Veteran Telugu actor Nandamuri Balakrishna has added glory to his illustrious career by being honoured with the World Book of Records UK, Gold Edition, for completing five decades in films.

With this recognition, Balakrishna has created history as the first Telugu actor to achieve this milestone.

Balakrishna's daughter Brahmani Nara was among the first to share the news on social media.

Expressing her pride, she wrote how her father has always been a "true force of nature" and called him both "an icon on screen" and "a compassionate leader off it."

She wrote, "A huge congratulations to my father, Nandamuri Balakrishna Garu! 50 years as a leading hero, a feat now in the World Book of Records! You are a true force of nature, an icon on screen, and a compassionate leader off it. So proud of this global recognition for your incredible journey. Our pride, our hero!"

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu praised Balakrishna's "dedication and passion for cinema," describing his 50-year journey as "a golden chapter in Indian film history".

"Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna Garu's journey as a lead hero for 50 years stands as a golden chapter in Indian film history. The recognition by the World Book of Records, UK is a testament to his extraordinary journey. Congratulations to our dear Balayya on this historic milestone," Naidu wrote on X.

Fondly known as Balayya by his fans, Balakrishna began his acting career in 1974 with Tatamma Kala. Over the years, he has acted in more than 100 films spanning various genres, including Aditya 369, Annadammula Anubandham, Daaku Maharaaj, Veera Simha Reddy and Bhagavanth Kesari.

Earlier this year, Balakrishna was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honour, for his contribution to cinema.

Currently, he is working on Akhanda 2: Thaandavam and has another upcoming project with director Gopichand Malineni. ANI

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