Chiranjeevi, born Konidela Siva Sankara Vara Prasad on August 22, 1955, is a prominent figure in Indian cinema. He is an acclaimed actor and a talented dancer, producer, singer, voice artist, and politician. As a member of the Indian National Congress, he served as the Minister of State with independent charge for the Ministry of Tourism in the Government of India.
Before venturing into politics, Chiranjeevi honed his craft at the Madras Film Institute. His film career began in 1978 with his debut in “Punadhirallu,” although “Pranam Khareedu” was the first to hit theatres. Renowned for his exceptional breakdancing skills, he earned the title of “Mega Star” in the media. Notably, he was a guest of honour at the 59th Academy Awards, showcasing his international recognition.
In the same year, he starred in “Swayam Krushi,” which was showcased at the Moscow International Film Festival. In 1988, he co-produced “Rudraveena,” a film that received the National Film Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration. Over an illustrious career spanning more than 35 years, Chiranjeevi has garnered numerous accolades, including four state Nandi Awards and ten Filmfare Awards South, among them the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South. In recognition of his contributions to the arts, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2006.
Chiranjeevi’s journey reflects not only his dedication to cinema but also his commitment to public service and cultural representation.
Top Awesome Facts About Megastar Chiranjeevi :
1. Born on Aug 22, 1955, in Mogalturu, a small village in the coastal district of West Godavari of Andhra Pradesh, Chiranjeevi’s real name is Konidela Siva Shankara Varaprasad.
2. Son of an employee in the excise department, he started acting in the late 1970s.
3. Punadhiralu was his first film as an actor but it was his film Pranam Kareedhu which was released first in 1978. He went on to act in 149 films in Telugu, 2 in Kannada, 3 in Hindi and 3 in Tamil so far.
4. He had a small role in Tayaramma Bangarayya (1979) but went on to play several negative roles in films like I Love You (1979) and Idi Katha Kaadu (1979), the latter starring Kamal Haasan in the lead.
5. He also played a villain in Mosagadu (1980), Rani Kasula Rangamma (1981), 47 Rojulu (1981), Nyayam Kavali (1981) and Ranuva Veeran (1981). Ranuva Veeran starred Rajinikanth in the lead.
6. Films like Intlo Ramayya Veedilo Krishnayya (1982) and Subhalekha (1982) were his early hit movies. For the latter, he won his first Filmfare award in the best actor category.
7. Chiranjeevi started doing action movies from 1983 onwards. It was with Kaidi that he tasted stardom as the film became his first blockbuster. In 1985, he got his second Filmfare award for Vijetha in the best actor category.
8. He bagged the first Nandi award in the best actor category for Swayamkrushi (1987), where he played a cobbler. Rudraveena (1988) won three national film awards including best film on national integration.
9. In 1990, came another big hit called Kondaveeti Donga. His film Gang Leader (1991) set a new record at the box office. It was later re-made in Hindi as Aaj ka Goonda Raj where his co-star was Meenakshi Sheshadri.
10. Chiranjeevi’s Hindi film Pratibandh (1990) and The Gentleman (1993) also won him accolades.
11. Gharana Mogadu (1992) was the first Telugu movie to gross over Rs 10 crore at the box office.
12. Lately, we heard that the remunerations of Tollywood heroes have skyrocketed around Rs.23 crores. Though the number seems to be good, compared with some Bollywood stars and Tamil Superstar Rajinikanth, the remunerations of Hollywood stars are less.
Bigger than Bachchan
However, it was Megastar Chiranjeevi, who made his fans raise their collars proudly, gaining nationwide attention then. It was one of the greatest moments for Chiranjeevi, He was paid Rs 1.25 crore for Aapad Bandhavudu in 1992, making him the highest-paid actor, overtaking Amitabh Bachchan who then used to get Rs 1 crore for a movie. No other actor in India received that much remuneration then.
13. After a few flops in the mid-1990s, Chiranjeevi bounced back with Hitler (1997). In 1998, came another film Choodalani, an action thriller which did a business of Rs 16 crore, a big number then.
14. Annayya (2000) was another of his big hits, which earned Rs 6 crore in the first two weeks. Indra (2002) broke all previous box office records and became the first Telugu movie to gross Rs 30 crore.
15. His film Tagore which was released in 2003, proved to be another blockbuster and one of the major hits of megastar. It was followed by other big hits like Shankar Dada MBBS, a remake of Hindi blockbuster Munna Bhai MBBS and Shankar Dada Zindabad, a remake of Lage Raho Munnabhai.
16. He played the villain in some more movies. His early films were mostly family dramas. Action movies too would become his most-favoured genre. He is known for playing a variety of roles ranging from cobbler, painter, goon, cowboy, and rebel to cop and leader.
17. The following are some top leading ladies with whom he has been paired: Jayasudha, Jayaprada, Sridevi, Radhika, Madhavi, Sumalata, Bhanupriya, Vijayashanti, Roja, Rambha, Soundarya, Aarti Agarwal, Shriya Saran
18. He gained Recognition as a Complete Star for his Outstanding performances, perfect comedy timing, heroic looks excellent Command over Dance and above all dedication towards his work. On one hand, he earned the appreciation of the class audience and the critics with socially conscious scripts and on the other hand, he won over the Masses. The people call him Megastar with all their love and affection.
