Bharat Bhushan, chairman of the Andhra Pradesh State Film, Television and Theatre Development Corporation (APSFTVTDC, commonly referred to as the AP Film Development Corporation or APFDC), held discussions with representatives of Telugu television’s 24 crafts and industry bodies on clearing the long-pending Nandi Awards and encouraging more television production in the state.
Who Was in the Room
The Meeting — Key Participants
Nandi Awards: A Timeline at Last
Bharat Bhushan told the gathering that the Nandi Awards — pending for the cinema, television and theatre sectors for several years — would be presented soon, with details on how the backlog of awards from 2017 to 2024 will be handled to be announced shortly. He also said the awards would return to an annual calendar starting in 2025. Efforts are under way, he said, to hold the awards function in Tirupati in the presence of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, targeted for the last week of November or the first week of December.
A Push for More Shoots in Andhra Pradesh
Bharat Bhushan asked television industry representatives to move beyond limited shoots and organise as many productions as possible within the state — a request that fits the broader push he has made since taking charge, including public calls for producers to invest in studios, dubbing theatres and recording facilities across Andhra Pradesh.
What the Industry Asked For
Industry representatives said they were willing to shift more shoots to Andhra Pradesh, but asked for concrete government support in return, including:
- Land for studios and shooting facilities in major cities as well as across the state’s districts
- Priority opportunities for local artists and technicians alongside talent brought in from other states
- Recognition for the television media sector alongside the television industry
- Health insurance, and pension facilities where possible, for artists
- Shooting subsidies and government support to help producers keep project costs down
What Happens Next
Responding to the requests, Bharat Bhushan said detailed discussions would follow and that appropriate decisions would be taken, assuring the gathering that steps would be taken so the film, television and theatre sectors do not face difficulties. He clarified that the issues raised could not be decided immediately and said committees would be formed to study them, after which the government would announce its decisions.
