The Diamond Jubilee Celebrations to mark the completion of 75 years were held for three days on a grand scale. However, on the third and last day i.e., January 28, the situation turned sour for a couple of hours. On the third day, the organizers felicitated Dr D Ramanaidu and Dasari Narayana Rao who were the legends of the Telugu film industry.
Then Chiranjeevi was invited to be felicitated as another legend. But Chiranjeevi politely refused to take the honour saying that he was not eligible for such an honour and sought the blessings of Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, Dasari Narayana Rao and Ramanaidu.
However, he was felicitated, despite his refusal. Later, Mohanbabu was invited to the dais. But, he bluntly refused. After getting up the stage, he pulls his hand off Ramanaidu.
Later, speaking on the occasion, Mohanbabu says, 'I came from a remote village. I was born in a normal farmers' family. I have three brothers and a sister. I started my career as a physical instructor in Madras for Rs 190 as a salary. However, I was removed from service because I am not belonging to their community. Then I worked as an assistant director for about 10 years. Then, I was given a chance as an artiste by Mr Dasari Narayana Rao and his wife Dasari Padma. They are like parents to me. I started my acting career with 'Swargam Narakam', which gave me a new lease of life. Later, I turned a producer and launched a banner 'Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures' and brought several Silver Jubilee films. It is our Big Brother, the late NT Rama Rao, who inaugurated the great banner. Later, I had got an opportunity produce a film with himself called 'Major Chandrakanth', which would remain a sweet memory among the Telugu audiences forever. I have produced a total of 47 films so far. I have also become a Rajya Sabha member with the blessings of NT Rama Rao. The entire Rayalaseema is a drought-prone area and there is no water for irrigation or for drinking. In such a drought-prone area of Rayalaseema, I started a huge educational institution on my own and is providing education to over 6,000 students and 900 lecturers. I am giving 25 per cent discount to the merit students without any discrimination on caste or religion lines. In my school application, there will be no column called 'Caste'. I played various characters including, hero, villain and character artiste, in over 500 films. In view of my long association with the film industry and my stature, the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations Committee representatives invited me for felicitation. However, they said that I am being felicitated not as a legend but as a celebrity. Now I would like to know the distinction between legend and celebrity. Let the organisers write a book giving details about the meaning and description of the words. Leave alone my felicitation, the way Krishnamraju and Vijayanirmala were celebrated was quite awkward. They were not properly honoured. Who are not legends. Giribabu had produced and acted in several films, EVV Satyanarayana had directed several silver jubilee films. Several people like this were not even invited to the function. Were these not legends. Coming to my issue. I had acted in over 500 films, became a Rajya Sabha member, produced over 47 films and even the Union government had recognized my services and named me for Padmasri. Am I not a legend?
