Expressed a heartfelt wish that he would receive more awards.
Vice President Abdul said, “I am delighted that Rajendra Prasad garu has received such a prestigious award. We both received awards at the same time back in 2004. I hope he receives many more awards in the future.”
Executive Member and senior journalist Mamidala Giridhar said, “I consider myself very fortunate; I have worked with him since his very first film. I work for *Eenadu*. Although I started as a humble stringer, he never treated me as anything less. It was because of him that I became a film journalist; his encouragement was immense. Interacting with artists created a special bond, and you sowed the seeds for my career as a film journalist,” he said, becoming emotional on stage. “No one feels even a shred of jealousy over this award; everyone is happy. Our bond has endured for nearly 40 years, and it continues. Thank you.”
Executive Member R.D.S. Prakash said, “In two years, Rajendra Prasad garu should receive the Padma Vibhushan as well, and the film critics’ association should organize that function too. I once asked him for an interview when he was extremely busy. Yet, immediately after his lunch break, he called us over and granted the interview. At that moment, he told me something profound: ‘Our work is great, but the opportunity to do that work is even greater.'” He has worked with everyone, including Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, and delivered hits with them all. It is a matter of great joy that we have had filmmakers like Krishna Reddy, supported by actors like Rajendra Prasad. Executive member Naveen said, “We have admired you since childhood; my father was a fan of yours. You have made many films that the entire family can watch together. You deserve to receive even more awards.”
Senior journalist Bali Reddy said, “On behalf of the association, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the award recipient, Dr. Rajendra Prasad—a figure who makes the Government of India proud. I have known him since 1986. While some people merely act in front of the camera, Rajendra Prasad lives naturally, whether in front of the camera or behind it. Even while facing the camera, he would often make the journalists nearby laugh. He is a man who has always stayed away from controversies. We should all be proud that he has received this award.”
Senior journalist Mohan Goteti said, “Greetings to our organization’s president, Bhattula Prasada Rao, Suresh Kondeti, and everyone else present. We used to call Rajendra Prasad an ‘all-rounder.’ I have many experiences working with him. He used to shoot outdoors for films like *Okkati Adagali* amidst thousands of people. No matter how much commotion there was around him, he would simply focus on his work and carry on; he possessed such immense dedication.” Actors who do that are very rare. I was the one who suggested the title *Master Kapuram*. Back then, the filmmakers asked journalists to suggest a title after hearing the story, and my suggestion was finalized. Rajendra Prasad garu even had the producer give me a cash reward of 1,116 rupees at that time. He still has the mindset of a young child; it is as if he stopped aging at seventeen. Spending even a short time with him is a delightful experience; he is a very fun-loving person. There is no type of character he hasn’t played; he performs any role given to him with effortless ease. People often speak of Kamal Haasan’s diverse roles, but there isn’t a single type of character Rajendra Prasad hasn’t portrayed. Megastar Chiranjeevi and Rajendra Prasad were like the two eyes of the industry. The industry—and his fans—wouldn’t let Rajendra Prasad garu stop acting; fans would even come to his home to bring him back to work. “The award has gone to the right person, even if it came a bit late; congratulations to you,” they said.
Speaking on the occasion, senior journalist Umarji Anuradha said, “First, I want to thank the Film Critics association for giving me this opportunity. When I was in school, he arranged for Nageswara Rao garu to present us with mementos/awards. He ensured Akkineni garu gave us the awards because he wanted us to get featured in the newspapers. When I started my career as a journalist with *Sitara*… I would like to mention a few things here. *Angikabhinayam* (physical acting/gestures)…” There are various forms of acting, such as *Vachakabhinayam* (vocal expression) and *Satvikabhinayam* (expression of inner emotions). No one could deliver a line like “Chuttam-mukka” (a piece of cheroot) with the same sarcastic flair that he did. In Bapu’s films, one’s eyes are usually drawn first to the heroines, yet Rajendra Prasad’s dialogue delivery commanded attention. No one else could match his sarcastic tone—such as when he asked, “Are you taking me into the room to murder me?” He had a unique knack for infusing wit into a phrase simply by emphasizing a specific word—like “So, you were hiding, were you?”—and that was his specialty. In the films he starred in, the audience found themselves watching him just as closely. In *Pelli Pustakam*, his acting in certain scenes was truly extraordinary; he conveyed not only unparalleled humor but also deep emotion. Let me share a memory from my time working at *Sitara*. Many love letters addressed to “Hero Rajendra Prasad, c/o Mohan Goteti” used to arrive, and Mohan-garu would ask me to read them. The sender would always start the letter beautifully, addressing him as “Bava” (cousin/beloved). While reading them, I used to wonder aloud, “Sir, why are we being subjected to this?” Yet, she kept writing letters continuously for seven or eight months. Congratulations, Sir, on receiving such a prestigious award.
Senior journalist Lakshmana Rao spoke next, saying, “I may not be fully qualified to speak about Rajendra Prasad-garu, but I recall a doubt I had during the making of the film *Aha Naa Pellanta*…
