Last Updated: On NTR's 25th Death Anniversary, Glimpse At Actor's Extraordinary Friendship With MGR Marking the occasion of NTR's 25th death anniversary, here's a peek into the actor-politician's glaring similarities with MGR and their timeless friendship. On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of NTR's death, scores of actors and film industry bigwigs thronged to pay respect to the veteran actor-politician's resting place known as NTR Gardens in Hyderabad. The legendary actor-turned-politician NTR (Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao) aka NT Rama Rao passed away on January 18, 1996. While NTR was widely regarded as the more recognisable face of Telugu pride and glory, one cannot negate the similarities with his contemporary MGR (Maruthur Gopalan Ramachandran) in their heydays. NTR is seen as an equally powerful face and voice who upheld the Telugu pride as MGR or Karunanithi was to the Tamil culture and political landscape.