Thousands mourn Harikrishna

People recall the actorpolitician’s simplicity, manners and concern for all at cremation

Senior Telugu Desam leader and film actor Nandamuri Harikrishna was cremated with state honours in Hyderabad yesterday.

The road from his residence in Mehdipatnam to Mahaprastanam cremation ground in Jubilee Hills turned into a sea of humanity as thousands of mourners joined the funeral procession, following his body in a flower laden vehicle.

Harikrishna’s brother-inlaw Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and brothers N Balakrishna and Jayakrishna and former Supreme Court judge Justice J Chalameshwar were among the pall bearers.

As a ceremonial police posse accorded a gun salute as part of the state honours to Harikrishna, his son and actor Kalyanram set fire to the pyre. Harikrishna’s other son from his second wife, Telugu super star Junior NTR, cried inconsolably.

The Telangana government announced that it will build a memorial of Harikrishna at the place of cremation.

Earlier there was an unending stream mourners at home.

The police found it difficult to control the surging crowds as thousands of people from various parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana reached the city for his last glimpse.

Many came from NTR’s native district Krishna as well as Hindupur in Anantapur from where he was elected to the state assembly once.

Many people recalled his simplicity, soft manners and care and concern for all. They fondly remembered him as “NTR’s Saradha” (NTR’s charioteer) as he used to drive the election campaign vehicle of his father. of visitors and Harikrishna’s