PM Narendra Modi Pays Tribute; Calls NTR A Champion Of The Masses

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid respects to iconic actor and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) on his 102nd birth anniversary, acknowledging his wide-ranging impact on cinema and public service.

Through a post on social media, PM Modi commended NTR’s life-long commitment to the welfare of the underprivileged and praised his lasting influence in Indian cinema.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “I pay homage to NTR Garu on his birth anniversary. He is widely admired for his efforts to serve society and empower the poor and downtrodden. His cinematic works also continue to enthral audiences. We are all deeply inspired by him.”

“The NDA Government in Andhra Pradesh, led by my friend Chandrababu Naidu Garu is working to fulfil NTR’s vision,” the post further added.

Naidu Honours NTR As Pride Of Telugu People & Social Reformer

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also marked the occasion with a tribute, referring to NTR as an enduring symbol of pride for the Telugu people.

In his post on X, Naidu reflected on NTR’s initiatives for social reform, especially his commitment to meeting the basic needs of the poor—shelter, food, and clothing.

“I pay tribute to the great man of the era, the world-famous actor, the idol of the Telugu people, the great man who showed the self-respect of the Telugu people to the world, the social reformer who showed a new path for welfare, and ‘Anna’ Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao on his 102nd birth anniversary. NTR, the brave man who considered it his life’s work to fulfil the three needs of the poor people – shelter, nest and clothes. He was a visionary who gave a new meaning to democracy with the slogan ‘Society is the temple; people are gods,” Naidu posted.

He further added, “Whether he gave property rights to girls as an elder brother, or took the sphere of governance to the people with the Mandal system, or stood by the poor with the construction of permanent houses, or satisfied the hunger of the poor by providing rice for just Rs. 2 per kilo. Whatever he did, he had only one thing in mind. ‘My Telugu nation should stand up with dignity’. It is not about earning a place in history. NTR is a memorable person who created history. The fact that Telugu Desam is shining brightly even today is due to his blessings. We are working tirelessly to fulfil the will of that great man. We are moving towards achieving an equal society. I once again pay tribute to my brother Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, who has done many unparalleled things.”

Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR)

Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, popularly known as NTR, was, however, a towering figure in Indian cinema and politics.

He served as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh for seven years and was also an actor, producer, director, editor, and politician.

He won three National Film Awards for co-producing ‘Thodu Dongalu’ (1954), ‘Seetharama Kalyanam’ (1960), and directing ‘Varakatnam’ (1970).

NTR, honoured with the Rashtrapati Awards for his roles in ‘Raju Peda’ (1954) and ‘Lava Kusa’ (1963).

With over 300 films to his name, he was, however, widely acclaimed for his portrayals of mythological characters.

NTR passed away from a heart attack at the age of 72 on 18 January 1996, at his residence in Hyderabad.

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