By Akkineni Nageswara Rao
All that I learnt was through the mistakes I committed and the retakes one did on the sets. That’s why I say all my schooling as an actor was through the retakes. Now, in my 87th year, it is the time for me to give back to the people and the film industry all that I have learnt.
Today therefore is a very happy day for me. We have started the International School of Film + Media, to be located in the premises of the Annapoorna Studios in Hyderabad. I have always believed my bread and breath is film and the love and fame that I and my family members have earned through films, cannot be valued.
From playing a girl’s role in a play when I was about nine years old to earning half a rupee for my first play to doing 254 films with a 80 per cent success rate, I have come a long way. I am happy that my sons are executing my dream of making this school to train young students in all the 24 craft, as it is called in the film lingo.
Just like it is better to start a medical college if you have a hospital, we want the students to make full use of the 22 acre campus at Annapoorna Studios which has 10 sound stages and permanent sets and production facilities.
This first of its kind School also will be a non-profit venture and all the money that will be earned by it, will be ploughed back into the institution.
I am very sentimental person and it is my way of paying gratitude to the people.
(Akkineni Nageswara Rao is a legend of Telugu cinema and recently completed 70 years in films. The actor was recently awarded the Padma Vibhushan. He is also a recipient of the Dada Saheb Phalke Award. Click here to read ANR’s earlier blogs)
Ajaya Kumar Vemulapati
@Ramesh Gowri Raghavan, Sir, The people of Peddapalli town in Karimnagar, which is the native town of Mallojula Koteswara Rao ( his given name) have observed a voluntary bandh today in memory of the slain leader. There are some people who mourn him after all!
m.srinivas rao
SIR FIRST OF ALL I WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS TO START SUCH A TYPE OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF FILM WHICH IS GOING TO FILL THE STOMACHS OF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE EAGER TO LEARN THE 24 CRAFTS WHICH YOU HAVE MENTIONED. I HAVE NO REGRETS AT ALL BECAUSE UNDER YOUR GUIDENCE EACH AND EVERY ONE WHO JOINS IN THIS FILM SCHOOL WILL BE COME LEGENDS IN ANY OF YOUR 24 CRAFTS OR IN ALL. GOD BLESS YOU ALL WITH LOT OF ENERGY, GOOD HEALTH AND EVERLASTING HAPPINESS. THANK YOU VERY MUCH SIR.
Ram Peddinti
Bravo Nageshwara Rao garu! Till today, you are regarded as the epitome of ‘good’ Telugu actors. I vividly remember the days when, as a child, I would hear praise and appreciation of your acting talents doing the rounds amongst various households.
You have enthralled millions of people over your acting lifespan. I am sure it must be gratifying to see your children follow your footsteps and reach the zenith in the industry. Apart from your on-screen talents, we heard many a story about your off-screen benevolences too. Its heartening to know your pioneering effort in starting a school for cultivating talent in the fields of Film and Media.
This is indeed a glowing tribute you have given to the industry and our State as well. One cannot ask for more.
Sir, we wish you the very best in your endeavor.