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Megastar Chiranjeevi, a name that resonates with the heartbeats of Telugu cinema, recently added another illustrious feather to his cap as he was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan award by the Narendra Modi government in 2024. This accolade, the second-highest civilian award in India, solidifies Chiranjeevi’s legacy as one of the most influential figures in the world of entertainment.
A Cinematic Odyssey from Ordinary to Padma Vibhushan
Chiranjeevi, born on August 22, 1955, in Mogalthur, West Godavari district, entered the Telugu film industry like a force of nature. His journey, akin to a missile’s trajectory, mirrored his rapid rise to stardom. What sets Chiranjeevi apart is that he became a megastar without any familial backing in an industry dominated by legendary names like NTR, ANR, Krishna, Krishnam Raju, and Sobhan Babu.
His early days in the industry saw him embracing diverse roles, from portraying negative characters in films like “Mosagadu” and “47 Days” to showcasing his versatility as an actor, playing hero, villain, and character artist with equal finesse. This ability to seamlessly transition between roles and genres laid the foundation for Chiranjeevi’s enduring success.
From Khaidi to Padma Vibhushan
The turning point in Chiranjeevi’s career came with the iconic film “Khaidi,” directed by A. Kodandarami Reddy. The film not only established him as a mass hero but also marked the beginning of a prolific collaboration with Kodandarami Reddy, resulting in 23 successful films together. This partnership produced a string of superhits that contributed significantly to Telugu cinema’s growth.
Chiranjeevi’s influence extended beyond traditional mass entertainers. Films like “Shubhaleka,” “Magamaharaju,” “Abhilasha,” “Manchu Pallaki,” “Rudraveena,” “Swayamkrushi,” and “Apadbhandavudu” showcased his ability to connect with a wider audience, including the class audience, through characters with sentimental depth. His impact was not limited to the regional industry; he shared screen space with top actors like Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Mohan Babu, and Rajasekhar, earning him recognition across generations.
A Glorious Path to Padma Vibhushan
Beyond the glitz of the silver screen, Chiranjeevi’s personal life intertwined with his professional journey. In 1980, he married Surekha, daughter of Allu Ramalingaiah, and the couple has two daughters and a son, Ram Charan, who has carved his niche as a leading hero in Tollywood. Chiranjeevi’s family extends to his brothers Naga Babu, a producer and actor, and Pawan Kalyan, a multifaceted personality excelling as a hero, producer, and politician.
While the world recognized him for his cinematic contributions, his commitment to social causes and philanthropy is equally noteworthy. In 1998, he founded the Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust (CCT), initiating numerous service activities, including blood and eye donation drives. During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chiranjeevi extended his support to film workers and ordinary people, exemplifying his sense of service beyond the screen.
Padma Vibhushan and a 45-Year Cinematic Voyage
Chiranjeevi’s journey took an unexpected turn when he delved into politics, reflecting his desire to contribute to society in a different capacity. He founded the Praja Rajyam Party in 2008 and contested the 2009 general elections, winning 18 seats. However, the political landscape posed challenges, and he eventually merged his party with the Congress. Despite a brief foray into politics, Chiranjeevi returned to his cinematic roots, making a remarkable comeback with “Khaidi No. 150” in 2017 after a hiatus.
The recent honor of Padma Vibhushan, bestowed upon him by the central government in 2024, serves as a testament to Chiranjeevi’s enduring impact on Indian cinema. In a video message expressing his gratitude, he acknowledged the unconditional love of his audience, friends, and family, emphasizing that the award is not just his but a recognition of the collective support he has received over his 45-year career.
Chiranjeevi’s humility shone through as he thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the honor, acknowledging that he feels he has done so little. This sentiment echoes the sentiment of a man who, despite achieving monumental success, remains grounded and appreciative of the opportunities and love that have shaped his journey.
Chiranjeevi’s Evergreen Charm
In addition to the Padma Vibhushan, Chiranjeevi’s list of accolades includes the Padma Bhushan in 2006, the Indian Film Personality of the Year award in 2022, and multiple Nandi Awards for Best Actor from united Andhra Pradesh. His contributions have not gone unnoticed, and his impact on the film industry is immeasurable.
As Chiranjeevi continues to entertain and inspire, the anticipation for his future projects, including “Visvambhara” and “Mega 159,” remains high. With a career spanning over four decades, Chiranjeevi’s journey from an ordinary middle-class individual to a megastar, politician, and philanthropist is a story of resilience, versatility, and unwavering commitment to his craft and community.