Kadapa: The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) kicked off its annual Mahanadu conclave in Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, with a groundbreaking yet bittersweet tribute to its founder, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR). For the first time in the party’s 43-year history, the event was held in the YSR Congress stronghold of Kadapa, signaling TDP’s bold intent to assert its dominance in the region following its landslide victory in the 2024 elections. However, it was the innovative use of artificial intelligence to recreate NTR’s iconic voice that stole the spotlight, evoking nostalgia while underscoring the irreplaceable charisma of the late leader.
The three-day Mahanadu, held from May 27 to 29 at Pabbapuram Layout, began with a wave of excitement as TDP released an AI-generated video featuring NTR’s likeness and voice inviting supporters to the conclave. “My dear Telugu sisters and brothers, warm greetings. It gives me immense pride that Mahanadu, which I initiated to unite the Telugu people and awaken Telugu pride, has today become a symbol of Telugu unity. I warmly invite you all to the Mahanadu celebrations in Kadapa,” the digital NTR declared, his voice crafted with remarkable accuracy using cutting-edge AI tools. The video, which went viral on social media, stirred deep emotions among TDP supporters and netizens, many of whom were reminded of NTR’s electrifying oratory that once galvanized Andhra Pradesh.
Yet, despite the technological marvel, the AI rendition failed to fully capture the vigor and valor that defined NTR’s legendary presence. Known for his unparalleled flamboyance as both a cinematic icon and a transformative Chief Minister, NTR’s voice carried a unique blend of authority, passion, and charisma that resonated with millions. Observers noted that while the AI-generated speech was a nostalgic triumph, it lacked the soul-stirring intensity that made NTR a household name. “No technology can replicate the fire in Anna’s voice,” said Venkatesh Rao, a longtime TDP supporter at the event. “It’s a great tribute, but the aura is lost.”
The Mahanadu itself, held on a sprawling 145-acre site, was a grand affair, with over 23,000 delegates and an expected five lakh attendees at the closing public rally. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, NTR’s son-in-law and TDP president, inaugurated the event with a ceremonial lamp-lighting and paid tributes to the party’s founder, whose vision of Telugu pride continues to shape its ideology. The conclave’s agenda included 14 resolutions focusing on governance, Rayalaseema’s development, and countering the alleged misinformation of the YSR Congress Party. Nara Lokesh, TDP general secretary and Andhra Pradesh IT Minister, unveiled six ideological pillars, emphasizing global recognition for Telugus, youth empowerment, and farmer support.
Day one featured delegate registrations, a photo exhibition, and a blood donation camp, while Naidu’s keynote address outlined the NDA government’s achievements and future plans, including irrigation projects like Telugu Ganga and industrial hubs in Rayalaseema. The second day, coinciding with NTR’s birth anniversary, saw Naidu and Lokesh honoring his statue, with discussions on welfare schemes and infrastructure development. The event is set to culminate in a massive public rally, showcasing TDP’s organizational strength.
The decision to host Mahanadu in Kadapa, the home district of YSRCP leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, was strategic, following TDP’s electoral sweep in the region. The party also made headlines with rumors of inviting NTR’s grandson, actor Jr. NTR, to the event, though his attendance remains unconfirmed.
While the AI tribute to NTR was a bold step into the future, blending technology with nostalgia, it served as a poignant reminder of the void left by the leader’s death on January 18, 1996. As TDP strives to carry forward his legacy under Naidu and Lokesh, the Mahanadu 2025 underscored both the party’s resilience and the enduring challenge of recapturing NTR’s unmatched aura.
