NTR’s 100th birth anniversary: Tracing his rise from a common man to Chief Minister

Hyderabad: Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, who is popularly called NTR, was born on 28 May 1923 in Gudivada, Andhra Pradesh. Today marks his 100th birth anniversary. He was a Telugu actor, filmmaker, and politician who served as the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh for seven years over three terms. On this big day, let’s take a look at this man’s marvellous journey.

From a common man to a Star

NTR was born into a poor family and had to work from a young age to support his family. He started his career as a stage actor and then moved to film. He quickly became one of the most popular actors in Telugu cinema and starred in many hit films. He was known for his powerful acting and his ability to connect with the audience.

He starred in over 300 films, predominantly in Telugu cinema, and was referred to by the media as Viswa Vikhyatha Nata Sarvabhouma (Universally-renowned star of acting). NTR received three National Film Awards for co-producing ‘Thodu Dongalu’ (1954) and ‘Seetharama Kalyanam’ (1960) under National Art Theatre, Madras, and for directing ‘Varakatnam’ (1970).

Family

In May 1943, at the age of 20, while still pursuing his intermediate, NTR married Basava Rama Tarakam, the daughter of his maternal uncle. They were blessed with 12 children, including eight sons and four daughters namely Ramakrishna Sr, Jayakrishna, Saikrishna, Harikrishna, Mohanakrishna, Balakrishna, Ramakrishna Jr., Jayashankarakrishna, Garapati Lokeswari, Daggubati Purandeswari, Nara Bhuvaneswari, and Kantamaneni Umamaheswari. His children Balakrishna and Harikrishna followed his legacy in the movies and so did his grandchildren Kalyan Ram, Tarakaratna, and Tarak (Jr NTR).

Politics

In 1982, NTR founded the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and became a politician. He campaigned on a platform of social justice and Telugu pride. He promised to fight for the rights of the Telugu people and to improve the lives of the poor. NTR’s party won the 1983 state elections and he became the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh. He served as CM for three terms and is credited with many reforms, including the introduction of free education and the construction of new schools and hospitals. He also played a key role in the development of the Telugu language and culture.

NTR was a charismatic leader who was loved by the people of Andhra Pradesh. He died on 18 January 1996 at the age of 72. He is still remembered as one of the greatest leaders of Andhra Pradesh and his legacy continues to inspire people today.

Here are some of the reasons why NTR is considered to be a great leader:

· He was a charismatic and popular leader who was able to connect with the people of Andhra Pradesh.

· He was a strong advocate of social justice and Telugu pride.

· He implemented many reforms that improved the lives of the poor and the middle class.

· He played a key role in the development of the Telugu language and culture.

NTR’s journey from a common man to an actor to chief minister is an inspiration to many. He showed that it is possible to achieve great things, even if you come from a humble background. He is a true hero of Andhra Pradesh and his legacy will continue to inspire people for generations to come.