The Akkineni International Foundation, founded by legendary actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao, on Sunday presented the ANR Award to Amitabh Bachchan in recognition of his decades of dedication to Indian cinema.
The ANR Award recognises film artists whose body of work has made a lasting impact and is of outstanding artistic, cultural and commercial significance.
The award was presented at a glittering function at Annapurna studio, with Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu present, along with a galaxy of tinsel town stars.
Amitabh Bachchan said it was a privilege to be part of this industry. “It is stalwarts like ANR who have given the film industry dignity, respectability and grace. Because of people like him the industry survives. He was iconic and made an immense contribution to this society,” he said.
Actor Akkineni Nagarjuna said: “It is a moment of great pride for the entire Akkineni family. By accepting the award, Amitji has given the Award its fullest recognition and made it even more precious.”
Nagarjuna recalled that his father had the highest regard for the legendary Amitabh Bachchan’s work and his advice to his grandchildren was that “if you ever aspire to enter the movie industry, you must watch Amitabh Bachchan films to learn the art of screen performance.”
Started in 2005, the award was previously given to Dev Anand, Shabana Azmi, Anjali Devi, Vyjayantimala Bali, Lata Mangeshkar, K. Balachander, Hema Malini and Dada Saheb Phalke Awardee Shyam Benegal.