New Delhi, May 28 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tributes to legendary actor and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) on his 103rd birth anniversary, saying that his life and ideals continue to inspire generations.

PM Modi took to the social media platform X and said, “Tributes to the great NTR Garu on his birth anniversary. He is fondly remembered for his commitment towards public welfare and governance which ensured dignity for the poor and marginalised. His contributions to cinema continue to captivate generations. His life and ideals remain a source of immense inspiration. The NDA Government in Andhra Pradesh, under the leadership of my friend Chandrababu Naidu Garu, is committed to advancing the aspirations he cherished for the people.”

Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (1923 -1996), popularly known as NTR, was an iconic Indian actor, filmmaker, and politician. He appeared in over 300 films and played a transformative role in shaping Telugu cinema, particularly through his portrayal of mythological characters such as Lord Krishna.

Born on May 28, 1923, in Nimmakuru, Andhra Pradesh, NTR began his professional career as a government sub-registrar before resigning to pursue acting. He made his film debut with ‘Mana Desam’ in 1949 and soon emerged as one of the leading actors in Telugu cinema.

NTR became widely admired for his portrayals of Hindu mythological figures in films such as ‘Maya Bazaar’ (1957) and ‘Daana Veera Soora Karna’ (1977). His screen presence and popularity earned him the title “Viswa Vikhyatha Nata Sarvabhouma”, meaning “Universally Renowned Emperor of Acting”. His cinematic image later helped him build a strong grassroots political following.

At the age of 60, NTR entered politics and founded the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in 1982 on the platform of Telugu pride and self-respect. In the 1983 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, the TDP secured a historic landslide victory, 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 recognised for welfare-oriented schemes, including the subsidised rice scheme that provided rice at Rs 2 per kilogram, along with several rural development initiatives.

In 1984, while recovering from heart surgery in the United States, NTR was briefly removed from power in a political coup led by Nadendla Bhaskara Rao. However, he made a remarkable comeback and was reinstated following widespread public support.

NTR returned as Chief Minister for a third term in 1994. However, in 1995, his son-in-law, Nara Chandrababu Naidu, took over the leadership of the party with the backing of a majority of MLAs.

CM Naidu also took to social media and paid homage. He wrote in Telugu that in the cinematic world, he left an indelible mark as Rama, as Krishna; in the political arena, he shone as a pole star. “He was the modern social reformer who brought massive changes to the lives of Telugu people. I offer my heartfelt homage once again to that epochal figure,” the CM said.

NTR passed away due to a heart attack in January 1996 in Hyderabad, leaving behind a lasting legacy in both cinema and politics.

–IANS

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