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Nagarjuna (actor)

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Akkineni Nagarjuna Rao[a] (born 29 August 1959), known mononymously as Nagarjuna, is an Indian actor and film producer who works predominantly in Telugu, Hindi and Tamil films. One of the highest paid South Indian actor,[4][5] Nagarjuna has appeared in over 100 films. He is a recipient of two National Film Awards for Ninne Pelladata (1996) and Annamayya (1997), ten state Nandi Awards and three Filmfare Awards South.

Nagarjuna
Nagarjuna on Bigg Boss 7 in 2023
Born
Akkineni Nagarjuna Rao[1][2]

(1959-08-29) 29 August 1959 (age 65)[3]
Madras (present-day Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India
Alma materEastern Michigan University (B.S.)
Occupations
  • Actor
  • film producer
  • entrepreneur
Years active1986–present
WorksFull list
Spouses
Lakshmi Daggubati
​
​
(m. 1984; div. 1990)​
​
(m. 1992)​
Children
FatherAkkineni Nageswara Rao
FamilySee Daggubati-Akkineni family
AwardsFull list

In 1989, Nagarjuna starred in the Mani Ratnam-directed romantic drama film Geetanjali, which won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film. In the same year, he appeared in the commercially successful Siva, an action film directed by Ram Gopal Varma; featured at the 13th IFFI' 90.[6][7] Nagarjuna made his Bollywood debut with the 1990 Hindi remake of Shiva. Known by his works in biographical films, he played 15th-century composer Annamacharya in Annamayya (1997), Yavakri (the son of the ascetic Bharadvaja) in Agni Varsha (2002), Major Padmapani Acharya in the war film LOC: Kargil (2003), 17th-century composer Kancherla Gopanna in Sri Ramadasu (2006), Suddala Hanmanthu in Rajanna (2011), Sai Baba of Shirdi in Shirdi Sai (2012), Chandaludu in Jagadguru Adi Shankara (2013), and Hathiram Bhavaji in Om Namo Venkatesaya (2017).[8]

Nagarjuna has largely starred in action films, establishing himself as an action star with works such as Aakhari Poratam (1988), Vicky Daada (1989), Siva (1989), Neti Siddhartha (1990), Chaitanya (1991), Nirnayam (1991), Antham (1992), Killer (1992), Khuda Gawah (1992), Rakshana (1993), Hello Brother (1994), Govinda Govinda (1994), Criminal (1994), Ratchagan (1997), Azad (2000), Sivamani (2003), Mass (2004), Super (2005), Don (2007), and King (2008).

In 2013, he represented the Cinema of South India at the Delhi Film Festival's 100 Years of Indian Cinema's celebration, alongside Ramesh Sippy and Vishal Bhardwaj from Bollywood.[9] In 1995, he ventured into film production, with a production unit operating in Seychelles, and was a co-director of an Emmy Award-winning film animation company called Heart Animation.[10] Nagarjuna is the co-owner of the production company Annapurna Studios. He is also the president of the non-profit film school Annapurna International School of Film and Media based in Hyderabad.[11][12][13]

Early life and family

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Akkineni Nagarjuna Rao was born on 29 August 1959 in Madras (present-day Chennai)[14] in a Telugu family to the veteran actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao and his wife Annapurna. His family hails from Ramapuram in Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh.[15] His father moved to Madras seeking career as an actor.

The family later moved to Hyderabad, where he did his schooling in Hyderabad Public School and intermediate education from Little Flower Junior College, Hyderabad. He completed one year of his Mechanical Engineering from the College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University in Madras,[16] former Indian cricketer Krishnamachari Srikanth was his college mate during his Engineering days, and earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan.[17][18]

Career

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Main article: Nagarjuna filmography

1961-1988

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Nagarjuna stepped into the field of acting as an infant in the movie Velugu Needalu (1961).[19] He began acting as a child artist in Sudigundalu (1967) directed by Adurthi Subba Rao. Both movies starred his father Akkineni Nageswara Rao in the lead role.[20] Years later he made his debut as a lead actor through the 1986 Telugu film Vikram, directed by V. Madhusudhana Rao. It is the remake of the 1983 Hindi film Hero. The film was a success, giving Nagarjuna a good start.[21] Later, he starred in films like Majnu, directed by Dasari Narayana Rao, which was well received. Nagarjuna got positive reviews for his portrayal of a heartbroken man. He then starred in Sankeertana, a below average grosser directed by debutant Geetha Krishna with music by Ilaiyaraaja. The film was appreciated for its content and music. In 1988, he starred in the blockbuster Aakhari Poratam, scripted by Yandamuri Veerendranath, and directed by K. Raghavendra Rao where he was paired opposite Sridevi and Suhasini. In 1988, he starred in Janaki Ramudu alongside Vijayashanti was directed again by K. Raghavendra Rao.

1989-1999

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In 1989, he starred in the Mani Ratnam-directed romantic drama Geetanjali.[22] The film won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment in 1990.[23] Immediately, he saw another success, Siva. This film marked the debut of director Ram Gopal Varma. This film is considered a trendsetter in Telugu cinema, and made Nagarjuna a superstar.[24] In 1990, he subsequently made his Bollywood debut with the Hindi remake of the same film titled Shiva. Even the Hindi version saw huge box-office success. He followed it up with sub fare like Prema Yuddham, Iddaru Iddare and Nirnayam. He then starred in Jaitra Yatra, for which he received critical acclaim.[25]

He followed it up with box office hits like Nirnayam (1991), Killer (1992) and working with eminent directors such as Fazil and Priyadarshan. Nagarjuna was fondly called "Celluloid Scientist" for his nature of experimenting with different scripts.[26] Some of his prominent hit films released subsequently included President Gari Pellam (1992), Varasudu (1993), Allari Alludu (1993), Hello Brother (1994) and Gharana Bullodu (1995).

He starred in his first Hindi-Telugu bilingual Criminal directed by Mahesh Bhatt. Many of his films were also dubbed into Tamil. In 1996, Nagarjuna starred opposite actress Tabu and produced Ninne Pelladata, directed by Krishna Vamsi. The movie won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu and Filmfare Award for Best Film – Telugu.[27] The next year, Nagarjuna acted in Annamayya (1997), in which he portrayed the role of Annamacharya, a 15th-century Telugu singer and poet.[28] This won him his Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu and his first Nandi Award for Best Actor. He also received a National Award for this role.[29] Later that year, he starred in the Tamil film Ratchagan, directed by Praveen Gandhi.[30] In 1998, he appeared in the romantic comedy Aavida Maa Aavide and then plays as lead role in the Hindi action Angaaray.[31][32] He co-starring with Ajay Devgn in Zakhm.[33][34] In 1999, he was seen in two films Seetharama Raju and Ravoyi Chandamama.[35][36]

2000-2010

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His subsequent releases were Tamil remakes Nuvvu Vastavani (2000), Ninne Premistha (2000) and Snehamante Idera (2001). Followed by Malalayam remakes Bava Nachadu (2001) and Adhipathi (2001). He starred in romantic comedies such as Santosham, Manmadhudu, and Sivamani. He produced Satyam in 2003, which starred his nephew Sumanth..[37] In 2004, Nagarjuna had two releases, Nenunnanu and Mass.[38] The latter was produced by Nagarjuna and directed by choreographer Raghava Lawrence.[39] In 2005, Nagarjuna acted in and produced Super.[40] In 2006, he starred in Sri Ramadasu, his second period film based on the 18th-century Telugu Saint / poet of the same name.[41] Nagarjuna received the Nandi Award for Best Actor.[42] In 2007, he appeared in Don [43] and a year later, he appeared in King alongside Trisha.[44] In 2010, he had the films Kedi and Ragada.[45][46]

2011-present

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In 2011, he appeared in the action thriller Gaganam. The Tamil version was titled Payanam. He was seen also in the period action film in Rajanna[47] In 2012, Nagarjuna) appears as Sai Baba in Shirdi Sai and then action fantasy film Damarukam.[48].[49] His next film Greeku Veerudu (2013) alongside Nayanthara.[50] His next Bhai was a disaster at the box office.[51] In 2014, Nagarjuna starred in the blockbuster family drama, Manam, directed by Vikram Kumar. He had a dual role in Soggade Chinni Nayana (2016), which turned out to be one of his biggest blockbusters.[52] Later he played a cripple in Vamshi Paidipally's bilingual film Oopiri, which Starred Karthi. This movie which was a hit.[53] In 2017, he played a devotional role in the film Om Namo Venkatesaya. It garnered average reviews from critics and turned out to be a disaster.[54] He then starred in a horror film titled Raju Gari Gadhi 2 (2017), which had an average run at the box office.[55] In 2018, he starred in the film Officer directed and produced by Ram Gopal Varma.[56] In 2018, the action comedy Devadas, alongside Nani was released to positive reviews.[57] In 2019, he was seen in the romantic comedy Manmadhudu 2.[58]

The next film, Nagarjuna delivers a fine performance in the action thriller, Wild Dog (2021).[59] He plays alongside his son Naga Chaitanya in Bangarraju (2022).[60] Then, he acted in the Hindi fantasy action-adventure Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva (2022).[61] Next, Nagarjuna played as Interpol officer in the action thriller The Ghost (2022).[62] In 2024, Naa Saami Ranga marks a triumphant comeback for Akkineni Nagarjuna.[63]

Other work

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Television

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Co-owner Nagarjuna during Mumbai Masters Match at Indian Badminton League 2013

Nagarjuna made his début as a television producer in 2009 with the soap opera Yuva.[64] He was a major shareholders of the television channel Maa TV before it was sold to the Star Network.[65] Nagarjuna hosted the Indian Telugu-language version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? titled Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu. The first season of the show was telecast on MAA TV from 9 June 2014 to 7 August 2014 (40 episodes). The second season was also showcased on MAA TV from 9 December 2014 to 27 February 2015 (55 episodes).[66] In 2015, he was honoured with the Entertainment Leader Award (Television) for his work in the show at the TV5 Business Leaders Awards ceremony.[67] He had hosted the third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh season of Bigg Boss in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 and the First Season of Bigg Boss Non Stop in 2022. [68]

Ownerships, endorsements and earnings

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Since 2013, He was a co-owner of the Mumbai Masters of the Indian Badminton League, along with Sunil Gavaskar, and the Mahi Racing Team India, along with MS Dhoni.[66][69][70] Nagarjuna currently endorses Kalyan Jewellers in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.[citation needed] He was listed as No. 36 and No. 43 in Forbes India's top 100 Celebrities for the years 2012 and 2013 respectively.[71][72] He is one of the co-owners of the Indian Super League club Kerala Blasters FC.[73]

N3 Realty Enterprises

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Nagarjuna is the founding partner of N3 Realty Enterprises, the parent entity for N-Convention center, N-Grill and District N. The later two establishments are now non-existent. In 2014, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation identified that N convention had encroached on litigated premises.[74] Subsequently, through legal opinions, a correction path of the land was initiated by the local administrators.[75] On 24 August 2024, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Monitoring and Protection (HYDRAA) demolished the N-Convention centre citing encroachment of adjacent lake.[76]

Philanthropy

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Nagarjuna, along with his wife Amala, are co-founders of Blue Cross of Hyderabad, recognised by the Animal Welfare Board of India.[77][78] It is a non-government organisation (NGO) in Hyderabad, which works for the welfare of animals. Nagarjuna was also involved in welfare programs undertaken by the MAA TV association, and presently serves as the brand ambassador for HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns.[79] In 2010, he starred in an HIV/AIDS animated software tutorial created by TeachAids, a nonprofit founded at Stanford University.[80]

Personal life

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In February 1984, Nagarjuna married Lakshmi Daggubati, the daughter of D. Ramanaidu, a prominent film-maker, and sister of the actor Venkatesh and producer Suresh Babu.[81] Lakshmi and Nagarjuna have one son, actor Naga Chaitanya born on 23 November 1986.[82] However, the couple got divorced in 1990. Nagarjuna then married actress Amala on 11 June 1992,[83] and the couple have one son, actor Akhil, born on 8 April 1994.[84] While, Lakshmi married Sharath Vijayaraghavan, a corporate executive at Sundaram Motors.[85] Naga Chaitanya was previously married to actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu from 2017 to 2021,[86] and is currently engaged to actress Sobhita Dhulipala.[87]

Accolades

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Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Nagarjuna

Nagarjuna has been the recipient of two National Film Awards, ten Nandi Awards and three Filmfare Awards South.[88]

Notes

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  1. ^ In this Telugu name, the surname is Akkineni.

References

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  1. ^ Prasad, B. Krishna (18 May 2012). "Actor Nagarjuna has 2 lakh shares in Vanpic holding Company". The Times of India. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  2. ^ "Board of Directors". Maa TV. Archived from the original on 28 May 2014. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  3. ^ "Akkineni Nagarjuna rings in 56th birthday in Thailand". The Indian Express. 29 August 2015. Retrieved 8 June 2019.
  4. ^ "Discovering South India's richest actors: A closer look at Prabhas, Ram Charan, Nagarjuna, and Rajinikanth's net worth". The Financial Express. 22 March 2024. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  5. ^ "Top 7 richest South Indian actors 2024: Nagarjuna Akkineni to Thalapathy Vijay". Pinkvilla. 12 September 2024. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
  6. ^ Chinnarayana 2007, p. 54.
  7. ^ "International Film Festival of India 1990" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 April 2016. Retrieved 17 April 2016.
  8. ^ Suresh Krishnamoorthy (30 April 2013). "At the end of the day, Nag wants to feel good". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Retrieved 25 August 2013.
  9. ^ "NDTV Movies". ndtv.com.
  10. ^ "45th National Film Awards" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 11 March 2012.
  11. ^ "I need a break: Nagarjuna". The Times of India. 20 April 2012. Archived from the original on 21 May 2013.
  12. ^ "Nagarjuna is brand ambassador for Kalyan Jewellers". Business Line. 1 December 2010. Archived from the original on 20 November 2012. Retrieved 24 October 2012.
  13. ^ "Swept away by 'Nag' magic". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 11 July 2011.
  14. ^ "'Prince' and 'King' add Kamma Flavour to Congress". greatandhra.com. Archived from the original on 27 May 2014. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  15. ^ Naidu, T. Appala; Varma, P. Sujatha (22 January 2014). "Visitors throng ANR's home at Ramapuram". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  16. ^ Vidya Raja (31 July 2018). "India's Oldest Engineering College Turns 225: 6 Alumni Who Have Made Guindy Proud!". The Better India.
  17. ^ "Know your Foe – Eastern Michigan 2009, famous alums, Indian actor Nagarjuna Akkineni". Eastern Michigan University newsletter. Ypsilanti, MI. 18 September 2009.
  18. ^ "I chose life over Bollywood: Nagarjuna". The Times of India. 11 July 2010. Archived from the original on 6 November 2012.
  19. ^ "Nagarjuna Turns 65: Telugu Cinema Icon's Top Movies, Songs and Family Life".
  20. ^ "Nagarjuna Akkineni: From being born into a successful film family to forging his own path; lesser-known facts about the star".
  21. ^ "NAkkineni Nagarjuna Birthday Special:10 Evergreen Songs Of The Telugu Superstar That Cannot Be Missed".
  22. ^ "Finding The Roots Of Mani Ratnam's Geethanjali".
  23. ^ "Geethanjali".
  24. ^ "Film flashback: 'Shiva', from the days when Ram Gopal Varma was truly great".
  25. ^ "Jaitra Yatra".
  26. ^ "Nag's Bio-Data".
  27. ^ "Ninne Pelladatha".
  28. ^ "Celebrating Nagarjuna Akkineni: 5 best performances of the legendary actor".
  29. ^ "Annamayya".
  30. ^ "Ratchagan".
  31. ^ "Aavida Maa Aavide".
  32. ^ "It's cool in the underworld".
  33. ^ "Hate, love and god".
  34. ^ "It's cool in the underworld".
  35. ^ "Seetharama Raju".
  36. ^ "Movie review - Ravoyi Chandamama - A review".
  37. ^ "Movie review - Sathyam".
  38. ^ "Movie review - Nenunnanu".
  39. ^ "Movie review - Mass".
  40. ^ "Super".
  41. ^ "Sri Ramadasu floors them all". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 15 April 2006. Archived from the original on 15 May 2006. Retrieved 2 March 2010.
  42. ^ "Nandi Awards 2006".
  43. ^ "Nagarjuna rocks in Don".
  44. ^ "Telugu Movie review - King".
  45. ^ "Telugu Movie review - Kedi".
  46. ^ "Telugu Movie review - Ragada".
  47. ^ "Nagarjuna Rajanna movie details". Archived from the original on 15 April 2011. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
  48. ^ "Telugu Movie review - Shirdi Sai".
  49. ^ "Telugu Movie review - Dhamarukam".
  50. ^ "Greeku Veerudu".
  51. ^ Nagarjuna's Love Story ifilmish.com
  52. ^ AndhraBoxOffice.com. "Soggade Chinni Nayana Final Total WW Collections| AndhraBoxOffice.com". andhraboxoffice.com. Retrieved 29 October 2018.
  53. ^ AndhraBoxOffice.com. "Oopiri (Thozha) Final Total WW Collections| AndhraBoxOffice.com". andhraboxoffice.com. Retrieved 29 October 2018.
  54. ^ AndhraBoxOffice.com. "Om Namo Venkatesaya Final Total WW Collections| AndhraBoxOffice.com". andhraboxoffice.com. Retrieved 29 October 2018.
  55. ^ AndhraBoxOffice.com. "Raju Gari Gadhi 2 Final Total WW Collections| AndhraBoxOffice.com". andhraboxoffice.com. Retrieved 29 October 2018.
  56. ^ "Officer Movie Review: Dull cop story from RGV and Nagarjuna".
  57. ^ "Devadas movie review: It's Nag and Nani show completely".
  58. ^ "Manmadhudu 2 Review: Excellent Nagarjuna and Rakul Preet drive a passable entertainer".
  59. ^ "Wild Dog Review".
  60. ^ "Bangarajju Movie Review: An Inconsistent Mix of Mass And Drama That Works Only In Parts".
  61. ^ "Brahmastra Part One: Shiva Movie Review : Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt starrer superhero adventure plays with fire".
  62. ^ "The Ghost Movie Review : Nagarjuna and Sonal Chauhan shine in this half-baked film".
  63. ^ "Naa Saami Ranga Movie Review : Nagarjuna's wholesome entertainer enlivens Sankranti spirit".
  64. ^ "Nagarjuna launches 'Yuva'". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 20 November 2007. Archived from the original on 3 December 2007. Retrieved 2 March 2010.
  65. ^ "Actor Nagarjuna to focus on entertainment biz". Business Line. 20 December 2007. Retrieved 2 March 2010.
  66. ^ a b "Nagarjuna to host Telugu KBC". The Hindu. 19 April 2014. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  67. ^ "Entertainment Leader Award to Actor Nagarjuna". The New Indian Express. 26 April 2015. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  68. ^ "Bigg Boss Telugu Season 5 new promo: Nagarjuna promises an end to boredom, watch". The Indian Express. 15 August 2021. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  69. ^ "Sunil Gavaskar and actor Nagarjuna buy Mumbai franchise of IBL". The Times of India. 18 July 2013. Archived from the original on 21 July 2013.
  70. ^ "After Megastar its now Superstar". cinesprint.com. Archived from the original on 8 August 2014. Retrieved 7 August 2014.
  71. ^ "Nagarjuna". forbesindia.com. Archived from the original on 29 January 2013. Retrieved 4 May 2013.
  72. ^ "Pawan Kalyan tops Forbes list in Tollywood". The Times of India. 15 January 2017.
  73. ^ "Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna to co-own Sachin's Kerala Blasters". @businessline. 1 June 2016. Retrieved 18 August 2019.
  74. ^ "N Convention Centre: Legal opinion sought". Deccan Chronicle. 3 July 2014.
  75. ^ Singh, T. Lalith (14 July 2014). "N Convention on 'correction' path?". The Hindu.
  76. ^ Bommala, Nabinder (24 August 2024). "Nagarjuna's N-Convention encroached 1.12 acres: HYDRAA". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  77. ^ "Our Team – Blue Cross Of Hyderbad". bluecrosshyd.in. Archived from the original on 4 August 2008. Retrieved 26 January 2011.
  78. ^ "Blue Cross of Hyderabad – The Team". Blue Cross of Hyderabad. 26 January 2011. Archived from the original on 4 August 2008. Retrieved 26 January 2011.
  79. ^ "Maa Tv associationTeam". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 26 January 2011. Archived from the original on 28 January 2011. Retrieved 26 January 2011.
  80. ^ "Animation lessons on HIV/AIDS awareness released". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 27 November 2010. Archived from the original on 4 December 2010. Retrieved 1 December 2010.
  81. ^ "Who is Lakshmi Daggubati? Naga Chaitanya's mother and interior designer whose saree gift to Sobhita Dhulipala is talk of the town". Pinkvilla. Retrieved 25 October 2024.
  82. ^ "Happy birthday, Naga Chaitanya! From 'Ye Maaya Chesave' to 'Manam', a look at the star's most successful films". Economic Times. 23 November 2022. Retrieved 29 November 2022.
  83. ^ "A day in the life of Amala Akkineni". The Times of India. 19 December 2001. Archived from the original on 10 August 2018. Retrieved 16 August 2015.
  84. ^ Sangeetha Devi Dundoo. "Akhil Akkineni: There's no guarantee for success". The Hindu. Retrieved 15 November 2015.
  85. ^ Sharma, Bhavana (14 March 2020). "Did you know who Naga Chaitanya's step-father and half-brother are? Take a look. [Photo]". International Business Times, India Edition. Archived from the original on 15 March 2020. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
  86. ^ "Samantha Akkineni, Naga Chaitanya confirm divorce, share note about 'difficult time'". Hindustan Times. 2 October 2021. Retrieved 26 October 2022.
  87. ^ "Naga Chaitanya-Sobhita Dhulipala engaged, Nagarjuna shares first photos: Here's how their 'infinite love' began". The Indian Express. 8 August 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  88. ^ "Nagarjuna Akkineni". India Today. Retrieved 7 April 2020.
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