“Nenu NTR matladuthunna brother (This is NTR speaking),” the voice at the other end informed me. It was him. The phone had rung and I picked it up. I’d stayed back late at office on December 31, 1994 and this call came on the direct line. When NTR identified himself on the phone, I was surprised. I was sure it was him but the call from chief minister Nandamuri Tarakarama Rao came as a surprise. NTR had come back to power in the 1994 elections with a big majority and had taken oath as chief minister for the third time on December 12, 1994. “Noothana Samvathsara Subhakanshalu,” NTR continued wishing me a happy new year. I wished him back. The conversation lasted for less than 30 seconds. That set me thinking for the next 30 minutes on why NTR chose to spring a surprise on an unsuspecting journalist to convey personal wishes. NTR had not actually called to speak to me personally. He had simply called to wish whoever was available at that time in the o...
Journalist