Star Star.. Mega.. Star Star..

Megastar Chiranjeevi created history by receiving the Padma Vibhushan Award from the government of India. He left a huge impact on the hearts of Telugu people through his craft, and he rightly deserves this award. There are no second thoughts about the same. On this special occasion, we look back at Chiranjeevi’s journey, from entering the film industry as Siva Shankar Vara Prasad to Dr. Padma Vibhushan Chiranjeevi.

Chiranjeevi is the synonym for the talent and hard work in the cinema. The amount of inspiration he generated through the medium of cinema is unparalleled. He is a one-man army that paved a path for commoners to enter the film industry and achieve top positions.

Starting from a humble background in Mogaltur, West Godavari district, he was born Konidela Siva Shankara Vara Prasad on August 22, 1955, to Anjanadevi and Venkata Rao.

Chiranjeevi’s tryst with the silver screen began in 1978. However, the path to stardom was not easy for him. During his early stages in cinema, Chiranjeevi portrayed several negative roles. Idi Katha Kadu, Mosagadu, and 47 Rojulu are famous for their antagonist roles, played by Chiranjeevi.

But, during this time, Chiranjeevi’s versatility shone through as he seamlessly transitioned from antagonist to protagonist. However, the biggest turning point came with the movie Khaidi, directed by Kodanda Rami Reddy. This film elevated Chiranjeevi’s star status, and he emerged as a Megastar from being a Supreme star.

After the success of Khaidi, there was no looking back for Chiranjeevi in the cinema field. At one point, he surpassed Big B Amitabh Bachchan by receiving a remuneration of one crore rupees, the first of the firsts in Indian cinema.

Eventually, Chiranjeevi proved his versatility through different characters from the films like Subhaleka, Maga Maharaju, Hitler, Vijetha, Sri Manjunatha, Bavagaru Bagunnara, Iddaru Mitrulu, Rudraveena, Yamudiki Mogudu, Pasivadi Pranam, Aapadbhandavudu, Abhilasha, Gangleader, Alluda Majaka, and Swayamkrishi.

Chiranjeevi created magic at the box office by creating new records. With a streak of blockbusters, he ruled the cinema as an emperor for decades. Chiranjeevi’s stardom among the masses grew in the late 90s and 2000s. With success after success, Chiranjeevi became the number-one actor in the cinema industry.

Later, Chiranjeevi found a new millennial fan base with films like Chudalani Undi, Daddy, Indra, Tagore, Stalin, Shankar Dada MBBS, and others.

Apart from his cinematic journey, his travel in politics is also widely discussed. From being an MLA to a Rajya Sabha member and eventually a Union Minister, it was not a cakewalk for him. He established the Praja Rajyam Party in 2008 and later merged it with the Congress Party.

After a hiatus, Chiranjeevi’s return to the silver screen marked a glorious comeback. As he registered a blockbuster with Khaidi No. 150, he continued the hit streak until his last film, Waltair Veerayya.

Chiranjeevi did a lot of social service by establishing Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust and Chiranjeevi Blood Bank. He took a lot of societal initiatives for the welfare of people and his fans. Chiranjeevi’s social service during the COVID time is highly appreciable. He ensured all the cinema workers got uninterrupted daily supplies and cared for many people’s health expenses.

In 1980, he tied the knot with Allu Ramalingaiah’s daughter Surekha. His son Ram Charan achieved the tag of global star, keeping his legacy alive. With the inclusion of Nagababu, Pawan Kalyan, Ram Charan, Allu Arjun, Sai Dharam Tej, Varun Tej, Allu Sirish, and Vaisshnav Tej, Chiranjeevi has become the Godfather to the Mega family and the unannounced ‘pedda dikku’ of Tollywood.

Chiranjeevi was earlier awarded with Padma Bhushan, Indian Film Personality of the Year, Nandi Awards, Raghaputi Venkaiah Naidu Award, Filmfare Awards, and a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Today, Chiranjeevi is happy to have received this award; his fans’ love and support are always a bigger award than anything else. As lovers of Telugu Cinema, we are happy and proud to have Chiranjeevi in our film industry, and may he continue scoring laurels and never stop inspiring the generations to come.

Chiru, we Love You.