Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep pride and admiration for actor-turned-politician Nandamuri Balakrishna as he celebrated the latter’s receipt of the Padma Bhushan award. Naidu called it an “unstoppable journey” for Balakrishna, who transitioned from being the playful “Allari Balayya” to now being honored with the prestigious award.
Speaking at a special ceremony held in Hyderabad on Saturday evening, Chandrababu said, “Until yesterday, he was Allari Balayya, and now he is Padma Bhushan Balayya. This is an unstoppable journey. He is a son the nation can be proud of, and we are incredibly proud that this award has come to a member of our family.”
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The celebration, attended by members of the Nandamuri and Naidu families, along with prominent figures from both the film and political sectors, highlighted Balakrishna’s significant contributions both in cinema and politics. Naidu shared his personal connection with the actor, emphasizing the admiration he holds for Balakrishna’s achievements.
Had the honor of spending a memorable evening with the visionary leader, CM Shri @ncbn garu, celebrating the remarkable achievement of our beloved #NandamuriBalakrishna garu on receiving the prestigious #PadmaBhushan, in an event organized by #Bhuvaneshwari garu. pic.twitter.com/MC8BvUYXl4
— Gopichandh Malineni (@megopichand) February 2, 2025
“I may be caught in the middle between Balayya and Bhuvaneshwari, but it’s an honor to witness their success. The bond between them is quite powerful,” Naidu remarked. “From being mischievous Allari Balayya to now receiving the Padma Bhushan, he has come a long way. This is only the beginning of an unstoppable journey. We are all immensely proud as a family.”
Reflecting on their shared experiences, Naidu acknowledged Balakrishna’s remarkable influence not only in the film industry but also in politics. “While most people aim to reach the peak in their chosen field, Balakrishna excels in multiple arenas. He entered cinema in 1974, and I became an MLA in 1978. He’s four years senior to me, and his journey has been nothing short of extraordinary,” Naidu concluded.
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