security. I felt that I don’t even have the strength to say yes or no. I said okay. We both went on our skates from Purandhareswari Gari house and arrived at Rama Rao Gari’s house by 6:30 AM,” he continued.
“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 so lucky. I will always cherish that moment of sharing breakfast with him. I thank Purandhareswari Garu for giving me that opportunity,” Ram Charan recalled.