The entire state woke up to the sad news of Dr Akkineni Nageswara Rao’s death on Wednesday morning. As soon as the news broke out, industry folks began pouring into the legendary actor’s residence. The family then moved his body to Annapurna Studios, established by ANR himself.
Everyone, from directors and actors to technicians thronged the studio for a final glimpse of the Akkineni family patriarch. Besides film folk, many political leaders also visited the studio to pay their last respects.
It was a known fact that ANR had been diagnosed with cancer, so his family members were spending most of their time with the actor. ANR’s grandchildren Sumanth, Supriya and Akhil, were seen crying inconsolably. Nagarjuna too was being comforted by many.
Last rites
According to close sources from the family, ANR will be cremated on Thursday afternoon at Annapurna Studios. The government has also declared a funeral with state honours for the Tollywood legend. Meanwhile, officials from Tollywood are backing the idea of cremating the legend at a place that’s “close to his heart”.
“The studio (Annapurna) was started by ANR and it was like his own child. So, we have asked his family members to do the last rites here,” explained an official. Meanwhile, representatives from the Telugu film industry are also set to request the Chief Minister for space along Necklace Road for a memorial in ANR’s honour. They want it to be along the lines of the NTR Ghat.
Paying respect to the legendary actor, producers and the association have decided to call it an off from all regular activities on the day the body of the late ANR will be cremated. Movie shoots statewide are also planning for a day’s halt.
