New Delhi [India], May 28 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tributes to the legendary actor and former Andhra Chief Minister Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, fondly known as NTR, on his 102nd birth anniversary, celebrating his contributions to society and the film industry as a whole.

In a post on X, PM Modi praised NTR's dedication to serving the poor and downtrodden, noting his enduring cinematic legacy and inspirational impact.

'I pay homage to NTR Garu on his birth anniversary. He is widely admired for his efforts to serve society and empower the poor and downtrodden. His cinematic works also continue to enthral audiences. We are all deeply inspired by him. The NDA Government in Andhra Pradesh, led by my friend Chandrababu Naidu Garu, is working to fulfil NTR's vision,' PM Modi stated.

Earlier, the Andhra Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu also paid his homage to the renowned actor, describing him as an 'idol of the Telugu people'.

In a post on X, Naidu highlighted the actor's role in social welfare, fulfilling the three needs of poor people--shelter, food, and clothing.

'I pay tribute to the great man of the era, the world-famous actor, the idol of the Telugu people, the great man who showed the self-respect of the Telugu people to the world, the social reformer who showed a new path for welfare, and 'Anna' Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao on his 102nd birth anniversary. NTR, the brave man who considered it his life's work to fulfill the three needs of the poor people - shelter, nest and cloth. He was a visionary who gave a new meaning to democracy with the slogan 'Society is the temple; people are gods,' Naidu said.

'Whether he gave property rights to girls as an elder brother, or took the sphere of governance to the people with the Mandal system, or stood by the poor with the construction of permanent houses, or satisfied the hunger of the poor by providing rice for just Rs. 2 per kilo... whatever he did, he had only one thing in mind... 'My Telugu nation should stand up with dignity'. It is not about earning a place in history... NTR is a memorable person who created history. The fact that Telugu Desam is shining brightly even today is due to his blessings. We are working tirelessly to fulfill the will of that great man.... We are moving towards achieving an equal society. I once again pay tribute to my brother Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, who has done many unparallel things,' the Andra CM added.

Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, fondly known as NTR, was an Indian actor, producer, director, editor and politician who served as the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh for seven years.He received three National Film Awards for co-producing 'Thodu Dongalu' (1954) and 'Seetharama Kalyanam' (1960) and directing 'Varakatnam' (1970).

NTR also received the erstwhile Rashtrapati Awards for his performance(s) in films like 'Raju Peda' (1954) and 'Lava Kusa' (1963). He acted in over 300 films and was known for doing the role of mythological charasters.

At the age of 72, NTR passed away from a heart attack on January 18, 1996, at his home in Hyderabad. (ANI)