Acclaimed filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli was recognised with the ANR National Award for his contributions to cinema here on Sunday.
Receiving the award from Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu at a glittering function at Shilpa Kala Vedika here, Mr. Rajamouli said the award has raised the standards for him. “It’s a huge burden, it inspires me to work harder. I will certainly continue to work harder and try to be worthy of this award instituted by the legendary Akkineni Nageshwar Rao,” he said. Mr. Naidu described the filmmaker as creative while referring to the hugely popular film Baahubali . The award, given away by the Akkineni International Foundation, seeks to recognise stalwarts in the Indian film industry. In the 12 years since its inception, several noted film personalities, including Amitabh Bachchan, Dev Anand, Lata Mangeshkar and a few others, have been recognised.
Speaking at awards ceremony which coincided with the graduation of 95 students of the Annapurna International School of Film and Media, Chief Minster K. Chandrasekhar Rao heaped praises on the actor Akkineni Nageshwar Rao. “He was the doyen of Telugu film industry and left a lasting impression for many generations, as he immortalised many films across social, romantic and mythological genres,” Mr. Rao said.
