Veteran Telugu superstar Nagarjuna Akkineni turned emotional as he shared a heartfelt note with fans on May 23, a date that holds immense significance in both his personal and professional life. Marking 40 years since his lead debut in Telugu cinema, the actor reflected on two landmark films connected to the special date — his 1986 debut Vikram and the 2014 classic Manam, which became the final film of his legendary father Akkineni Nageswara Rao.
Taking to social media, Nagarjuna shared an emotional message that instantly resonated with fans across the country. He wrote, “Thank you for all the blessings and love being showered on me today, May 23!! the date I cannot forget!! The day which I had the honour of producing and releasing the last film MANAM of my legendary father ANR, the film which I had the privilege of working both with my father and my sons. Years ago MAY 23 also gave me the opportunity to release my first film Vikram, an opportunity to entertain you, to be blessed and loved by all of you. My deepest gratitude to all the fans who have stood by me all these years, Looking forward for many more May 23’s.”
The heartfelt post quickly went viral, with fans celebrating the actor’s remarkable four-decade journey in Telugu cinema. Social media was flooded with emotional tributes and nostalgic posts under hashtags like #40YearsForKingNagInTFI, as admirers revisited iconic moments from Nagarjuna’s career. Many fans also praised his versatility, longevity, and contribution to Indian cinema over the years.
What makes Manam especially emotional for audiences is the rare real-life family collaboration it showcased. The film brought together three generations of the Akkineni family — ANR, Nagarjuna, and his sons — creating a deeply memorable cinematic experience that continues to hold cult status among Telugu movie lovers. Even years after its release, the film remains one of the most cherished family dramas in Indian cinema.
As Nagarjuna celebrates 40 years in the film industry, his latest note serves as a reminder of the emotional bond he shares with both cinema and his audience. From Vikram launching his journey as a leading man to Manam becoming a timeless family legacy, May 23 has now become a symbolic date in the actor’s extraordinary career.