Grand Felicitation Ceremony: “Katti Kantha Rao Memorial National Award” Presented to Actor Dr. Rajendra Prasad

On Monday evening in Hyderabad, the Katti Kantha Rao Memorial National Award was presented to veteran actor Dr. Rajendra Prasad, popularly known as Nata Kireeti. The award ceremony was organized jointly by the Bharata Cultural Academy and the Telugu Film Television Welfare Forum. As part of the event, International Women’s Day was also celebrated, and several women from different fields were honored.The program was attended by many distinguished personalities including BJP State President Ramachander Rao,Ex.Central Minister Venu Gopala Chary, Telangana State Election Officer P.Pardha Saradhi IAS, noted film director S.V. Krishna Reddy, senior actress Kavitha, Telangana FDC MD and I&PR Commissioner Ms. Priyanka IAS, TTWA President Prem Raj, Vision VVK founder Vijay Kumar, TV Federaration Founder Nagabala D. Suresh Kumar, lyricist Venigalla Rambabu, Chittaranjan, Srinivasa Raju, Akkineni Sridhar, writer Mamidi Harikrishna, film journalist Prabhu, and several others. During the event, women including actress Jyothi, senior actress Dubbing Janaki, Sushila (daughter of Kantha Rao), and many others from various fields were felicitated and presented with mementos.

Vijay Kumar (Founder, Vision VVK):Vijay Kumar said he was delighted that the Katti Kantha Rao Memorial National Award was being presented to Rajendra Prasad on the occasion of International Women’s Day celebrations. He appreciated Nagabala Suresh for organizing the event in a very short time and assured continued support from Vision VVK. He added that prosperity flourishes wherever women are respected.

Senior Actress Dubbing Janaki: Dubbing Janaki expressed her gratitude to the Bharata Cultural Academy and Telugu Film Television Welfare Forum for remembering senior artists like her and honoring them. She requested Nagabala Suresh to continue organizing such programs every year to recognize veteran artists.

Nagabala Suresh Kumar: Nagabala Suresh said that good deeds should inspire people even after we are gone. He recalled that his career began 32 years ago with the serial Adi Parashakti, followed by successful serials like Swathi Chinukulu and Nagabala, which created a sensation.He noted that the Nagabala serial was appreciated in 18 countries and was translated into 16 Indian languages. Over his career, he produced 27 serials, received 12 Nandi Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and recognition from the Guinness Book of World Records.He also mentioned forming an association bringing together 24 crafts of the Telugu television industry and establishing a dedicated building for them. Workshops are being conducted to encourage local talent.Speaking about Rajendra Prasad, he said that even with advancing technology, Rajendra Prasad’s comedy remains unmatched and continues to entertain audiences for generations.
BJP State President Ramachander Rao :Ramachander Rao said that Indians deeply respect cinema because it provides relief from life’s stress and also delivers meaningful messages. He recalled watching many films of Kantha Rao, who belonged to his neighboring region. He expressed happiness that such a prestigious memorial award was presented to a great actor like Rajendra Prasad, adding that the Padma Shri honor awarded to him recently was long overdue.
Writer Mamidi Harikrishna: Harikrishna said Rajendra Prasad is a great actor who removes people’s stress through his unique comedy. He congratulated the organizers for presenting the award. He compared legendary actors N.T. Rama Rao and Akkineni Nageswara Rao to the two eyes of Telugu cinema, while describing Kantha Rao as the tilak (auspicious mark) between them.
Retired IAS Officer Parthasarathi: Parthasarathi described Rajendra Prasad as a highly talented actor. He noted that while OTT platforms often feature crime, violence, and explicit content, Rajendra Prasad’s films can be enjoyed peacefully by the entire family.
Telangana FDC MD & I&PR Commissioner Priyanka: Priyanka said she attended the event as a fan of Rajendra Prasad. She mentioned that cinema is a powerful medium capable of bringing social change. She added that comedy is one of the most difficult genres, yet Rajendra Prasad has been entertaining audiences successfully for decades.She also stated that the Telangana Government is giving special importance to the development of the film industry. Recently the Gaddar Awards were announced, and they will be presented on Ugadi. The government aims to further strengthen the film industry as part of the Telangana Vision Document.
Director S.V. Krishna Reddy : S.V. Krishna Reddy said Rajendra Prasad’s acting style is unique. Films like Rajendrudu Gajendrudu and Mayalodu, which he directed with Rajendra Prasad, remain very special to him. He said the roles in those films felt like they were made exclusively for Rajendra Prasad. He added that as long as Telugu cinema exists, Rajendra Prasad’s legacy will continue.
Senior Actress Kavitha: Kavitha expressed happiness that many women were honored on the occasion of International Women’s Day. She said Rajendra Prasad truly deserves the title Nata Kireeti because he performs every role with dedication, as if each film is his own.
Actress Jyothi: Jyothi thanked Nagabala Suresh for honoring women who have achieved recognition in various fields. She recalled that her career gained momentum with the film “Pellam Oorelithe” directed by S.V. Krishna Reddy. She also congratulated Rajendra Prasad for receiving the Kantha Rao Memorial Award.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad :Accepting the award, Rajendra Prasad said he has 48 years of acting experience and had the fortune of working with five generations of heroes. He described the day as unforgettable. He remembered that legendary actors N.T. Rama Rao and Akkineni Nageswara Rao were like the two eyes of the industry, while Kantha Rao was like the tilak between them. He praised Kantha Rao’s memorable performance as Lakshmana in “Lava Kusha” and said that when people think of Narada, they immediately remember Kantha Rao.Rajendra Prasad said he feels fortunate to receive an award in the name of such a legendary actor. He thanked all the distinguished guests who attended the event and expressed gratitude for the opportunities he received throughout his career.He concluded by saying that if audiences around the world have been able to forget their troubles and laugh while watching his films for the past four decades, that itself is the greatest achievement of his life as an actor.