Nagarjuna’s Birthday Celebrations

Impressive fanfare marked the officially 49th birthday celebrations of Tollywood’s Mr. Handsome – Akkineni Nagarjuna at the actor’s residence, ANR’s residence and at Annapurna Studios, Hyderabad. A huge hoarding of Nagarjuna with a still from his latest King was erected at the entrance of the studios, greeting him.

At Nag’s residence, the Statewide Dr. Akkineni and Nagarjuna Yuvatha president AV Ramaraju organized the celebration and a giant cake was cut by Nag to cheer the 500-odd fans from the city and all over the state. Nag’s spouse and ex-actress Amala, Naga Susheela and Sushant were present at the event. Among a plethora of film biggies who arrived at Nag’s residence to greet him included K. Raghavendra Rao, VN Aditya and RB Chowdary.

Next the scene shifted to ANR’s residence. Statewide Nagarjuna Fans President Ravindra Reddy conducted the function. On behalf of the fans, a cheque for Rs. 1 Lakh was donated to Dr. Akkineni International Foundation for taking up welfare activities. Nagarjuna presented a swarna kankanam to senior journalist Nandagopal and gracefully honored him with shawl. A financial assistance of Rs. 20,000 was extended to some physically handicapped students.

The influx of fans culminated at Annapoorna Studios by noon. Wearing light-colored dress and sporting the look of his latest role King, Nag arrived to the echoing birthday wishes by the gathering, which profusely garlanded him, showering rose petals on him.

Addressing the fans, Nagarjuna said: “This birthday will ever remain so special in my life. It is because Naga Chaitayna is entering the film industry. This is your wish. It is going to be fulfilled.” (Huge shouting and cheers followed the announcement). “Now, our King is shaping up well. It is a superb film. Actually, the film title King came from you, fans. We also found the title apt, so it is taken as the original title. (Referring to the shouts of Yuva Samrat) Hereafter, you can drop Yuva from your beloved title for me and bestow it on Naga Chaitanya. I am happy that my fans have taken up extensive social service activities this year. We will be celebrating the 50th birthday next year on a very grand scale.”

Dr. ANR said: “We will never forget the love and affection of our fans. All these years, you continued your love for me, Nagarjuna and heroes Sumanth and Sushant. Now, our Naga Chaitanya is going to come into films. I am sure; you will be giving him the best of your support as you did for Nagarjuna. It gives me great happiness to note that you undertook social service for the poor and downtrodden, particularly the physically handicapped. I am proud of you all.”