'My Father ANR Attempted Suicide...': Nagarjuna

Veteran actor Nagarjuna recently shared a poignant story about his father, Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). He revealed that ANR once contemplated suicide due to ridicule over his 'feminine' traits. This revelation sheds light on the struggles faced by the legendary actor early in his career.

During a time when women were not allowed to act, ANR began his career by playing female roles on stage. His journey into films started unexpectedly when producer Ghantasala Balaramayya noticed him at a railway station and praised his features. This chance encounter led to ANR's debut in the 1944 film "Sri Seeta Rama Jananam."

Nagarjuna recalled how his father was mocked for swaying his hips, which he believed was part of acting due to his stage experience. The constant ridicule deeply affected ANR, leading him to consider ending his life at Marina Beach. However, he ultimately decided against it after a moment of introspection, as per a report in AFP Journal.

To combat the criticism of his voice, ANR took drastic measures. He began smoking cigars and would scream at the ocean each morning to roughen his voice. These efforts were aimed at altering perceptions and fitting into the male-dominated film industry of that era.

Despite these challenges, ANR's career spanned seven decades, during which he starred in numerous films like "Vipra Narayana," "Tenali Krishna," "Sri Ramadasu," "Laila Majnu," and "Balaraju." His perseverance and talent eventually earned him a revered place in Indian cinema.

The story shared by Nagarjuna highlights not only the personal struggles faced by ANR but also the resilience required to overcome societal prejudices. It serves as a reminder of the pressures faced by actors in an evolving industry and their determination to succeed against all odds.