For the common audience and fans, being a star kid is the most blessed thing because they are born with a silver spoon. But in reality, that is not at all true. A star hero’s son who is planning to foray into films would be surmounted with immense pressure from all over. The young hero needs to come out of his father’s shadows and prove his unique prowess and style in films and at the same time carry the prestigious legacy forward. One such remarkable hero is Nagarjuna Akkineni who hails from the prestigious Akkineni Empire established by the legendary ANR.
When Nagarjuna expressed his wish of becoming an actor after a fancy engineering degree in the US, ANR wanted him to think twice. The main reason for this is because ANR knew that getting introduced as a star hero’s son isn’t a cake walk. Moreover, there was tough competition from his contemporaries like Balakrishna and Venkatesh along with the mighty Megastar Chiranjeevi who was already ruling the box-office then. But Nagarjuna was too determined and confident of his caliber and talent.
He was absolutely sure of his unique path which he is going to tread and took up Vikram as his debut film. His lean looks, pale dialogue delivery became a subject of heavy criticism but the actor was unnerved. He started rediscovering himself and transformed his so called weaknesses into strengths. Nag understood that he is the master of subtle expressions and sensitive films and then came up with Majnu. The film had shades of his dad ANR’s Devadasu and became an all time hit. Just when Nag was carefully selecting family oriented commercial entertainers, came the marvel Geethanjali. This film veered Nag’s career into a golden path. The brand that Nagarjuna’s films have brilliant songs was firmly established with the path breaking hit Geethanjali! Post Geethanjali, Nag was being branded as ‘lover boy’ and then he discovered yet another gem called Ram Gopal Varma and gave him a chance to direct a script like Shiva. This film showcased the never-seen-before shade of Nag till- the angry young man! Nevertheless to say Shiva is an evergreen cult classic in Telugu cinema - thanks to Nagarjuna’s ability to think different and ahead of times!
90s witnessed the “mass hero” in Nagarjuna with films like Allari Alludu, Hello Brother et al. Again Nag stepped out of the comfort zone and took the world by surprise with a devotional film like Annamayya. When Nag gave a nod for Annamayya, there were million doubts and advices not to do so. But the actor took it a challenge and once again brilliantly convinced winning the hearts of his fans and the entire Telugu community like none.
At every phase of his life, Nag experimented within his limitations, rediscovered himself and pushed the bar higher. It is indeed admirable to see despite the debut of his sons and declining market demand for senior heroes, Nagarjuna continues to score hits yet gift memorable films like Manam, Soggade Chinni Nayana and Oopiri! He has always encouraged new directors all through his life and was the key reason why many memorable scripts have seen the light of the day. Conquering the box-office, the King has moved onto Television with Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu and succesfully posted his flag there. ‘Nagarjuna’ is a household name and brand today.
From Yuva Samrat to King, an actor to a businessman and a good family man, Nagarjuna Akkineni taught the young generations a concept called ‘balance in life’. And above all, his age is inversely proportional to the changing calendar – none could crack the secret behind it! Only Nag can answer this. Wishing him more power and success! #LongliveNag #30yrsforKingNag
