NTR-A Political Biography

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Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) had always fascinated me. NH He was not just a popular film star but a film star who launched a political party to rout the Congress, which until then had no rival in Andhra Pradesh. As an actor, he was different from others. Mythological movies were his forte. He played the role of Rama, Krishna, Siva, Lord Venkateswara (Balaji) and many other Indian mythological characters. The audiences were so mesmerized that they imagined the gods with the actor's features.

There was no politician like NTR. He was different in many aspects- the way he thought, expressed his views, made unpredictable decisions and lived a life full of contradictions. He loved people and was absolutely sincere in his welfare measures. Many politicians, like persons in other occupations, keep their extramarital relationships under wraps. But only NTR could make it public and insist on marrying the woman he loved, though she was far younger. In the process, he did not mind losing power. Only NTR could sack all the cabinet ministers when he learnt that information of budget proposals had been leaked to newspapers.

He was handsome, expressive and ebullient. He was a narcissist who loved himself. In my career as a journalist, I met a number of politicians but none comparable to NTR. And I feel sure that there will be none in the future.

I met NTR a number of times when he was in office and in the Cystion. He was affable, responsive or elusive, depending on the above and question, but never offensive I was the editor of telugu daily when it was closed down in the second half of May, exactly three months before the saga of NTR'S removal from power started in August 1x I had no newspaper to write for, but I was keenly watching the drama as it unfolds. When reputed publishers HarperCollins asked me to write NTR biography. I jumped at the idea and signed the contract However, soon after that. I joined Sakshi Media Group as the editorial director, which left me with little time to do research and write.

After retiring from this job. I met several persons who knew NTR and I read his biographies. I thought the last phase of NTR's life was not adequately depicted and some salient features of the actor-turned politician had not been highlighted so far. I believe this book addresses those issues and more. As the most accomplished person among the Telugus representing their ethos, NTR has restored their distinct identity and pride.

**Contents and Sample Pages**