Nagarjuna, Naga Chaitanya, and Sobhita Dhulipala Meet PM Modi, Share Special Moments
Veteran actor Nagarjuna, his son Naga Chaitanya, and daughter-in-law Sobhita Dhulipala visited Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Parliament House on Friday. They were joined by Nagarjuna’s wife, Amala Akkineni. During the meeting, they presented PM Modi with Akkineni Ka Virat Vyaktitva, a book authored by Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad, as a tribute to legendary actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao.
Sobhita Dhulipala’s Thoughtful Gesture
Sobhita and Naga Chaitanya shared glimpses of their meeting with PM Modi on Instagram, capturing a heartfelt exchange. One of the photos showed Sobhita gifting the Prime Minister kondapalli bommalu—traditional handcrafted wooden dolls from Andhra Pradesh. Naga Chaitanya stood beside her, smiling as they presented the intricate artwork.
Sharing her gratitude, Sobhita wrote, “Deeply honored to meet Hon’ble Prime Minister @narendramodi ji at Parliament House today. It was a privilege to present ‘Akkineni Ka Virat Vyaktitva,’ a tribute to ANR garu’s remarkable cinematic legacy. His acknowledgment of ANR’s contributions is a cherished recognition for our family, fans, and admirers of Indian cinema.”
She added a personal note, saying, “Anyone who knows me knows how much I adore kondapalli bommalu. These dolls bring back childhood memories of my grandparents’ home in Tenali. It was truly special to gift one to the Prime Minister and to learn that he deeply understands this beautiful handicraft and its significance in Andhra Pradesh.”
Nagarjuna Reflects on ANR’s Legacy
Nagarjuna took to social media to express his gratitude for the meeting, sharing a group photo along with a special moment featuring himself and Amala Akkineni with PM Modi. Reflecting on the experience, he wrote, “Hon’ble Prime Minister @narendramodi ji’s heartfelt appreciation for ANR garu’s philanthropic contributions was truly overwhelming. His recognition of @AnnapurnaStudios and Annapurna College of Film and Media as a vital institution for aspiring filmmakers fills us with immense pride and gratitude.”
The actor also reminisced about his father’s enduring influence on Indian cinema and the values he upheld throughout his illustrious career. “ANR Garu believed that cinema was not just a medium of entertainment but also a powerful tool to inspire and educate. His work continues to guide generations of filmmakers and artists.”
PM Modi’s Tribute to Telugu Cinema Icon ANR
In his final Mann Ki Baat address of 2024, PM Modi paid homage to four legendary figures in Indian cinema—Raj Kapoor, Mohammed Rafi, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, and Tapan Sinha. Highlighting ANR’s remarkable journey, he stated, “Akkineni Nageswara Rao Garu elevated Telugu cinema to new heights, beautifully portraying Indian traditions and values.”
PM Modi also acknowledged the role of regional cinema in shaping India’s cultural identity, stressing the importance of preserving and promoting traditional art forms. His conversation with Nagarjuna and his family reportedly touched upon the significance of cinema in uniting diverse communities and telling stories that resonate across generations.
A Candid Conversation on Indian Cinema and Cultural Heritage
Sources close to the meeting revealed that the discussion extended beyond ANR’s legacy. PM Modi and the Akkineni family engaged in a broader conversation about the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, the increasing influence of technology in filmmaking, and the need to support regional film industries.
Naga Chaitanya, known for his work in both mainstream and experimental cinema, shared insights into how modern storytelling is blending tradition with innovation. Sobhita Dhulipala, whose performances have been lauded for their depth and authenticity, spoke about the global appeal of Indian storytelling and the role of regional films in pushing creative boundaries.
PM Modi, known for his appreciation of India’s artistic heritage, also emphasized the importance of preserving handicrafts like kondapalli bommalu. He acknowledged the need to support artisans who keep these traditional art forms alive and expressed his admiration for efforts that bridge cultural heritage with contemporary appreciation.
A Meeting That Blends Legacy and Future Aspirations
This meeting was not just a recognition of ANR’s contributions but also a celebration of Indian cinema’s past, present, and future. With figures like Nagarjuna carrying forward ANR’s vision and younger actors like Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala bringing fresh perspectives, the discussion reinforced the idea that cinema remains a powerful medium for storytelling, cultural preservation, and national pride.
As the Akkineni family left Parliament House, they carried with them not just the honor of meeting the Prime Minister but also a reaffirmation of the value of Indian cinema and its ability to inspire generations to come.
