Tamil actor chiranjeevi biography

Indian actor and philanthropist (born 1955)

For the immortals of Hindu mythos, see Chiranjivi. For other uses, see Chiranjeevi (disambiguation).

Konidela Chiranjeevi (born Konidela Sivasankara Varaprasad; 22 Noble 1955) is an Indian somebody, politician, and philanthropist known represent his work in Telugu pictures.

Known as the "Mega Star", he is widely regarded sort one of the most flourishing and influential actors in illustriousness history of Indian cinema.^[4][5] Chiranjeevi holds the record for primacy most "Industry Hits" in Dravidian cinema, with eight films emergent as the top-grossers of their time—a feat unmatched by vulgar actor in the industry's 100-year history.^[6] He is also famous as one of the consummate dancers in Indian cinema.^[7] Type has received numerous honours, with the Padma Bhushan in 2006 and the Padma Vibhushan production 2024 from the Government well India, as well as depiction IFFI Indian Film Personality tinge the Year Award in 2022.

His other accolades include righteousness Raghupathi Venkaiah Award, three Nandi Awards, and nine Filmfare Credit South, including the Lifetime Culmination Award. In 2013, CNN-IBN legal him as one of "the men who changed the appearance of the Indian Cinema". Prosperous 2024, he was honoured be regarding a Guinness World Record type the most prolific actor-dancer outline the Indian film industry.^[8]

Chiranjeevi appreciative his acting debut in 1978, initially gaining recognition for emperor supporting, anti-hero, and antagonist roles.

He later transitioned to control roles with notable success. Top breakthrough came with the 1983 film Khaidi, which became representation highest-grossing Telugu film at magnanimity time and established him brand a leading actor in depiction industry. Throughout the 1980s dominant early 1990s, Chiranjeevi starred hamper various "Industry Hits"—highest-grossers of buzz time—like Pasivadi Pranam (1987), Yamudiki Mogudu (1988), Attaku Yamudu Ammayiki Mogudu (1989), Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari (1990), Gang Leader (1991), and Gharana Mogudu (1992).^[6] Particularly, Gharana Mogudu was the culminating South Indian film to bring forth over ₹10 crore in middleman share,^[9] prompting The Week organ to label him "Bigger pat Bachchan" and "the new poorly off machine."^[10]

For his role in Aapadbandhavudu (1992), Chiranjeevi was paid ₹1.25 crore, making him the highest-paid actor in India at loftiness time and the first Amerind actor to command a ₹1 crore remuneration for a film.^[11] During this period, he old hat widespread critical acclaim for fulfil performances in Swayamkrushi (1987), Rudraveena (1988), and Aapadbandhavudu (1992), showcasing his versatility as an feature who excelled in both commercialised blockbusters and critically acclaimed movies.

Notably, Swayamkrushi was screened kismet the Moscow International Film Holiday, while Rudraveena, which he co-produced, won the National Film Reward for Best Feature Film critique National Integration. In the stir 1990s and early 2000s, Chiranjeevi continued to dominate the case office with films like Master (1997), and Choodalani Vundi (1998).

His 2002 film Indra was the highest-grossing Telugu film tend many years, and socially impactful films like Tagore (2003) nearby Shankar Dada M.B.B.S. (2004) became major blockbusters, further cementing surmount legacy.

On 2 October 1998, Chiranjeevi established the Chiranjeevi Kind Trust, which operates the kindest blood and eye banks escort the Telugu states.

The expectation has restored eyesight to jurisdiction 9,000 individuals through cornea transplants and provides 70% of undismayed blood free to the poor.^[12] It has received several accolades, including the "Best Voluntary Cart off Bank Award" from the Control of Andhra Pradesh for quintuplet consecutive years from 2002 concern 2006.^[13] In 2002, he was honoured with the Samman Accord by the Income Tax Segment, for being the highest mode tax payer in the labour category for the assessment era 1999–2000.^[14]

In 2008, Chiranjeevi founded birth Praja Rajyam Party and sticky it in the 2009 Andhra Pradesh elections, where it won 18 seats and secured patronizing 16% of the vote, construction it the third-largest party amplify the state.

The party fused with the Indian National Sitting in 2011. Chiranjeevi served although a Rajya Sabha MP stranger 2012 to 2018 and was appointed Minister of Tourism subordinate the central cabinet of Bharat in October 2012, holding birth position until May 2014. Equate a hiatus from cinema, of course returned with the blockbuster favourable outcome Khaidi No.

150 (2017), followed by successful films such in that Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy (2019) and Waltair Veerayya (2023).

Early and personal life

Chiranjeevi was exclusive as Konidela Sivasankara Varaprasad Rao on 22 August 1955 in unmixed Telugu family to Konidela Venkata Rao and Anjana Devi cloudless Mogalthur, West Godavari district duplicate Andhra Pradesh.^[15] His father Konidela Venkata Rao worked as unblended constable and was transferred survey a regular basis.

He exhausted his childhood in his feral village with his grandparents.

Chiranjeevi did his schooling in Nidadavolu, Gurazala, Bapatla, Ponnur, Mangalagiri sit Mogalthur. He was an NCC cadet and had participated principal the Republic DayParade in Additional Delhi in the early 1970s.^[16] He was interested in faking from a young age.

Why not? did his Intermediate at Catchword. S. R. Sarma College perform Ongole.^[17] After graduating with unmixed degree in commerce from Sri Y N College at Narsapuram, Chiranjeevi moved to Chennai essential joined the Madras Film Association in 1976 to pursue ingenious career in acting.^[18]

On 20 Feb 1980, Chiranjeevi married Surekha, grandeur daughter of Telugu comic trouper Allu Ramalingaiah.^[19][20] They have fold up daughters, Sushmitha and Sreeja, have a word with a son, Ram Charan, further an actor in Telugu cinema.^[21] Chiranjeevi has two brothers, Nagendra Babu, a film producer mushroom actor, and Pawan Kalyan, apartment building actor-politician who is Deputy Leading Minister of Andhra Pradesh suffer founder of Jana Sena, regular regional political party.^[21]Allu Aravind, climax brother-in-law, is a film maker.

Chiranjeevi is the uncle get in touch with actors Allu Arjun, Varun Tej, Niharika, Sai Dharam Tej, prep added to Panja Vaisshnav Tej.^[22]

Acting career

1978–1981: Untimely career

Since his family worshipped Anjaneya (Hanuman), a Hindu deity, culminate mother advised him to outlook the screen name "Chiranjeevi", goal "Immortal", a reference to honourableness belief of Hanuman living forever.^[23]

Chiranjeevi started his film career condemnation Punadhirallu (1979).^[24] However, his leading released film was Pranam Khareedu (1978).^[25][26]Mana Voori Pandavulu (1978), fast by Bapu, gave Chiranjeevi make your mark from the Telugu audience.^[18] Unquestionable played a small role mark out Tayaramma Bangarayya (1979).

He attacked the anti-hero in films I Love You (1979) and Boy. Balachander's Idi Katha Kaadu (1979),^[18] starring Kamal Haasan.

In clever remake of the Tamil coating Avargal (1977), Chiranjeevi portrayed magnanimity character played by Rajinikanth on the run the original. In 1979, Chiranjeevi had eight major film releases and then 14 films eliminate the following year.^[27][28] In 1981, he played lead antagonist pustule works such as Mosagadu, Rani Kasula Rangamma, 47 Natkal /47 Rojulu, Nyayam Kavali and Ranuva Veeran.^[29]

1982–1986: Breakthrough with leading roles

Chiranjeevi began to appear in relevant roles with films such likewise Intlo Ramayya Veedhilo Krishnayya (1982), directed by Kodi Ramakrishna, which was a hit at high-mindedness box office.^[30] Later, he marked in Subhalekha (1982), directed through K.

Viswanath, which dealt top the social malady of character dowry system. It brought him his first Filmfare Award home in on Best Actor – Telugu add-on Viswanath's third Filmfare Award reckon Best Director – Telugu.^[31][32] Be sure about 1982, he also appeared mull it over movies such as Idi Pellantara, Sitadevi, Tingu Rangadu, Bandhalu Anubandhalu and Mondi Ghatam.

He distant in multi-star movies such chimp Patnam Vachina Pativrathalu and Billa Ranga, and later appeared well-off Manchu Pallaki.^[33]

Khaidi (1983) was top-hole box office success and Chiranjeevi attained stardom with this movie.^[23] In 1984, he continued contact action films.

A series grounding box office hits at that time include; Mantri Gari Viyyankudu, Sangharshana, Goonda, Challenge, Hero, Donga, Jwala, Adavi Donga, Kondaveeti Raja, Rakshasudu.^[34] In 1985, he normal his second Filmfare Award broadsheet Best Actor – Telugu chaste his performance in Vijetha.^[35][36]

1987–2007: Paying success

Chiranjeevi received his first Nandi Award for Best Actor guarantor Swayamkrushi (1987), directed by Young.

Viswanath.^[37]Pasivadi Pranam (1987), Yamudiki Mogudu (1988) and Manchi Donga (1988) also did well at glory box office. He co-produced countryside acted in Rudraveena (1988), which won the Nargis Dutt Trophy haul for Best Feature Film keep on National Integration,^[38] and the Nandi Special Jury Award.^[38][39] The nickname "Megastar" appeared for the cardinal time in the title buff of the 1988 release Marana Mrudangam, marking its association inspect Chiranjeevi.^[38] During the shoot comprehend Marana Mrudangam, Chiranjeevi was poisoned by a fan who attempted to get closer to him.^[40] The incident was recalled invitation Chiranjeevi in 2023, who took it lightly as an spell of misguided admiration.^[41]

He then experimented with Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari (1990), a socio-fantasy directed antisocial K.

Raghavendra Rao and rise by Aswini Dutt. Other exploratory works at this time encompass works such as Kondaveeti Donga (1990), the first Telugu coating to be released on graceful 70mm 6-Track stereophonic sound,^[42] grandeur western genre Kodama Simham (1990) and the social problem key filmGang Leader (1991), which were box-office hits and led make Chiranjeevi being regarded as ethics "boss of Telugu cinema".^[43] Honesty 1992 film Gharana Mogudu was the first South Indian playing field Telugu film to collect mention ₹10 crore in distributor handwriting at the box office.^[9][44][14] Grandeur film was screened at decency 1993 International Film Festival in this area India in the mainstream section.^[45]

Chiranjeevi's Bollywood performances were appreciated spiky Pratibandh^[46] and Aaj Ka Goonda Raaj.

For his role export Aapadbandhavudu (1992), he received enthrone second Nandi Award for Superlative Actor and third Filmfare Grant for Best Actor – Dravidian. The mid-1990s saw a job dip for Chiranjeevi with go on with office duds such as S. P. Parasuram, The Gentleman, Big Boss and Rikshavodu. There were exceptions, such as Muta Mestri, which fetched him a accommodate Filmfare Award for Best Human being – Telugu; Mugguru Monagallu gift Alluda Majaka were also successful.^[36] In 1996, he appeared misrepresent a guest role in depiction Kannada filmSipayi.

After a slender lull, Chiranjeevi bounced back sign out Hitler, Master, Bavagaru Bagunnara?, Choodalani Vundi and Sneham Kosam, supplement which he received his ordinal Filmfare Award for Best Someone – Telugu. In 1999, Chiranjeevi was to appear in undiluted Hollywood production directed by Dushan Garsi, and produced by Rameshkrishna Murthi.

The Telugu version was directed by Suresh Krissna. Illustriousness movie, which was titled The Return of the Thief fail Baghdad, had its filming floppy for undisclosed reasons.^[47]

Chiranjeevi's new dec started with Annayya (2000). Afterwards a brief gap, Chiranjeevi asterisked in Indra, released in 2002, which broke all his foregoing box office records of Tollywood and won him his base Nandi Award for Best Human being and sixth Filmfare Award teach Best Actor – Telugu.

Aft that, he appeared in pictures with an underlying message discipline a social cause, including Tagore;Shankar Dada M.B.B.S., for which be active won his seventh and current Filmfare Award for Best Entertainer – Telugu; and Stalin. Elegance was awarded the Filmfare Important Award – South in 2006 and the Filmfare Lifetime Exploit Award – South at goodness 58th Filmfare Awards South constant worry 2011 for his contributions flavour the film industry.^[48]

2008–2016: Hiatus problem film career

Following his last integument in the lead role, 2007's Shankar Dada Zindabad, Chiranjeevi sincere not star in any fell for approximately 10 years, as which he embarked on king political career.

During these 10 years, his appearances in big screen were limited to cameo roles. He appeared as himself focal two films, starring his top soil Ram Charan, namely Magadheera (2009) and Bruce Lee: The Fighter (2015). He also narrated Varudu (2010) and Rudhramadevi (2015).

2017–present: Comeback

From 2013 onwards, he was on the lookout for honesty right script to mark enthrone comeback into cinema, in what would coincidentally happen to aptitude his 150th film as eminence actor.

A year following character release of the highly go well 2014 Tamil film Kaththi, Chiranjeevi chose to remake that ep in Telugu as his reply film. The remake, titled Khaidi No. 150, directed by Categorically. V. Vinayak, was released lasting the Sankranti holiday in 2017, about six months short good deal a decade following Shankar Papa Zindabad, to positive reviews.

Critics have singled out Chiranjeevi bring into being particular, praising him for both his performance and appearance, mainly following a decade of lack from cinema.^[49][50] The movie undismayed ₹41.75 crore on its fortune day^[51] and grossed ₹164 crore in its lifetime.^[52] In 2019, he starred in his cap period filmSye Raa Narasimha Reddy based on the life stencil Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy; it was directed by Surender Reddy.

Authority movie made on a sell more cheaply more than ₹200–270 crore,^[53] grossed more than ₹240 crore (equivalent to ₹337 crore or US$39 million in 2023) underside its theatrical run.^[54]

Chiranjeevi had digit releases in 2022. His lid film was Acharya directed jam Koratala Siva co-starring Chiranjeevi's newborn Ram Charan.

His second flee was GodFather directed by Mohan Raja. The film had Salman Khan in an extended dry-point role and was largely in effect. GodFather subsequently released on Netflix.^[55]

Chiranjeevi then starred in the 2023 film Waltair Veerayya directed bid Bobby Kolli which released near the Sankranti festival.

The layer also starred Ravi Teja problem an important role, reuniting them on screen after 23 geezerhood since the 2000 film Annayya. The film met huge rewarding success. Waltair Veerayya later insecure on Netflix for streaming.^[56] Amusement the same year, he besides appeared in Bhola Shankar, smashing remake of the 2015 Dravidian blockbuster, Vedalam.

However, it release to unanimously negative reviews distinguished was a huge disaster erroneousness the box-office.^[57]

He announced his future film, Vishwambhara (2025), with Mallidi Vassishta of Bimbisara (2022) label.

Other work

Chiranjeevi is one round the co-owners of the Amerindic Super League club Kerala Blasters FC.^[58]

Television career

Chiranjeevi made his first night as a Television host accelerate the fourth season of Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu.

The first leaf of the fourth season was aired on 13 February 2017 back to front Star Maa. The game high up is a Telugu-language adaptation bring into play Who Wants to Be systematic Millionaire?.^[59]

Political career

In August 2008, Chiranjeevi launched his political party, Praja Rajyam Party, in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.^[60] At the launch, good taste stated that social justice was the main agenda of coronet party.^[61] In the 2009 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections, nobility party won 18 of authority 294 seats and secured smashing vote share of over 16%.^[62][63] He contested from Tirupati with Palakollu constituencies winning in Tirupati but losing out in Palakollu, in West Godavari district.^[64]

On 6 February 2011, the Praja Rajyam Party merged with the Soldier National Congress after two weeks of talks with Congress Superintendent Sonia Gandhi.^[63][65] The merger was influenced by the Congress party's concerns over a no-confidence sense of duty in the Andhra Pradesh rise and fall assembly, spurred by the make it to of Y.

S. Jagan Mohan Reddy's YSR Congress Party put forward the ongoing Telangana agitation. Respect 29 March 2012, Chiranjeevi was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, where he was elected mount took his oath as swell member on 3 April. Ulterior that year, on 28 Oct, he was sworn in tempt the Union Minister of Disclose (Independent Charge) for Tourism.^[66] Play a role 2013, Chiranjeevi inaugurated the Unthinkable India Exhibition, a collaboration mid the Ministry of Tourism increase in intensity the Ministry of Information dominant Broadcasting, at the 66th Port Film Festival.^[67][68] He also would-be Incredible India at the Fourteenth IIFA Awards ceremony held rafter Macau that same year.^[69]

After say publicly split of the state break into Andhra Pradesh leaving the residual state with huge debt suggest little revenue in June 2014, most members of the Andhra Pradesh wing of Congress item left in protest.^[70] Chiranjeevi, yet, remained with Congress and campaigned for it as chairman female Election Campaign Committee for 2014 parliamentary and assembly elections welcome the residual state of Andhra Pradesh.

However, he refrained stick up contesting in elections.^[71] There was also speculation that he exact not campaign wholeheartedly due forth the one-sided decision taken check split Andhra Pradesh.^[72][73][74] His last brother, Pawan Kalyan, a rankle Praja Rajyam Party youth elsewhere leader, launched his own state party, Jana Sena Party, fairy story campaigned vigorously against Congress soar in favour of Telugu Desam Party and Bharatiya Janata Party.^[75] Due to the strong anti-Congress sentiment prevailing in Andhra Pradesh, its candidates were defeated have round all parliamentary and state body seats of Andhra Pradesh.^[76][77]

Since authority 2014 elections, he has stayed away from active politics soar since then, has not criminal any meetings of the Copulation party, on a regional showing national level.

His tenure renovation a Rajya Sabha member on the brink in April 2018.^[78] Although inaccuracy is currently not active shaggy dog story politics, he was issued surrender a new All India Consultation Committee identity card in 2022 leading to the speculation show his political comeback.^[79][80][81]

Humanitarian work

Chiranjeevi fixed the Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust (CCT) on 2 October 1998, parley the motto that no double should lose their life justification to a lack of blood.^[82] The trust includes a family bank and an eye fringe and is the largest 1 of blood and eye charity in Andhra Pradesh.

As complete September 2022, CCT has undaunted over 930,000 units of class, with 70% of it not up to scratch to the poor free freedom charge.^[12][83] It has restored vision to over 9,060 individuals tradition 4,580 cornea transplants, and ultra than 350,000 people have assurance their eyes to CCT.^[84][85] Picture trust has received several accolades, including the "Best Voluntary Clan Bank Award" from the Andhra Pradesh State Government for quintuplet consecutive years from 2002 line of attack 2006.^[13][86][87] On 10 June 2006, the then President of Bharat, A.

P. J. Abdul Kalam, inaugurated the Chiranjeevi Charitable Set off (CCF) at Jubilee Hills reduce the price of Hyderabad.^[88] Chiranjeevi has supported high-mindedness trust's activities through his revenue, including those from television commercials and promotions.^[89]

After Chiranjeevi's entry give somebody the loan of politics, actor couple Rajasekhar most recent Jeevitha made allegations against primacy Chiranjeevi Blood Bank, accusing service of engaging in financial irregularities.^[90][91] In response, the Andhra Pradesh state government formed a high-ranking committee to investigate the claims.^[92] The committee, guided by primacy project director of the Hard-hitting State AIDS Control Society come first composed of experts from guarantee and technical fields, thoroughly examined records related to blood lot and disposal, blood grouping, intricacy, sterilization, medical waste management, conducted camps, blood expiry, quality jail, storage facilities, and equipment put.

Following the investigation, the gore bank was cleared of non-u wrongdoing. Authorities confirmed that depiction blood bank operates in brim-full compliance with the guidelines setting by the National AIDS Win Organization (NACO).^[93] In 2023, first-class Nampally court sentenced Rajasekhar instruct Jeevitha to one year advise jail and imposed a slim of ₹5 lakh for their defamatory remarks against the loved ones bank.

The couple, however, transmitted copied bail.^[94]

In May 2021, Chiranjeevi dawn up oxygen banks and ambulances^[95] across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to meet the needs dominate patients affected by COVID-19.^[96]

Filmography

Main article: Chiranjeevi filmography

Awards, honours and recognitions

Director K.

Balachander said, "Chiranjeevi has both Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth in him. Not only pot he do action, he receptacle also act."^[97][98] Chiranjeevi received ethics Padma Bhushan, the third pre-eminent civilian honour in India look the year 2006. In authority same year, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Andhra University for his contribution occasion films and his social spasm through the Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust.^[38] He is a nine-time promote of Filmfare Awards South^[24][38] professor a three-time winner of Nandi Awards.

He was the primary actor from South India justify be invited to the Oscars ceremony in 1987.^[99] In 2013, CNN-IBN recognized him as predispose of "the men who disparate the face of the Soldier Cinema".^[100] In 2014, he was awarded International Face of Asiatic Cinema at the 3rd Southerly Indian International Movie Awards fail to see Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.^[101] Scope 2024, he was honoured make sense a Guinness World Record thanks to the most prolific actor-dancer spartan the Indian film industry ardently desire performing more than 24,000 flow moves in 537 songs make a way into 156 films in a life's work spanning over 45 years.^[102]

Civilian honours

National honours

State honours

Acting honours

Filmfare Awards South

Nandi Awards

Cinema Express Awards

Santosham Film Awards

Zee Cine Awards Telugu

Other honours

See also

References