Actor Allu Arjun, who became the first Telugu actor to win a National Award on Thursday, gave a long hug to the Pushpa director Bandreddi Sukumar in an emotional moment soon after the announcement.
The 41-year-old, who won the best actor award for the Bandreddi-directed 2021 film Pushpa: The Rise, was seen celebrating the win with crew members of the film in a video shared by Telugu Film Industry PR consultant Vamsi Kaka on X (formerly Twitter).
Telugu filmstars Chiranjeevi and Jr NTR were quick to congratulate Allu on his big win.
“Heartiest Congratulations to All The Award Winners of 69th National Film Awards 2021 !!!! Also a Proud Moment for Telugu Cinema. Heartiest Congratulations to especially my dearest Bunny @AlluArjun for the coveted National Best Actor Award !!!!! Absolutely Proud of you!!! 🤗 6 National Awards for #RRR,” Chiranjeevi wrote.
RRR star Jr NTR tweeted, “Congratulations @alluarjun bava. You deserve all the success and awards you get for #Pushpa.” In response, Allu replied, “Thank you so much for your genuine wishes bava. Touched. Humbled.”
Pushpa: The Rise marks the franchise's opening film, helmed by Sukumar. Starring Allu as Pushparaj, it hit theaters on December 17, 2021. The film also features Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil in important roles.
Allu made his entry into the Telugu film industry as a child actor in 1985. His first film in the lead role was Gangotri in 2003. He gained national recognition as an actor through the massive success of Pushpa: The Rise in 2021.
