Chennai: During his nearly three-decade-long association with Indian cinema, Akkineni Nagarjuna has established himself a force to be reckoned with courtesy his good looks, well built physique and above all sincere performances.
The son of legendary Telugu actor Akkineni Nageshwara Rao(ANR), he has redefined the very meaning of onscreen machismo while winning over a legion of loving fans along the way. Today, as Nagarjuna turns a year older; we take a look at why he truly is a ‘King’ in real as well as reel life.
He is a versatile actor: Nagarjuna is clearly someone who has no qualms about experimenting with his onscreen image. During his illustrious career he has worked in quite a few pulsating action-masala films such as ‘Mass’, ‘Don’ and ‘Ragada’.
However, at the same time, he has also starred in sensitive biographical dramas like ‘Shirdi Sai’ and ‘Sri Ramadasu’. Interestingly, the latter was based on the life of 17th century Carnatic musician Kancherla Gopanna. Moreover, Nagarjuna also played the lead role in ‘Payanam’ which boasted of a highly patriotic storyline.
Nagarjuna found success in Bollywood as well: Unlike most southern superstars, Nagarjuna had a highly successful stint in the Hindi film industry. During short yet memorable association with Bollywood he starred commercially successful films such as ‘Shiva’, ‘Criminal’ and ‘Khuda Gawah’.
Interestingly, ‘Khuda Gawah’ was hit not only in India but also in Afghanistan. Furthermore, ‘Nags’ also played a supporting role in the Mahesh Bhatt-directed ‘Zakhm’ which won the Nargis Dutt award for Best Film on National Integration.
He has a heart of gold: Being a compassionate and soft-hearted person in real-life Nagarjuna has over the years been a part of various social welfare programmes. In 2010, the actor featured in a software tutorial which dealt with HIV/AIDS awareness. Moreover, some time ago he established the Blue cross in Hyderabad. It deals with the protection of animal rights. As such it can safely be said that he is a real-life hero.
His brand of romance is second to none: Telugu cinema’s resident loverboy, Nagarjuna is quite a romantic person in real-life as well. In the 1990’s he fell in love with his ‘Siva’ co-star Amala and well to say the very least he popped the question in the sweetest way possible. The superstar gifted the actress some flowers, came down to his knees and asked her to marry him. Now that is what we call a filmy proposal.
Nagarjuna has successfully made the transistion: When Nagarjuna first entered the Telugu film industry he looked up his father ANR for guidance and inspiration.
Needless to say, the veteran actor mentored his son and criticized him when needed. Infact on one instance he even expressed dissatisfaction about the fight scenes in the ‘Angaarey’ star’s films. Needless say ANR’s presence went a long way in helping ‘Nags’ find firm footing in the industry.
Now, that Nagarjuna is a veteran in his own right, the actor has himself become mentor to his sons Naga Chaitnaya and Akhil Akkineni. In fact, according to some reports, he is taking a keen interest in Akhil’s maiden big screen outing and may also make a special appearance in it. As such life does seem to have come a full circle for Nagarjuna.
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