TLCA felicitates Akkineni on completion of 80 Years of Acting Career

New York: Telugu Literary and Cultural Association (TLCA) honored Natasamrat, Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao, a legendary hero from Telugu Film Industry, on his completion of 80 years of acting career, in New York on 18th August 2012. Sri Nageswara Rao, prominently known as ANR, has received the Padmasri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan awards from the Government of India for his incredible contribution to Telugu cinema. He has been also awarded Dada Saheb Phalke Award, India's highest award given annually for lifetime contribution to Indian cinema. It was an amazing moment to the entire Tri-State Telugu community to witness the TLCA Executive Committee and Board of Trustees (BOT) jointly honoring Sri ANR. Major donors Sri Pailla Mallareddy and Jaya Sekhar Talluri have joined the committee on the dais along with the prominent leaders of the community. Sri Nagendra Gupta, President of the Association, presented Sri ANR a plaque and adorned the legend with a shawl. Smt Hyma Reddy, Chair-person, BOT, presented bouquet to Sri ANR.

During the celebration, 11 prominent Telugu Luminaries based in US have been honored by Sri Akkineni for their contribution to the country in various disciplines and made every Telugu proud. Sri Ravi Kondabolu, the nationwide Co-ordinator of the ANR program has facilitated the event. TLCA has also honored prominent Telugus from New York who have contributed to the community. Entire audience joined hands congratulating the honorees. Anjana Sowmya, noted Telugu Film singer, Sri Hari Vegesna, singer from Chicago, Abhinaya Krishna, mimicry artist and anchor from India, and ventriloquist Sylvister entertained the audience with songs, dance and mimicry. Another highlight of the show was performance by Whistle Wizard Sri Siva Prasad. The artists enthralled the audience with popular songs based on ANR films.

Sri ANR, in his speech, said the secret of his health is the enormous love and affection showered on him by the millions of fans in India and abroad. He said he is very fortunate to have the blessings of various generations through out the world. He congratulated the president Sri Nagendra Gupta and his Executive Committee for the elaborate arrangements made. The entire Telugu community was enthralled and offered a standing ovation to the Natasamrat.

Grand Sponsor Sri Pailla Mallareddy and Sri Jaya Sekhar Talluri have made this incredible occasion possible with generous financial support. Anchor Sri Mahesh Saladi conducted the proceedings very effectively with his humor and wit.

Secretary Smt. Krishnasri proposed vote of thanks. She conveyed profound thanks to the media, volunteers who stood by the committee in every aspect of the function. A spectacular glittering dais dawning the cut outs of Sri ANR, delicious Telugu dinner, best wishes from the celebrities overseas and on top of everything, honoring Sri ANR on a cultural platform after decades of wait by the Telugus here has made the event a never before and never after event, she said. She thanked the audience for their continuous patronage for all the events of TLCA.