Showcasing rich heritage of Telugu Cinema

The Telugu film industry wants to highlight its contribution to Indian cinema and will kick-start the centenary celebrations here soon amongst the presence of the entire fraternity.

"We have never highlighted how much has Telugu industry contributed to Indian cinema. We want to showcase the achievements of some of our luminaries who have made us proud over the years. The celebrations will start soon and we have also requested the support of the state government," Thammareddy Bharadwaja, president, Andhra Pradesh Film Chamber of Commerce, told.

"Members of our industry such as NT Rama Rao, SV Ranga Rao, Dasari Narayana Rao, Raghupathi Venkaiah and Vijayanirmala have brought laurels to our industry, but rarely do people know about them or their achievements. It is our responsibility to bring them to limelight," he added.

He said Telugu industry has contributed as much any other to Indian cinema. "Indian cinema is not only Bollywood or any other industry for that matter because every industry has contributed to it equally. Nobody knows of actors who were part of Telugu cinema in the 1940s and 1950s," he said.

Talking about the celebrations, he said, "We wouldn't have any song and dance type of celebration, but have plans for something bigger. We also want to show the rich heritage of Telugu cinema through exhibition.

"It will be open to public and those interested can contribute to the exhibition with whatever they posses - it could be posters, photographs and personal memorabilia," Bharadwaja said.

As part of the celebrations, the chamber also plans to honour theatre as well. "Theatre has had a great impact on Telugu cinema over the years. We have plans to honour 130-year old Surabhi Theatre Group that has given this industry so many legendary actors. We have planned for a theatre festival staring today (Wednesday)," he said. The Surabhi Theatre Festival will go on till May 27.

IANS