A road accident on Wednesday claimed the life of Nandamuri Harikrishna, a pillar of his family and the Telugu film industry. Not only was he a renowned producer, he also proved his acting prowess in a couple of movies and was known for his loud dialogue delivery. He was a good orator, a quality he shared with his father NTR. Though he largely stayed away from media interactions, except for the film events of his sons, he is fondly remembered by those who knew him.
“His personality and behaviour were completely different. He was a fun-loving person and always respected others,” says Y.V.S. Chaudhary, who directed Harikrishna in three films, adding that once Harikrishna took a liking to someone, he would treat him as family.
“I worked as assistant director for the film Pattabhishekam and Harikrishna garu was its producer. He liked me. So, when I approached him for the film Sivaramaraju, without knowing the story, he accepted it,” Y.V.S. reminisces. He also turned producer with the film Lahiri Lahiri Lahirilo with Harikrishna as the lead actor. Despite not having enough money, he started the film with Harikrishna’s support.
Anushka Shetty
As an actor, Harikrishna was always jovial on the sets. “There were no tantrums and never did he behave like he is the son of N.T. Rama Rao,” recalls Y.V.S. Though Y.V.S. would tell Harikrishna to act more, he would reply asking, ‘I left acting a long time back, so why now?’
Ram Charan and Chiranjeevi
Vamsi Paidipally and Bobby
Venkatesh
He would also take breaks and head to Nimmakuru, his hometown, to unwind. “He had a lot of friends there and would always go whenever someone invited him,” recalls Y.V.S., adding that he would always drive on his own.
Family-centred life
Harikrishna was also a through and through family man. “His family always came first. He even took us to his home and asked us to sit next to him at his dining table. That was his nature,” recalls Y.V.S.
Koratala Siva
M.M. Keeravani
Harikrishna was very close to his father N.T. Rama Rao. But they did have a difference of opinion once. When Harikrishna opted for a second marriage with Shalini (Jr NTR’s mother), NTR didn’t accept initially. But later, it was the father who asked Harikrishna to change his son Tarak’s name to N.T. Rama Rao.
Puri Jagan and wife Lavanya
The loss of a brother
The sudden demise of actor and politician Harikrishna has sent shockwaves across the Telugu film industry. Nagarjuna and Harikrishna shared a camaraderie. The stars acted as brothers in Sivaramaraju. Not only that, both the Akkineni and Nandamuri families have been close for many years.
Nagarjuna
On hearing the news of Harikrishna’s death, an upset Nagarjuna tweeted, “Chala rojulayindi ninnu chusi, kalavaali thammudu. (It’s so many days that I see you brother). That’s what he said a few weeks ago and now he is gone. All I feel is a void, I will miss you Anna!!!! (sic)”
Tollywood remembers Nandamuri Harikrishna
Mahesh Babu: Deeply saddened by the news of Harikrishna garu’s untimely demise. May his soul rest in peace. Strength and love to my brother @tarak9999 and his entire family in this time of grief.
Akhil Akkineni: Deepest condolences to the Nandamuri family. To my brother @tarak9999 ! Can’t imagine what they are going through. Strength to the whole family. May his soul rest in peace. #NandamuriHarikrishna
Samantha Akkineni: #RIPHarikrishnaGaru Shocked and saddened. Strength to the family in this difficult time.
Ram Charan: Deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the sudden demise of Shri. Harikrishna garu in a tragic accident. My thoughts go out to the family in this time of grief. May his soul rest in peace.
Koratala Siva: Shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Nandamuri Harikrishna garu’s demise. Had some fond memories with him. May his soul rest in peace. Deepest condolences and all the strength to my dearest brother @tarak9999 and @NANDAMURIKALYAN in this hour of grief.
Mohan Babu: I lost my brother Nandamuri HariKrishna today. There is nothing I can say more. A great loss.
Allu Sirish: Extremely saddened to hear about the sudden demise of Shri Nandamuri Harikrishna. My condolences to Balakrishna garu, Tarak, Kalyan Ram & the whole Nandamuri family. Rest in peace, Sir
Siddharth: Devastated to hear of the sudden passing of #NandamuriHarikrishna garu. Deepest condolences to Tarak, Kalyan Ram and their entire family. @tarak9999 @NANDAMURIKALYAN
Allu Arjun: I am out of country & just Heard the Bad news ! Very very shocking ... Heartfelt Condolences to the entire Nandamuri Family , Near & Dear ones . @NANDAMURIKALYAN & @tarak9999 . Condolence Brother . RIP ! #RIPHarikrishnaGaru
Sai Dharam Tej: My deepest condolences to the family...May your soul Rest in Peace #HariKrishna Garu
Rana Daggubati: #RIPHariKrishnaGaru gone too soon. Love and strength to his entire family in these terrible times. #Tarak #KalyanRam stay strong my brothers.
Varun Tej: Sudden demise of Harikrishna garu is really shocking. Strength and courage to his family to bear this loss.My heart felt condolences..
Nani: Shocked to know about the sudden demise of Harikrishna gaaru ..never got to meet him in person but it feels like I always knew him. My deepest condolences and strength to the family. This is really sad. Rest in peace Sir
Sarathkumar: Shocked to hear tragic accident & death of Sri Nandamuri Harikrishna. My deepest condolences to his family & fans. May his soul rest in peace.@ncbn @jrntr #ActorBalakrishna
Vennela Kishore: ???????? Shocking..Rest in Peace Sir. Deepest condolences to tarak sir kalyan ram sir and the entire family..At this extremely difficult time lets pray god to grant them the peace n strength that they need to get through this.
Devi Sri Prasad: Jst cant believe d news of Sri HariKrishna Garu..Heart Breaking..Such a Dear person 2 my Father and Me. And d Sweetest & Most Humble Soul..May God bless his soul & give strength 2 d family of my Dear brother @tarak9999 @NANDAMURIKALYAN garu..May his soul R.I.P
Manoj Kumar Manchu: RIP Uncle ???????????????? really shocked
Kajal Aggarwal: "Really sorry to hear the news. Strength to Tarak, Kalyan Ram and the family to withstand this tragic moment. Rest in peace Harikrishna garu.
Rakul Preet: Shocked to hear about Sri Harikrishna garu’s demise in a tragic road accident !! He shall always be fondly remembered ! Strength to the family ! RIP sir ..
Allari Naresh: Shocked to hear about #NandamuriHarikrishna garu’s demise. A wonderful and kind person. May his soul rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences and prayers to @NANDAMURIKALYAN @tarak9999 and the entire Nandamuri family & fans.
Gautami: Shocked at the tragic passing of Shri Nandamuri Harikrishna garu. My deepest condolences to his family & loved ones and may God give them strength to face this loss. I offer my prayers for his soul to Rest in Peace
Lakshmi Manchu: Just not fair. This is shocking. My deepest condolences to the family. May his beautiful soul RIP. We loved him dearly. #Harikrishna
Simran: Deeply saddened to hear that #NandamuriHariKrishna Garu is no more. My deepest condolences to the family and dear on
Jayam Ravi: Saddened to hear about the passing away of Nandamuri Harikrishna garu. Deepest condolences and strength to the entire family ????
Others:
Venakaiah Naidu: "As a popular actor he has entertained the telugu audience. As a parliamentarian, he was very upright and expressed his opinions frankly . My condolences to his family, well wishers and followers at this time of grief. #NandamuriHarikrishna
VVS Laxman: Shocked to hear of #NandamuriHarikrishna Garu’s sudden demise. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
HT05
