Yesteryear superstar and Dadasaheb Phalke awardee, Akkineni Nageshwara Rao has said that his life was not a bed of roses. He said these words at a function that was held on Monday to commemorate Nageshwara Rao’s 75 years of film career. This felicitation programme was organised by T Subbirami Reddy Lalitha Kala Parishath in association with Committee of Hosts of Telugu Film Industry at Shipa Kalavedika in Hyderabad.

A large number of film personalities and other dignitaries including chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy gathered to felicitate Nageshwara Rao. He was garlanded by the chief minister.  Hailing Nageshwara Rao, Kiran Kumar Reddy has said that Nageshwara Rao was the only person who has received all Padma Awards.  The credit of Telugu Film Industry moving to Hyderabad goes to Akkineni Nageshwara Rao, he added.   Subbirami Reddy who had all praises for the legendary actors has mentioned that ANR appeared with 64 heroines on silver screen in his 75 years of film career.

He has also openly demanded the government to award Bharat Ratna to Akkineni Nageshwara Rao.  Versatile actor Mohan Babu, who was also present at the felicitation programme has stated that Telugu film industry had two eyes—NTR and ANR. While the industry lost one eye, he said he would pray God that ANR should live up to 100 years.  Meanwhile, Nageshwara Rao has said that he crossed all hurdles to reach this stage.