Allu Arjun and Nivetha Thomas were named Best Actor and Best Actress respectively at the inaugural Gaddar Telangana Film Awards to be held in Hyderabad this week. 

Allu Arjun won for his performance in Pushpa 2: The Rule, the sequel to the 2021 blockbuster directed by Sukumar. The actor took to social media to express his appreciation. He wrote, “I am truly honoured to receive the first Best Actor award for Pushpa 2 at the Gaddar Telangana Film Awards 2024. Heartfelt thanks to the Government of Telangana for this prestigious honour. All credit goes to my director Sukumar garu, my producers, and the entire Pushpa team. I dedicate this award to all my fans, your unwavering support continues to inspire me.”

Nivetha Thomas was recognised for her role in 35 - Chinna Katha Kaadu, which also won Best Children’s Film. Sharing her thoughts online, she wrote, “I feel blessed to receive the Best Actress award. I thank the Government of Telangana for this incredible honour. Celebration of cinema surpasses podium finishes, and I am joyous at the beginning of a wonderful tradition of appreciation and encouragement. I congratulate all the winners and my fellow nominees.”

Instituted by the Telangana Film Development Corporation (TFDC), the awards are named after revolutionary poet and singer Gummadi Vittal Rao, popularly known as Gaddar, who passed away in 2023. The Gaddar Awards aim to celebrate artistic contributions to Telugu cinema and are set to become an annual event recognising creative and performance excellence in the industry.