The Government of Andhra Pradesh had introduced a lifetime achievement award in the name of Viswa Vikhyata Nata Sarvabhouma, Nataratna, Padma Shri, the late Dr Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, called 'NTR Memorial Award' some time ago.
However, the Congress government which took over the reins of the State had stopped announcing the award for the past few years due to some unknown reasons. Again the award was reinstated by the State government, led by Chief Minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy, now.
Now the NTR memorial award was announced for all the three years, for which they were stopped.
According to a release from the State government, the NTR Memorial Award was announced to Nata Sekhara, Super Star Krishna for the year 2003, to Maestro Illayaraja for the year 2004 and to Kannada artiste and politician, Ambarish for the year 2005.
This was declared by the Nandi Awards Committee comprising Gummadi Venkateswara Rao, M Balaiah and M Mohanbabu.
These NTR Memorial Awards would be presented along with the Nandi Awards at a function to be held in November.