Hyderabad witnessed an emotional gathering at the NTR Ghat on May 28, 2026, as Tollywood superstar Jr NTR, alongside members of the Nandamuri family, paid rich tributes to the legendary actor and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), marking his 103rd birth anniversary
Family Gathers to Celebrate an Immortal Legacy
The event highlighted the deep-rooted reverence the Telugu community holds for the late icon. Key family members shared moving statements reflecting his enduring presence:
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Jr NTR & Nandamuri Chaitanya Krishna: The grandsons arrived early at the ghat to offer floral tributes and prayers.
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Lakshmi Parvathi (Wife): Expressing immense pride, she thanked Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for installing a new statue at the site. She added, “Whenever I think of Telugu soil, Telugu pride, and Telugu identity, the first name that comes to my mind is NTR. Only a few continue to live on in the hearts of people after death.”
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Daggubati Purandeswari (Daughter): Emphasized how lakhs of Telugu families continue to celebrate NTR’s Jayanthi (birth anniversary) as an intimate family occasion. “He belongs to the people and is immortal in their hearts,” she remarked.
Prime Minister Modi’s Tribute
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also honored the late leader on social media, emphasizing his immense impact on governance, public welfare, and the arts.
“Tributes to the great NTR Garu on his birth anniversary. He is fondly remembered for his commitment towards public welfare and governance, which ensured dignity for the poor and marginalised. His life and ideals remain a source of immense inspiration.”
The PM added that the NDA Government in Andhra Pradesh, under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, remains deeply committed to advancing the socio-economic aspirations NTR cherished.
A Dual Legacy: Cinema and Politics
NTR’s life was defined by historic achievements across two distinct arenas:
| Domain | Key Milestones & Contributions |
| Cinema | Shook the foundations of Indian cinema as an actor, producer, director, and editor. Celebrated for his divine portrayals of mythological characters. Won National Film Awards for Thodu Dongalu (1954), Seetharama Kalyanam (1960), and Varakatnam (1970), alongside prestigious Rashtrapati Awards for Raju Peda (1954) and Lava Kusa (1963). |
| Politics | Revolutionized regional politics by founding the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in 1982. He rode to power on the wave of “Telugu Vari Atma Gauravam” (Telugu self-respect) and served three terms as the Chief Minister of unified Andhra Pradesh, championing welfare schemes for the marginalized. |
Across the globe, the day was marked by welfare activities, including massive blood donation drives and food distribution camps organized by fans to carry forward his philosophy of public service.
