The Nandi Awards presentation function for the past two years was held together at LB Stadium in Hyderabad on the night of 16 November. The stadium was full with thousands of fans of Krishna and Mahesh Babu.

Gayatri Rao anchored the cultural programs and Suma anchored the main event.

NTR award for the year 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 were presented to Krishna, Ilayaraja, Ambarish and Waheeda Rehman. They were also given a cash prize of 5 lakh each.

33rd Raghupati Venkaiah award for 2005 and– 34th Raghupati Venkaiah award for 2006 were given to MS Reddy and D Rama Naidu respectively.

Speaking on the occasion Anam Rama Nayarana Reddy said that he will announce and present the latest Nandi awards before the elections

YSR announced the hike of ticket rate from Rs. 35 to Rs. 50 in today’s Nandi awards function. The Government Order will be released soon. YSR also said that he is instituting two national awards in the name of BN Reddy and B Nagi Reddy from the next year onwards.

Mohan Babu (jury member for NTR awards) said that the crowds in this function came to see YSR. He asked everybody to make congress win again because YSR is a Pro-farmer chief minister.

Ambarish said, “Mohan Babu asked me if my house was available for shoot of Major Chandrakant with NTR as hero. I was delighted to say yes. But NTR could not come to my house because of political differences. Today I am happy to get NTR award. Though NTR could not come to my house, I am happy that I am taking his award home.”

Mahesh Babu said, “I am getting Nandi award for the second time from the chief minister YSR. Personally I like Anthadu a lot among my films and I am very happy for getting an award for my performance in that film. I am indebted to producer Jayabheri Kishore and director Trivikram. My grandmother used to keep all my Nandi in pooja room. I am sure that she would be very happy today”

Nagarjuna said, “I had been to Nandi award functions lot of times. But I am seeing a huge crowd for the first time in this function. I would like to thank YSR for increasing ticket rates. It is a rare opportunity for me to act in films like Annamayya and Sri Ramadasu. This award goes to entire unit."

Tailpiece: Interestingly Indiana Jones theme music is played as background music for the entire function.

Nandi awards coverage at idlebrain.com