Remembering Akkineni Nageshwara Rao on his 97th birth anniversary

Born on September 20, 1923, Akkineni Nageshwara Rao was considered one of the most successful actors of Indian cinema. He was one of the two pillars of Telugu Cinema, the other being N T Rama Rao. (Photo: Express Archive)

In 1975, Nageshwara Rao established Annapurna Studios to provide infrastructural support to the Telugu film industry in Hyderabad. He later started the Annapurna International School of Film and Media within Annapurna Studios in 2011. (Photo: Express Archive)

The actor, who featured in over 255 films, is remembered for his performances in films such as Laila Majnu, Devadasu, Maya Bazar, Mooga Manasulu and Premabhishekam among others. Premabhishekam is one of the biggest Telugu hits with 533 days run at a theater, while Devadasu became a referral point for many of its recreations. (Photo: Express Archive)

ANR received seven state Nandi Awards, and five Filmfare Awards South. He was also a recipient of the DadaSaheb Phalke Award and was conferred the Padma Vibhushan for his contribution to the film industry. (Photo: Express Archive)

ANR married Annapurna Kollipara on February 18, 1949. They had five children and 11 grandchildren, most of whom are actively involved in films and in his entrepreneurships. Here ANR is seen with Annapurna, Nagarjuna Akkineni and Sathyavathi Akkineni. (Photo: Express Archive)

This picture features Nageshwara Rao with South film industry's first female superstar Savithri Ganesan. (Photo: Express Archive)

Here ANR is seen with Raj Kapoor. (Photo: Express Archive)

Manam (2014) was ANR's last film. The actor died on January 22, 2014 after a long battle with stomach cancer. He was cremated on January 23, 2014 at Annapurna Studios with full state honours. (Photo: Express Archive)