Hyderabad, Jan 18: Legendary actor and former Chief Minister Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) was remembered with reverence on his 30th death anniversary on Sunday, as large numbers of fans and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) cadres gathered at NTR Ghat in Hyderabad to pay homage.
TDP National President and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, in a post on X, described NTR as a divinely gifted leader and a benefactor of the poor, who stood as a symbol of the Telugu people’s self-respect.
Recalling his legacy, Naidu said NTR introduced several landmark welfare measures such as the two-rupee-a-kilo rice scheme, social security pensions, permanent housing for the poor, electricity support for farmers and strengthened grassroots governance through the Mandal system.
Naidu also highlighted reforms like property rights for women and major irrigation and drinking water initiatives aimed at addressing the needs of Rayalaseema, calling NTR’s path an inspiration for future generations.
Andhra Pradesh IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh also paid tributes, calling NTR the flag-bearer of Telugu pride and the world-renowned emperor of acting. Lokesh said it was a rare honour that people continue to keep photos of NTR’s mythological roles in their homes and worship him like a deity.
“Even after so many years since your physical departure, Grandfather, you live on in the hearts of the Telugu people,” he said, later visiting the memorial and offering floral tributes.
Actor Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, Nandamuri Balakrishna and MP Daggubati Purandeswari were among the prominent personalities who visited NTR Ghat. Former ministers Motkupalli Narasimhulu, Eenagala Peddireddy and Babumohan also paid their respects as the ghat witnessed a steady stream of visitors.