Ram Charan praises NTR for recognizing the power of Telugu cinema
Hyderabad (IANS) | ‘RRR’ star Ram Charan has said that N.T. Rama Rao put Telugu on the world map and he will live as long as there is Telugu cinema. 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 NTR’s political adversary, but clearly a long time has passed.
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. Called a ‘Global Star’, however, NTR Garu proved the power of our cinema long back in those days. We should never forget about those days. We must remember those great achievements.
He was speaking at the centenary celebrations held at Kaithalpur Maidan in Kukatpally in Hyderabad. Many film and political personalities participated in this program. On this occasion, Ram Charan recalled his personal association with NTR Garu.
He said, I don’t know where to start. 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. It gives us great pride and joy to follow in his footsteps.
Ram Charan said, I and all the actors, who visit the sets of the film every day, remember his name. He gave us recognition. What is film industry? What is Telugu film industry? For our neighboring states as well as for the entire country and other countries as well?
The Great Legend N.T. Rama Rao Garu brought respect to our film industry. There is a great personality in this industry. It is a privilege for all of us to work in the industry where NTR Garu was.
In private, Ram Charan recalled, I had met NTR garu only once. Purandhareshwari Gari’s son Ritesh and I used to go to skating classes together as children. We used to finish our classes by 5.30 to 6.00 in the morning. One morning Ritesh asked me to go with him to his grandfather’s house. He was the Chief Minister at that time. He had heavy security. I felt I didn’t even have the strength to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’. 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 bid him farewell. But when we reached his house, he was about to have breakfast. When he saw me he made me sit and offered tiffin. I was feeling very lucky. I will always remember that moment of sharing breakfast with him. I thank Purandhareshwari Gari for giving me that opportunity.
–IANS
