Nandi Awards To Be Renamed As Gaddar Awards In Telangana

HYDERABAD: When the two Telugu states were unified as Andhra Pradesh, the Nandi Awards held great prestige in the film industry. Announced annually by the government, these awards were carefully selected, bringing immense joy to the winners. The industry collectively praised the significance of the Nandi Awards.

However, with the separation of Andhra Pradesh, the scenario underwent a transformation. Telangana State sidelined these awards, and even though awards were presented in Andhra Pradesh for a few years, their importance dwindled. Eventually, the awards ceased altogether, despite pleas from the film industry to the leaders of both Telugu states.

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Two months after the TRS government assumed power following the Congress government, steps were taken to resurrect these film awards. However, there's a twist – instead of reviving the Nandi Awards, the Telangana government plans to institute annual film awards in the name of revolutionary leader, singer, and actor Gaddar, who gained prominence last year.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy made this announcement on Wednesday, stating that the awards process would commence soon. Given the AP government's takeover of the Nandi awards post-separation, a change in name for the awards in Telangana was inevitable. Hence, CM Revanth Reddy opted for Gaddar's name.