Tarak's Absence at NTR Centenary Sets Tongues Wagging

Although the official reason given by the RRR star’s team is that the centenary celebration coincided with Jr NTR’s 40th birthday and he had already planned a holiday abroad with family to celebrate the same, not everyone is convinced. Several celebrities from the Tollywood fraternity were invited — even actors and filmmakers of the past who had a connection with NTR were present.

Jr NTR’s fans have expressed their disappointment at not seeing their favorite actor at the event. After all he’s NTR’s grandson and is taking his legacy forward.

However, inside sources say that Jr NTR had planned to celebrate his birthday (by going abroad) way in advance. NTR’s centenary celebrations was decided much later. “Atleast till May 15 we didn’t hear about it,” said a source close to Jr NTR. But surely Jr NTR could have changed his travel plans if he really wanted to attend it.

According to rumours...

* The organisers (Nandamuri-Nara families) wanted to give this event a political touch. Hence, the main focus had to remain on Balakrishna and TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu. They didn’t want anybody else taking away the limelight from them and if Jr NTR was present, he would definitely steal the show especially after RRR’s super success.

* It is said Balakrishna personally called and invited all Tollywood stars to the event, but did not call Jr. NTR. This hurt the latter.
Other members of the Nandamuri family did invite Jr NTR, but it was at the last minute, as an after-thought. Hence he decided to stay away.

* Balakrishna’s equation with Jr NTR’s isn’t the best. Both did not see eye to eye when they appeared at the Tarakaratna’s funeral.