A galaxy of film personalities, leaders from the political arena and spiritual leaders professing different faiths attended the birthday celebrations of Rajya Sabha Member T. Subbarami Reddy at the Port Kalavani auditorium in Visakhapatnam on Monday.
The hour-long downpour in the evening didn’t deter the film fans from making a beeline for the venue. The presence of film star-turned politician K. Chiranjeevi seemed to be the motivation for youngsters, who turned up in large numbers. They whistled and cheered whenever his name was announced on the mike.
Many of the youngsters were seen taking pictures of the singers and film stars on their mobile phones. Comedian Brahmanadam drew loud cheers from the crowd.
The messages by religious leaders Sri Sridhara Swamiji of Mukkamala Kshetram (West Godavari), Moulana Mohammed Abdur Rehman Khan Quadri of Darur Uloom Ishaqia Nooriya Madina and Rev. Father Jacob of Visakhapatnam and Kuldeep Singhji, Head Grandhi of Gurudwara Sadh Sangat brought out the essence that all religions were equal and preach humanity and goodwill towards one another.
The highlight of the evening was the felicitation of noted playback singer S. Janaki to mark the diamond jubilee of her singing career and a ‘Sarvadharma Samabhavana Sammelan’ organised to promote religious, spiritual and national integration. Megastar K. Chiranjeevi presented the title ‘Viswavikhyata Ganakokila’ to Ms. Janaki.
Dr. Subbarami Reddy recalled how he had adopted Vizag 34 years ago and strived for its development over the years. Stressing on the importance of 24-hour operations at Visakhapatnam Airport for generation of employment in the region, he said that he would achieve it soon.
Playback singers and local singers presented songs from films as a stop gap arrangement. Music Director S. Vasu Rao conducted the programme.
The speakers recalled the services of Dr. Reddy towards Visakhapatnam.
The other stars who participated in the function were Jayaprada, P. Suseela, Sharada, Vanisri, Nagma, L.R. Eswari, K. Jamuna Rani and Nagur Babu.
The political leaders who participated included APCC president Botcha Satyanarayana, APS RTC Chairman M. Satyanarayana Rao, MLC D. Srinivas, Ministers P. Balaraju, Ganta Srinivasa Rao and Thota Narasimham, Government Whip Dronamraju Srinivas, MPs K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao and Nandi Yellaiah and AICC secretary P. Sudhakar Reddy.
