From Silver Screen to Political Stage: The Rise of NTR

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Posted by admin on 2025-01-24 14:59:15 |

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Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, popularly known as NTR, was a towering figure in both the Telugu film industry and Indian politics. His life story is one of remarkable transformation from a beloved film star to a revolutionary politician who reshaped the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh.

A Star is Born

Born on May 28, 1923, in the village of Nimmakuru in Andhra Pradesh, NTR's journey to fame began in the film industry. His first brush with cinema came in 1949, when he appeared in a small role as a constable in Mana Desam. By 1950, NTR had already started to make a name for himself with his portrayal of side-hero characters. However, it was his embodiment of Hindu deities, particularly Lord Krishna, that solidified his status as a cinematic icon. His performance in films such as Raja Harishchandra, Narthanasala, and Sri Venkateswara Mahatmyam brought him unprecedented fame.

NTR’s portrayal of Lord Krishna was particularly influential. His portrayal became so iconic that his image as Krishna adorned the walls of millions of homes across South India, with many devotees associating him with divine power. He also played a variety of roles, including that of the villainous Ravana, the noble Bhishma, and the heroic Rama. With more than 300 films to his name, and with over 80% of them being hits, NTR was the undisputed king of Tollywood until the late 1970s.

The Political Shift

NTR’s transformation from a film star to a political leader is one of the most dramatic in Indian history. In 1982, following an alleged incident of humiliation to former Chief Minister T. Anjaiah by the Congress leadership, NTR felt compelled to act. Outraged by the Congress's treatment of its leaders and the state's political situation, he decided to enter politics. On March 29, 1982, NTR launched the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) with the slogan of "self-respect for Telugus."

Despite being initially dismissed by political pundits as a mere film star with no political experience, NTR proved them wrong. He embarked on a whirlwind tour across Andhra Pradesh, traveling in a customized van dubbed the Chaitanya Ratham, engaging directly with the masses and calling for a political shift. His speeches, filled with fiery rhetoric and passion, captivated the common people. NTR's focus on economic welfare for the poor, including the provision of rice at ₹2 per kilogram and pucca houses for the underprivileged, resonated deeply with the people.

In 1983, just nine months after the TDP's formation, NTR led the party to a historic victory, winning 201 out of 294 seats in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly. This victory was not just a political triumph but a social revolution, as NTR became the first non-Congress Chief Minister of the state.

Political Struggles and Betrayals

While NTR's rise was meteoric, his political journey was also fraught with struggles. In 1984, just 18 months after taking office, NTR faced betrayal from within his own party. Nadendla Bhaskar Rao, a senior leader of the TDP, ousted NTR from power with the support of the Governor. However, NTR did not back down. He launched a campaign against this undemocratic move, and within a month, Bhaskar Rao was forced to resign, paving the way for NTR's return to power.

NTR's political battles extended beyond his own party. In 1985, he made headlines when he walked out of a National Development Council meeting, protesting the dismissal of the Farooq Abdullah government in Jammu and Kashmir. This act of defiance brought him into conflict with the Congress-led central government, marking the beginning of his opposition to the Congress party on a national stage.

NTR's tenure as Chief Minister saw several controversial decisions, including the reduction in the retirement age for state government employees and the abolishment of the hierarchical patwari system. While these moves were intended to modernize governance, they led to significant discontent among certain sections of the state.

National Impact and Family Feud

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, NTR expanded his focus to national politics, playing a pivotal role in the formation of the National Front—a coalition of non-Congress parties aimed at challenging the Congress's dominance at the national level. The Front garnered significant support from parties such as the DMK, AGP, and BJP, making a notable impact, even though it was short-lived.

On the personal front, NTR's life took a significant turn when, after the passing of his first wife, he married Lakshmi Parvathi in 1993. Lakshmi Parvathi, who had cared for him during his illness, became a central figure in NTR's life. While her entry into the Nandamuri family created some tensions, especially with NTR’s son-in-law, N. Chandrababu Naidu, it also marked a new phase in the family’s legacy.

Despite the challenges within the family, it is essential to acknowledge the vital role played by Chandrababu Naidu in ensuring the continuity of NTR's political vision. As NTR's health began to decline, Naidu stepped up to lead the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), guiding it through a crucial phase. In 1995, after navigating a political crisis, Naidu became the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Under his leadership, the state witnessed significant progress, particularly in areas such as information technology and infrastructure. Naidu's strategic thinking and reforms furthered NTR’s vision of a prosperous Andhra Pradesh.

Naidu’s ability to unite the TDP during a challenging time and his focus on economic growth and governance allowed the party to remain a formidable force in the state. His leadership, grounded in the principles of self-respect for Telugus and social welfare, ensured that NTR's legacy of service to the people lived on, shaping the future of Andhra Pradesh.

Legacy and Commemoration

Despite his untimely death, NTR's legacy lives on. The centenary of his birth in 2023 is being celebrated with a series of events across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The NTR Puraskarams are being awarded to eminent personalities in fields like literature, arts, politics, and social service. His life story remains a testament to the power of the common man and the ability of a film star to inspire political change.

Today, NTR is remembered not only as a legendary actor but also as a transformative political leader who gave a voice to the Telugu people, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural and political history of Andhra Pradesh. His influence continues through his family, particularly his son-in-law Chandrababu Naidu, who has carried forward the political mantle of the TDP, ensuring that NTR’s legacy endures in both the cultural and political arenas.

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