NTR's second coming

The special bond of brotherhood between Kannada and Telugu-speaking people dates back to before the rule of the Vijayanagara dynasty. It even holds true when it comes to both Kannada and Telugu films. The legendary actor Dr Rajkumar from Karnataka, NTR from Telugu and MGR from Tamil, all shared a cordial relationship, both at work and personally too. One of most-anticipated biopics celebrating the life of Telugu legend and popular leader NT Rama Rao, is ready to hit the screens in two parts, the first film will be released today (Wednesday). Lead actors Nandamuri Balakrishna, who has produced this biopic and is also portraying the titular role of his legendary father NTR, and Bollywood actress Vidya Balan in the role of NTR’s better half, were in Bengaluru recently sharing their exciting experience of working for the biopic. Even our own star heroes — Puneeth Rajkumar and Yash were present on the occasion, as an honour to the legend.

Actress Vidya Balan, who plays the better half of NTR — as Basava Tarakamma shared that it is always wonderful to be in Bengaluru, and she feels lucky to a part of such a great venture which celebrates the life of a legend. 

“In fact, I had signed up for one, but eventually the second part of the biopic came as a bonus. I have a twin reason to celebrate. Not much is known about Tarakamma. I had an amazing experience playing the role and I am grateful to the entire NTR family who made me aware of Tarakamma and her role in the legend's life,” she says.

The current sensation of Indian cinema, Yash who has in the recent past shared great support and love showered by the Telugu audience for KGF, which was released in Telugu, remembered the great legend and his work both as an actor and a political leader. “I am eagerly waiting to witness the life of NTR Sir on the big screen. The south Indian industry has emerged as a big force, and such experiments and daring ventures are an example of the love and support from the audience across the nation,” he adds.

Power Star Puneeth Rajkumar who had the opportunity to meet and interact with the Telugu legend, shared an incident wherein he had asked his father Dr Rajkumar for a race car after seeing NTR Sir shooting with one at AVM Studio.

“I was around five years old when I saw NTR Sir shooting at AVM Studio during the early 80s. He was a race car driver in a movie. Seeing that I had asked my father to get me a similar car, after I returned home with my father, the race car which was used for the shoot was parked in front of our house. NTR Sir came to know about my desire, and had sent it to me. We actually sent it back with gratitude. Both our families share a great relationship even today,” he shares.

Before wrapping up, Nandamuri Balakrishna, the son of the legend who portrays his role in the biopic NTR-Kathanayakadu and NTR-Mahanayakadu, the second part, expressed his wish to see the sons of the Kannada thespian Dr Rajkumar playing the role of their father in his biopic in the future.

He went onto recall Rebel Star Ambareesh, with whom he shared a friendly relationship. “I never thought that I would be producing and acting in my own father’s biopic. Everything came together just like how my legendary father created history, both as an actor and a leader. More than politics, it is about a husband and wife,” he signs off.