Mon Oct 28 13:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Chiranjeevi Honored with NTR National Award, Expresses Gratitude to Amitabh Bachchan
**Hyderabad:** Renowned Telugu actor Chiranjeevi was bestowed with the prestigious NTR National Award at a ceremony held yesterday. The award was presented to him by Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, who also happens to be a close friend and mentor to Chiranjeevi.
In his acceptance speech, Chiranjeevi expressed his profound gratitude to Amitabh Bachchan, highlighting the special bond they share. He recalled how Bachchan was among the first to congratulate him on every achievement, offering words of encouragement and support throughout his career.
“My guru, my mentor, my inspiration, Amitabh Bachchan – I am eternally grateful to him,” said Chiranjeevi. “Every time something good happens to me, every time I receive an award, his well wishes are the first to reach me. Sometimes, he even comes personally to bless me.”
Chiranjeevi further spoke about the impact Bachchan’s words have had on him, particularly when he was awarded the Padma Bhushan. “Amitabh Bachchan, the king, emperor, and emperor of Indian cinema, called me ‘King of Indian Cinema’,” he shared. “Those words filled me with immense joy, and even today, they motivate me.”
He recounted the special connection he built with Bachchan during his early years in the Hindi film industry and praised Bachchan for his constant encouragement and support. “He even agreed to play my guru in ‘Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy,’ despite his busy schedule,” Chiranjeevi said. “He refused to accept any remuneration, stating he was doing it out of love and respect for me.”
Chiranjeevi concluded his speech by emphasizing that this award held a special significance for him, going beyond the accolades he has received in the past. “This award feels different,” he expressed. “It signifies the recognition from my own people, my own industry.”
The event witnessed a gathering of several prominent figures from the Telugu film industry.
First Piper 