JOIN USNageswara Rao suffering from cancer, vows to fight
The Tollywood thespian Akkineni Nageswara Rao, affectionately addressed as ANR, who played the role of cancer patient in many of his movies, including Dasari Narayana Rao's all time hit “Premabhishekam,” announced on Saturday that he has cancer, shocking his fans.
Addressing a press conference, at his Annapurna Studios on the sets of his home production “Manam” (We), the Telugu film icon made the declaration in a most dramatic way. He narrated all the major turning points in his 74 years of acting life, right from his initial days as a child artiste, then the days when he earned his bread by acting as a heroine in dramas and his heart attack in 1984.
He then very subtly described how the doctors diagnosed him with cancer. “I had pain in my stomach and underwent tests on October 8. The doctors told me that it is cancer.
I was not shocked as it is just another twist in my story. The country has honoured me with many awards, including Padmavibhushan and Dada Saheb Phalke award. Did I ever dream of these recognitions…this is just another surprise,” ANR said in his own inimitable style.
“My mother Punnamma lived for 96 years. I will match that,” ANR said, adding that he made his own study and found that the cancer cells will not spread fast in old age. “I spoke to world renowned cancer specialist Dr Nori Dattareyudu in USA and he assured that cancer could be defeated,” a beaming ANR, a contemporary of the late thespian N T Rama Rao said.
He urged his fans and well wishers to pray for him. “Your blessings will keep me alive for a longer time,” he said. The Akkineni family members - hero Nagarjuna, Amala, Naga Chaitanya Sumanth, Supriya, Sushant and his mother Susheela were present at the press meet.