Mumbai, May 23 : Stylish Star Allu Arjun surprised his first director Raghavendra Rao Garu with a special gift on his birthday.

The 'Pushpa' actor displayed a photograph of the filmmaker at the entrance of his office, along with the title, "My First Director."

Not just that, as Raghavendra Rao Garu celebrated his birthday on Friday, AA posted a couple of behind-the-scenes pictures with the filmmaker over the years. "Wishing a very Happy Birthday to my guru ji @Ragavendraraoba garu! My first director. The man who launched me into films. Gratitude forever," he wrote as a birthday wish.

Raghavendra Rao Garu worked with Allu Arjun in his debut film, "Gangotri", back in 2003. The movie revolves around the challenges of two childhood friends turned lovers.

AA's latest gesture for his first director is a massive mark of respect for his roots.

Up next, Allu Arjun has joined forces with Atlee for his next named "AA22xA6"

According to reports, he will be seen in a dual role in the much-awaited flick. However, it was previously speculated that the movie will have two heroes. Later, AA's team confirmed that "AA22xA6" will only have Allu Arjun as the lead.

On Wednesday, celebrity fitness trainer Lloyd Stevens gave a glimpse into AA's preparation for the role. He dropped a picture from Allu Arjun's intense workout session on social media, in which the actor had captured a photo of his fitness watch with Stevens in the background.

The smartwatch revealed that AA had burned 295 kilocalories during his workout session with an average heart rate of 140 BPM.

"@alluarjunonline POV," the caption read.

Sun Group's Kalanithi Maran has backed the project under the banner of Sun Pictures. Announcing the highly anticipated project in April this year, the makers wrote on X, 'Gear up for the Landmark Cinematic Event.#AA22xA6 - A Magnum Opus from Sun Pictures'.

/IANS