Balakrishna Urges Kishan Reddy to Recommend NTR for Bharat Ratna
Nandamuri Balakrishna, recently honored with India’s third-highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan, has expressed his gratitude for the recognition of his significant contributions to Telugu cinema over five decades and his philanthropic work through the Basavatarakam Cancer Hospital for the past 15 years.
Union Cabinet Minister and BJP leader G. Kishan Reddy visited Balakrishna at his residence in Hyderabad to personally congratulate him on this achievement. During the meeting, Kishan Reddy praised the actor-politician’s unwavering commitment to social service and thanked the central government for acknowledging his efforts in public service and cinema.
Balakrishna shared his happiness over receiving the prestigious award and extended his gratitude to the government for recognizing his work. He highlighted that thousands of people have been treated at the Basavatarakam Cancer Hospital, which has become a beacon of hope for many.
He also expressed his appreciation for the continued support of the people of Hindupur, who have elected him as their MLA for three consecutive terms. Balakrishna emphasized that the Padma Bhushan is not just an award but a reminder of his responsibility to serve society with even greater dedication.
Reflecting on his father, the legendary actor and former Chief Minister Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), Balakrishna described him as a guiding light in his life. He took the opportunity to make an earnest appeal to Kishan Reddy, urging him to recommend NTR for the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor.
Balakrishna emphasized that NTR’s contributions to the nation, particularly to the Telugu community, make him deserving of this prestigious award. He stated that this request is not only his wish but also the collective sentiment of the entire Telugu fraternity.
The demand to confer the Bharat Ratna on NTR has been gaining momentum in recent months. Prominent leaders like Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan have also advocated for the honor, raising the issue with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his recent visit to Andhra Pradesh.
