‘RRR’ star Ram Charan has stated it was Tollywood hero-turned-Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N.T. Rama Rao, who put Telugu on the world map and that he’ll stay for so long as there may be Telugu cinema. He was talking at an occasion organised on Saturday evening within the run-up to NTR’s start centenary, which falls on May 28. Ironically, Ram Charan’s father, Mega Star Chiranjeevi, was once a political opponent of NTR, however clearly, a lot water has flown down the Godavari since then. His co-star in S.S. Rajamouli’s ‘RRR’, Junior NTR, by the way is the Andhra icon’s grandson.

“Nowadays, Telugu cinema is being greatly lauded in foreign countries and everyone is praising South Indian cinema,” Ram Charan stated. “But, long back in those days, NTR Garu proved and reiterated the power of our cinema. We should never forget about those days. We must keep remembering those great achievements,” added the ‘Global Star’.

He was talking on the centenary celebrations organised on the Kaithalapur Grounds, Kukatpally, Hyderabad. Several movie and political celebrities graced the occasion. On this event, Ram Charan recalled his private bonding with NTR Garu. “I don’t know where to start,” Ram Charan continued. “His name is beyond all benchmarks and achievements. Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Garu was a big personality.”

Talking about mass leaders similar to NTR, he stated reverentially: “We ought to keep in mind their achievements and draw inspiration from their method of residing. Walking of their footsteps offers us immense satisfaction and happiness.

“Every artiste, including me, who goes to the film set every day remembers his name. He made us known. What is the film industry? What is the Telugu film industry? To our neighboring states as well as the entire country and other countries too? The Great Legend N.T. Rama Rao Garu brought respect to our film industry. This industry has such a great personality. It is a privilege for all of us to work in the industry where NTR Garu belonged.”

On a private observe, Ram Charan recalled: “I met NTR Garu solely as soon as. Purandhareswari gari’s son Ritesh and I used to go to skating lessons collectively as youngsters. We used to complete our lessons by early morning, 5:30 to six:00 a.m. One day, Ritesh requested me to come back alongside with him to his grandfather’s home. He was the chief minister at the moment. He had large safety. I felt that I did not even have the power to say ‘sure’ or ‘no’. I stated ‘okay’. We each went on our skates from Purandhareswari Gari’s home and arrived at Rama Rao Garu’s home by 6:30 a.m.

“I wanted to meet NTR Garu and take leave from him. But when we reached his house, he was about to have his breakfast. When he saw me, he made me sit and offered tiffin. I felt so lucky. I will always cherish that moment of sharing breakfast with him. I thank Purandhareswari Garu for giving me that opportunity.”

(With IANS inputs)

Latest Entertainment News