This Day in History: February 25

Donald Bradman Death Anniversary

Australian cricketer Sir Donald George Bradman died in 2001. He was born on 27 August 1908. Considered the greatest batsman in the world. His batting average in Test cricket is 99.97. Over a 20-year playing career, Bradman scored consistently, to the extent that former Australian captain Bill Woodfull described him as “equal to three batsmen in the Australian team”. By the time Don was 22, he had set several records. Some still bear his name. He scored a century every three innings in a first-class career that spanned 21 years and three months. He scored 6996 runs in 52 Tests at an average of 99.94.

Divya Bharti Birth Anniversary

Divya Bharti entered the Telugu film industry from Mumbai and quickly rose to prominence as a talented actress. Born on February 25, 1974, she caught the attention of producer Rama Naidu, who introduced her to Telugu audiences through his Suresh Productions film “Bobbili Raja.” Following this debut, she starred in several successful South Indian films before making her Bollywood debut in “Vishwatma” in 1992. From 1992 to 1993, she appeared in approximately 14 films. In May 1992, she tied the knot with Sajid Nadiadwala. Tragically, at the tender age of 19, Divya Bharti passed away under suspicious circumstances in April 1993, leaving behind a legacy shrouded in mystery.

Death of Bommireddy Nagi Reddy

Bommireddy Nagireddy, a renowned Telugu cinema producer and recipient of the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, passed away on February 25, 2004. Born on December 2, 1912, in Pottipadu, Kondapuram mandal, Kadapa district, Nagireddy was deeply influenced by the freedom movement during his youth and actively participated in the Khadi movement. He eventually ventured into business in Burma and in 1950, transitioned to film production, co-founding Vijaya Productions with Chakrapani. Vijaya Productions, under his leadership, played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of Telugu cinema, producing a remarkable array of both critically acclaimed and commercially successful films. The legacy of Vijaya Productions, marked by its commitment to excellence, spanned from the landmark film “Shavukaru” in 1950 to the iconic “Gundamma Katha” in 1962. The organization’s emblem, depicting the flag of Hanuman wielded by Arjuna during the Mahabharata war, symbolized its ethos.

Also Read: This Day in History: February 23

Danny Denzongpa’s Birthday

Danny Denzongpa is a renowned Indian actor, born on February 25, 1948, in Gangtok, Sikkim state. In addition to Hindi cinema, he has graced many southern language films with his presence. Often portraying intense villainous roles, he has left a lasting impact with his portrayal of characters tied with complexity and depth. Beyond acting, he has also ventured into directing, helming several films throughout his career. Since his debut in 1971, Denzongpa has been a prominent figure in the Indian film industry, leaving an indelible mark with his talent and versatility.

Kattam Lakshminarayana Death Anniversary

Kattam Lakshminarayana, a prominent lawyer renowned for his courageous fight against the oppressive Nizam’s rule, passed away on February 25, 2010. Born on September 19, 1924, in Shamshabad, Rangareddy District, his life was marked by unwavering dedication to the cause of justice and freedom. At the youthful age of 19, on October 12, 1942, he organized a satyagraha in solidarity with Burgula Ramakrishna Rao, whom he revered as his mentor thereafter. Subsequently, Lakshminarayana endured seven months of imprisonment in Chanchalguda Jail at the hands of the authorities. Undeterred, upon his release, he pursued his legal education and worked as a junior lawyer under Burgula’s guidance. In 1945, he founded the Hyderabad Yuva Jana Congress, assuming the role of its general secretary, and ardently campaigned for the liberation of Hyderabad State from the tyrannical grip of the Nizam’s regime.

Also Read: This Day in History: February 24

A few more important events on February 25

• Since February 25, 1998, Aakashavani has introduced the system of reading news over the telephone.

• Fidel Castro’s brother Raul Castro was elected President of Cuba on February 25, 2008.

• Kailas Nath was elected as the tenth judge of the Supreme Court on February 25, 1903.

• Famous poet, writer and journalist Elchuri Subrahmanyam passed away on February 25, 1995. As one of the pioneers of Abhyudaya Kavitvodyam, he played an important role in Telugu literature.