New Delhi, May 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the legendary actor and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), on his 103rd birth anniversary. He remarked that NTR’s life and ideals continue to inspire generations.
In a post on the social media platform X, PM Modi wrote, “Tribute to the great NTR Garu on his birth anniversary. He is fondly remembered for his dedication to public welfare and good governance, which provided dignity to the poor and marginalized. His contributions to cinema still captivate generations. His life and ideals remain an infinite source of inspiration. The NDA government in Andhra Pradesh, under my friend Chandrababu Naidu Garu, is committed to fulfilling the dreams he cherished for the people.”
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (1923-1996), popularly known as NTR, was a renowned Indian actor, filmmaker, and politician. He starred in over 300 films and played a pivotal role in shaping Telugu cinema, especially through his portrayals of mythological characters like Lord Krishna.
Born on May 28, 1923, in Nimmakuru, Andhra Pradesh, NTR began his professional career as a government sub-registrar but soon resigned to pursue acting. He made his film debut in 1949 with “Mana Desam” and quickly became one of the leading actors in Telugu cinema.
NTR received widespread acclaim for his portrayals of Hindu mythological figures in films like “Maya Bazaar” (1957) and “Dana Veera Soora Karna” (1977). His on-screen presence and popularity earned him the title “Vishwa Vikhyata Nata Sarvabhauma,” meaning “World Famous Emperor of Acting.” This cinematic image later helped him build a strong grassroots political base.
At the age of 60, NTR entered politics and founded the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in 1982, based on Telugu pride and self-respect. The TDP achieved a historic and overwhelming victory in the 1983 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, ending the dominance of the Indian National Congress in the state.
He became the first non-Congress Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh. His government was widely praised for its welfare schemes, including a subsidized rice program that provided rice at just 2 rupees per kilogram, along with various rural development initiatives.
In 1984, while recovering from heart surgery in the United States, NTR was temporarily ousted from power due to a political coup led by Nandendla Rao. However, he made a remarkable comeback and was reinstated due to overwhelming public support.
NTR served as Chief Minister for the third time in 1994, but in 1995, his son-in-law Nara Chandrababu Naidu took over the party leadership with the support of most legislators.
Chief Minister Naidu also paid tribute to NTR on social media, stating in Telugu that he left an indelible mark in the world of cinema as Rama and Krishna, and shone like a pole star in politics. He added, “He was a modern social reformer who brought significant changes to the lives of Telugu people. I once again pay my heartfelt tribute to that great personality.”
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