Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh, Jr NTR, and Others Celebrate Nandamuri Balakrishna’s Padma Bhushan Honor
On January 25, 2025, the iconic Telugu actor and politician, Nandamuri Balakrishna, was honored with the prestigious Padma Bhushan award, a day before Republic Day. This recognition serves as a testament to his remarkable contributions to the world of arts and his lasting influence on Telugu cinema. His impact on the industry has been profound, spanning decades of dedicated work, and the Padma Bhushan stands as a fitting tribute to his extraordinary achievements. Following the announcement of the award, numerous prominent figures from the South Indian film industry expressed their admiration and congratulations, taking to social media to celebrate his honor.
Legendary actor Chiranjeevi, a close friend of Balakrishna, took to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate him. Along with Nandamuri Balakrishna, Chiranjeevi also congratulated fellow Padma Bhushan recipients, including Ajith Kumar and Anant Nag. His heartfelt message read, “Heartiest Congratulations on the conferment of the prestigious Padma Vibhushan to Dr. D Nageswara Reddy garu for his illustrious services, and Padma Bhushan awards to dear friends #NandamuriBalakrishna, #AjithKumar, Sri Anant Nag, Sekhar Kapur Ji, my co-star in Rudraveena #Sobhana, and Padma Shri Awardees Arijit Singh, Madugula Nagaphani Sarma, and every Padma Awardee! Well deserved!!” Chiranjeevi’s words reflected the pride and admiration that many in the film industry share for Balakrishna’s legacy.
Balakrishna’s nephew, Jr NTR, also shared his heartfelt congratulations, expressing his deep admiration for his “Babai” (uncle). Jr NTR wrote, “Heartiest congratulations to Bala Babai on being honored with the prestigious Padma Bhushan award. This recognition is a testament to your unparalleled contributions to cinema and your relentless public service.” His message highlighted the personal bond and respect he holds for Balakrishna, alongside the recognition of his immense contribution to both cinema and society.
Another member of the Nandamuri family, Kalyanram Nandamuri, also celebrated his uncle’s achievement. He shared his heartfelt congratulations, writing, “Heartfelt congratulations to my Babai Nandamuri Balakrishna garu on receiving the prestigious Padma Bhushan award. This honor is a true recognition of your exceptional contributions to the world of cinema and your relentless efforts in serving society.” Kalyanram’s words underscored the respect and pride the Nandamuri family holds for Balakrishna’s career and his impact on the community.
Venkatesh Daggubati, another celebrated actor, also joined in the congratulatory messages. Acknowledging Balakrishna’s monumental influence on cinema and public service, he wrote, “Many congratulations to Balayya on the prestigious Padma Bhushan!! A well-deserved honor for your monumental impact on cinema and your dedication to public service!” Venkatesh’s message spoke to the broader recognition of Balakrishna’s dual legacy in both the entertainment industry and his public service.
Srikanth Odela, a prominent figure in the Telugu film industry, praised Balakrishna for being an inspiration. He wrote, “Hearty congratulations to #NandamuriBalaKrishna sir on winning the prestigious #PadmaBhushan award for his countless contributions to Telugu cinema & social welfare.” Srikanth’s words reflected how Balakrishna has served as a role model to both aspiring filmmakers and those involved in social causes.
Director Anil Ravipudi also celebrated Balakrishna’s achievements, calling him a “Living Legend.” He shared his thoughts, writing, “My heartfelt congratulations to the Living Legend, Natasimham #NandamuriBalakrishna garu for being honored with the Padma Bhushan Award. A moment of immense pride for all Telugu people. His contributions to cinema, culture, and society are an everlasting legacy.” Ravipudi’s message reflected the sense of pride many feel for Balakrishna’s lasting legacy in the film industry.
In conclusion, Nandamuri Balakrishna’s Padma Bhushan honor has not only been a moment of pride for him but has sparked widespread admiration from his colleagues, family, and fans alike. This recognition is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his tireless contributions to Telugu cinema and his impactful service to society. As the messages from his fellow film industry stalwarts demonstrate, Balakrishna’s influence transcends the screen, leaving an indelible mark on both the cultural and social fabric of Telugu-speaking people.