Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao

Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, also known by his initials NTR or his popular name Anna garu, was an Indian actor, filmmaker and politician who served as the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh for seven years over three terms. He was one of the most influential figures in the history of Telugu cinema and politics, and was revered by his fans as a cultural icon and a messiah of the masses. Rama Rao made his debut as an actor in a Telugu social film Mana Desam, directed by L. V. Prasad in 1949. He gained popularity in the 1950s when he became well known for his portrayals of Hindu deities, especially Krishna, Shiva and Rama. He later became known for portraying antagonistic characters and Robin Hood-esque hero characters in films. He starred in over 300 films, predominantly in Telugu cinema, and was referred by the media as Viswa Vikhyatha Nata Sarvabhouma (Universally-renowned star of acting). He received three National Film Awards, four Rashtrapati Awards, a Filmfare Award, a Nandi Award, and a Padma Shri award for his contributions to Indian cinema. Rama Rao entered politics in 1982 and founded the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) with the slogan of Telugu self-respect and pride. He challenged the dominance of the Indian National Congress in Andhra Pradesh and won the state assembly elections in 1983, becoming the first non-Congress chief minister of the state. He was known for his populist schemes such as subsidized rice, prohibition of liquor, and empowerment of women and backward classes. He also played a key role in the national politics, forming the National Front coalition with other regional parties and supporting V. P. Singh as the prime minister in 1989. He served as the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh for three terms, until he was ousted from his party and government by his son-in-law N. Chandrababu Naidu in 1995. Rama Rao died of a cardiac arrest on 18 January 1996 at his residence in Hyderabad, aged 72. He was cremated with full state honors and his ashes were immersed at Srirangapatna by his second wife Lakshmi Parvathi. He was voted as the Greatest Indian Actor of All Time in a CNN-IBN national poll conducted in 2013 on the occasion of the Centenary of Indian Cinema. He was also included in the list of 100 Greatest Indian Films of All Time by the same channel. His life and legacy have inspired several biographical films, books, and documentaries.