BALAKRISHNA'S FANS SET THE AGENDA FOR HIS POLITICAL ENTRY: Balakrishna is the future chief minister of Andhra Pradesh

He came, he saw and he was hailed as the 'Future Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh'. Nandamuri Balakrishna, who is the most-talked about hero in Andhra Pradesh today, due to his inclination for joining politics, celebrated his 48th birthday in Rajahmundry with great 'fan'fare -- literally.

Fans virtually went overboard in cheering on their leader, and happy at their screen god's decision to enter politics, they've set the agenda for him -- nothing less than a chief minister. And the sloganeering fans didn't stop shouting and went on and on with shouts of Kaboye mukhyamantri Balakrishna ringing in the ears of all the Rajahmundry residents.

Visibly enthused by the fans' support, Balakrishna neither told them to stop their sloganeering, nor did he stop basking in the glory of their fans. He merely said he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father, the late N T Rama Rao, and work for the upliftment of the society.

Later, addressing his fans, and the sea of people present at the function, he didn't stop praising his father to the skies. "I am what I am today because of my father. I learnt everything from him, including acting, which is why I was able to become your adorable hero."

He didn't mention a word about his brother-in-law Nara Chandrababu, who has taken all the trouble to make the function a thundering success. If not for that at least for forging a relationship with Chandrababu as their children Lokesh and Brahmani are entering into a wedlock in August. And Chandrababu, who has been waiting with bated breath at the proceedings of the birthday celebrations, had to hear what he didn't and wouldn't want to hear: a competition for the chief ministership.

But Balakrishna had words of praise for Rajahmundry. "I am fortunate to celebrate my birthday in the historic Raja Mahendravaram (Rajahmundry)." Balakrishna celebrated his birthday in the same place in 1993, while he was shooting for Bangaru Bullodu, which went on to become a smashing hit.

And now, after 14 years, he has been shooting for Okka Magadu for the last one month, in and around Rajahmundry. Will this film too go on to become a rage like Bangaru Bullodu?

Prior to the function, Balakrishna participated in a pulse polio programme, distributed clothes at an old age home and attended a medical camp organised by the NTR Trust.

The function was organised by the NTR Trust, Balakrishna fans and the unit of Okka Mogadu, of course, with the active support of the Telugu Desam cadres from the Godavari districts.

(Photos: courtesy Idlebrain.com)