Chiranjeevi consoled the family members of popular actor and producer GV Narayana Rao, who passed away on Wednesday night in Hyderabad. The Megastar paid his last respects to Narayana Rao’s mortal remains. Chiranjeevi attended the funeral held at Jubilee Hills Mahaprasthanam and recalled his long association with Narayana Rao and their fond memories together.
GV Narayana Rao and Chiranjeevi were batchmates at the Madras Film Institute, and they shared a close bond from those days onwards. Speaking on the occasion, Chiranjeevi said, “We have known each other since our days at the Film Institute. He was already a senior member there and when we were undergoing training, he would come and share his experiences with us. That is how we became close.”
The actor spoke about their long association and how he supported Narayana Rao in his career. “As each of us grew in the industry and I attained a star image, he told me, ‘I want to establish myself as a producer, and I want you to do films with me.’ That is how I ended up doing two films under his production. I also made sure that he got opportunities to act in some of my films as an actor. Our association continued that way,” said Chiranjeevi.
The actor also recalled his recent conversation with Narayana Rao. “Coincidentally, around ten days ago, he told me, ‘I have made a film. It is a story about five youngsters, inspired by Manchu Pallaki, and explores what happens when they grow older. I want to launch the trailer, and it would be good for everyone if I had your support.’ I told him that I would definitely do it,” said the actor about their last conversation.
“At that moment, he asked me to come and take a photograph together. Perhaps that was his last film. We spoke for quite some time that day. I told him to take care of his health and wished him all the best. But I never imagined that those words would become a permanent goodbye.
“Wherever he may be, I pray that Narayana Rao’s soul rests in peace. His family members are also like my own family, and I offer my deepest condolences to them,” said Chiranjeevi about his friend Narayana Rao.