Chiranjeevi Honored with NTR National Award at Telangana Gaddar Film Awards 2026
The Telangana Gaddar Film Awards 2026 marked a historic and deeply emotional occasion as Megastar Chiranjeevi was bestowed with the prestigious NTR National Award. This honor recognizes his unparalleled and enduring contributions to Indian cinema, solidifying his status as a legendary figure in the film industry.
A Grand Ceremony on Ugadi
The award ceremony took place in Hyderabad on March 19, 2026, coinciding with the Ugadi festival. The event was graced by the presence of Bollywood icon Madhuri Dixit and Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who jointly presented the award to the veteran actor. The atmosphere was filled with celebration and reverence for Chiranjeevi's decades-long career.
Ram Charan's Heartfelt Tribute
Celebrating this significant milestone, his son and global star Ram Charan took to Instagram to share "proud moments" from the event. In his post, he expressed deep gratitude to the Telangana state government and described his father's journey as a constant source of inspiration across generations. Ram Charan wrote, "Heartfelt gratitude to the Telangana Gaddar Film Awards for celebrating cinema and honouring such exceptional talent. Congratulations to all the winners."
He further added, "It is an incredibly proud and emotional moment for our family to see Chiranjeevi Garu being conferred with the NTR National Award. His journey, commitment, and love for cinema have been truly inspiring across generations, and this recognition feels very special. My sincere thanks to Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Revanth Reddy Garu and the Government of Telangana for recognizing talent and hosting such a grand and memorable celebration."
Chiranjeevi's Reflections on NTR
Earlier, Chiranjeevi shared his thoughts on receiving the award, paying homage to Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR). On X (formerly Twitter), he posted in Telugu, which translates to English as: "Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao garu, who stood as a creator of history... a huge artist who carried forward fine arts in his very name. NTR means... N – Dance, T – Rhythm, R – Melody... a blend of all arts. A huge personality who took the glory of Telugu cinema across continents. Even if we don’t know how God looks... through the roles he portrayed, he brought God right before our eyes with his exceptional talent. It feels as though Rama Rao garu was born for cinema itself; Telugu cinema is unimaginable without him. Receiving the ‘NTR National Award’ in the name of such a huge personality is a great honour in my life."
Adding to a Legendary Legacy
This award adds another significant achievement to Chiranjeevi's already illustrious legacy. It follows the record-breaking success of his 2026 Sankranthi blockbuster, 'Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu,' which became his biggest film to date. The NTR National Award is specifically given to artists who have made outstanding contributions to Indian cinema, highlighting Chiranjeevi's dedication, hard work, and numerous hit movies over many years.
Recent and Upcoming Projects
On the work front, Chiranjeevi was last seen in 'Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu,' which achieved monumental success. Meanwhile, Ram Charan is set to appear next in the film 'Peddi,' scheduled for release on April 30, 2026.
The Telangana Gaddar Film Awards 2026 not only celebrated cinematic excellence but also underscored the profound impact of veteran artists like Chiranjeevi on the cultural landscape. This event serves as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the recognition of talent that transcends generations.
