Amitabh Bachchan Receives ANR Award; Nagarjuna Thanks Him for Accepting Honour [PHOTOS]

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan was honoured with ANR Award at a glittering ceremony held at the Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad on 27 December. The Akkineni International Foundation presented the prestigious award to the Big B for his decades of contribution to Indian cinema.

Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR)'s son Akkineni Nagarjuna thanked Amitabh Bachchan for accepting the award. "It is a moment of great pride for entire Akkineni family. By accepting the award Amitji has given the Award its fullest recognition and made it even more precious. Amitji graciousness has brought tremendous motivational significance, both symbolic and high degree of prestige for ANR Award," said the actor. 

"With remarkable talent, a meticulous work ethics and a tremendous ability to reinvent himself, Amitabh Bachchan continue(s) to enthrall us with his unforgettable impression in world cinema and in the hearts of millions of fans including ANR," Nagarjuna added.

In his speech, Amitabh Bachchan spoke about ANR's immense contribution to the society. "It is privileged to be part of this industry. It is stalwart like ANR who has given the film industry dignity, respectability and grace. The industry survives because of people like him. He is an iconic figure. I'm humbled to receive this ANR national award. I would like to add his family is his true successors," Bachchan said.

Actress-cum-dancer Sobhana presented "Dancing Drums," a specially-choreographed dance, which was followed by a performance of 50 children dancing to a song from "Manam" at the award function. Also, 19 students who are passing out of the Annapurna International School of Film and Media received their degrees from Amitabh Bachchan.

Chief Minister of Telangana K Chandrasekhar Rao and Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, Rajya Sabha Member and industrialist T. Subbarami Reddy, besides many distinguished guests from the industry attended the award ceremony. Along with the entire Akkineni family, numerous fans of the legendary ANR were also present on the occasion.

The Akkineni International Foundation was founded by Akkineni Nageswara Rao to provide aid to the differently-abled and funds for education of needy students.

Named after Dr Akkineni Nageshwara Rao, the ANR award honours artistes who made distinguished contribution to the growth and promotion of film medium and carries prize money of ₹5 lakh.

Started in the year 2005, the foundation has honoured Dev Anand, Shabana Azmi, Anjali Devi, Vyjayantimala Bali, Lata Mangeshkar, K Balachander, Hema Malini and Shyam Benegal with ANR awards in the past.