Chiranjeevi

From Bharatpedia, an open encyclopedia


Chiranjeevi
Chiranjeevi at Amitabh Bachchan's 70th birthday celebration.jpg
Chiranjeevi with his Wife at Amitabh Bachchan's 70th birthday celebration
Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha
In office
3 April 2012 – 2 April 2018
Preceded byRaashid Alvi, INC
Succeeded byVemireddy Prabhakar Reddy, YSRCP
ConstituencyAndhra Pradesh
Minister of Culture & Tourism (Independent Charge)
In office
27 October 2012 – 26 May 2014
Prime MinisterManmohan Singh
Preceded bySubodh Kant Sahay
Succeeded byShripad Yasso Naik
Member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly for Tirupati
In office
2009–2012
Preceded byM. Venkataramana[1]
Succeeded byBhumana Karunakar Reddy[2]
Personal details
Born
Konidela Sivasankara Varaprasad[3]

(1955-08-22) 22 August 1955 (age 68)[4]
Mogalthur, Andhra State, India
Political partyIndian National Congress (from 2011)[5]
Other political
affiliations
Praja Rajyam (2008–2011)
Spouse(s)
Surekha
(
m. 1980)
Children3, including Ram Charan
RelativesSee Allu–Konidela family
ResidenceJubilee Hills, Hyderabad, India
Alma mater
Occupation
  • Film actor
  • dancer
  • politician
  • television host
AwardsPadma Bhushan (2006) Full list
Nickname(s)Megastar,[6] supreme hero [6]

Chiranjeevi (born Konidela Sivasankara Varaprasad; 22 August 1955) is an Indian actor, film producer and former politician. He is regarded as one of the most successful and influential actors in the history of Indian cinema.[7][8] In a career spanning over four decades, he starred in over 150 feature films predominantly in Telugu, as well as some films in Hindi, Tamil and Kannada. Chiranjeevi won the Andhra Pradesh state's highest film award, the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award, three Nandi Awards, and nine Filmfare Awards South including the Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2006, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, for his contributions to Indian cinema.[9] In 2013, CNN-IBN named him as one of "the men who changed the face of the Indian Cinema".[10][11]

Chiranjeevi began his acting career in 1978 with Punadhirallu.[12] However, Pranam Khareedu was released earlier at the box office.[13] In 1987, he starred in Swayamkrushi which was dubbed into Russian and was screened at the Moscow International Film Festival.[14] Chiranjeevi won the 1988 Indian Express Best Actor Award and the state Nandi Award for Best Actor awards for his performance in the film.[15][16][17][18] In 1988, he co-produced Rudraveena which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration.[19][20]

Chiranjeevi's 1992 film Gharana Mogudu was the first Telugu film to collect over 10 crore[21] at the box office.[22][23] The film was screened at the 1993 International Film Festival of India in the mainstream section.[24] It made Chiranjeevi the highest-paid actor in India at the time catapulting him to the cover pages of national weekly magazines in India.[25] The entertainment magazines Filmfare and India Today named him "Bigger than Bachchan", a reference to Hindi cinema's Amitabh Bachchan.[26] News magazine The Week hailed him as "the new money machine".[27] He was paid 1.25 crore, the highest fee for any Indian actor, for the 1992 film Aapadbandhavudu.[23] In 2002, Chiranjeevi was given the Samman Award for being the highest Income Tax payer for the 1999–2000 assessment year by the Minister of State for Finance.[28]

In 2008, Chiranjeevi founded the Praja Rajyam Party and contested in the 2009 Andhra Pradesh election. The party won 18 out of 294 seats with a vote share of over 16%[29] and was later merged into the Indian National Congress in 2011. Chiranjeevi was appointed as the Minister of Tourism with independent charge in October 2012 and served in that position until May 2014. In 2022, he was awarded the IFFI Indian Film Personality of the Year Award at the 53rd IFFI.[30]

Early life and family[edit]

Chiranjeevi was born as Konidela Sivasankara Varaprasad Rao on 22 August 1955 in Mogalthur, a village in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, India.[31] His father Konidela Venkata Rao worked as a constable and was transferred on a regular basis. He spent his childhood in his native village with his grandparents.

Chiranjeevi did his schooling in Nidadavolu, Gurazala, Bapatla, Ponnur, Mangalagiri and Mogalthur. He was an NCC cadet and had participated in the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi in the early '70s.[32] He was interested in acting from a young age. He did his Intermediate at C. S. R. Sarma College in Ongole.[33]

After graduating with a degree in commerce from Sri Y N College at Narsapuram, Chiranjeevi moved to Chennai and joined the Madras Film Institute in 1976 to pursue a career in acting.[34]

Personal life[edit]

On 20 February 1980, Chiranjeevi married Surekha, the daughter of Telugu comic actor Allu Ramalingaiah.[35][36] They have two daughters, Sushmitha and Sreeja, and a son, Ram Charan, also a lead actor in Telugu cinema.[37]

Chiranjeevi's 1st younger brother, Nagendra Babu, is a film producer and actor. His 2nd younger brother, Pawan Kalyan, is an actor-politician who founded Jana Sena, a regional political party.[37] Allu Aravind, his brother-in-law, is a film producer. Chiranjeevi is uncle to the actors Allu Arjun, Allu Sirish, Varun Tej, Niharika, Sai Dharam Tej, and Panja Vaisshnav Tej.[38]

Acting career[edit]

1978–1981: Early career[edit]

Since his family worshipped Anjaneya, a Hindu deity, his mother advised him to take the screen name "Chiranjeevi", meaning "Immortal", a reference to the belief of Hanuman living forever.[39]

Chiranjeevi started his film career with Punadhirallu.[12] However, his first released film was Pranam Khareedu.[40] Mana Voori Pandavulu, directed by Bapu, gave Chiranjeevi recognition from the Telugu audience.[34] He played a small role in Tayaramma Bangarayya. He played the anti-hero in films I Love You and K. Balachander's Idi Katha Kaadu,[34] starring Kamal Haasan.

In a remake of the Tamil film Avargal, Chiranjeevi portrayed the character played by Rajinikanth in the original. In 1979, Chiranjeevi had eight major film releases and then 14 films in the following year.[41][42] He played lead antagonist in works such as Mosagadu, Rani Kasula Rangamma, 47 Natkal /47 Rojulu, Nyayam Kavali and Ranuva Veeran.[43]

1982–1986: Breakthrough with leading roles[edit]

Chiranjeevi began to appear in leading roles with films such as Intlo Ramayya Veedhilo Krishnayya (1982), directed by Kodi Ramakrishna, which was a hit at the box office.[44] Later, he starred in Subhalekha, directed by K. Viswanath, which dealt with the social malady of the dowry system. It brought him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu and Viswanath's third Filmfare Award for Best Director – Telugu.[45][46] He also appeared in movies such as Idi Pellantara, Sitadevi, Tingu Rangadu, Bandhalu Anubandhalu and Mondi Ghatam. He acted in multi-star movies such as Patnam Vachina Pativrathalu and Billa Ranga, and later appeared in Manchu Pallaki.[47]

Khaidi was a box office success and Chiranjeevi attained stardom with this movie.[39] In 1984, he continued doing action films. A series of box office hits at this time include; Mantri Gari Viyyankudu, Sangharshana, Goonda, Challenge, Hero, Donga, Jwala, Adavi Donga, Kondaveeti Raja, Rakshasudu.[48] In 1985, he received his second Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu for his performance in Vijetha.[49][50]

1987–2007: Commercial success[edit]

Chiranjeevi received his first Nandi Award for Best Actor for Swayamkrushi (1987), directed by K. Viswanath. Pasivadi Pranam (1987), Yamudiki Mogudu (1988) and Manchi Donga (1988) also did well at the box office. Chiranjeevi co-produced and acted in Rudraveena (1988), which won the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration,[19] and the Nandi Special Jury Award. Chiranjeevi then experimented with Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari, a socio-fantasy directed by K. Raghavendra Rao and produced by Ashwini Dutt. Other experimental works at this time include works such as Kondaveeti Donga, the first Telugu film to be released on a 70mm 6-Track Stereophonic sound,[51] the western genre Kodamasimham and the social problem action film Gang Leader (1991), which were box-office hits and led to Chiranjeevi being regarded as the "boss of Telugu cinema".[52]

Chiranjeevi's Bollywood performances were appreciated in Pratibandh[53] and Aaj Ka Goonda Raaj. For his role in Aapadbandhavudu (1992), he received his second Nandi Award for Best Actor and third Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu. The mid-1990s saw a career dip for Chiranjeevi with box office duds such as Mechanic Alludu, S. P. Parasuram, Big Boss and Rikshavodu. There were exceptions, such as Mutha Mestri, which fetched him a fourth Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu, Mugguru Monagallu and Alluda Majaka were moderately successful.[50] In 1996, he appeared in a guest role in the Kannada film Sipayi. After a brief lull, Chiranjeevi bounced back with Hitler, Master, Bavagaru Bagunnara?, Choodalani Vundi and Sneham Kosam, for which he received his fifth Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu. In 1999, Chiranjeevi was to appear in a Hollywood production directed by Dushan Garsi, and produced by Rameshkrishna Murthi. The Telugu version was directed by Suresh Krissna. The movie, which was titled The Return of the Thief of Baghdad, had its filming suspended for undisclosed reasons.[54]

Chiranjeevi's new decade started with Annayya. After a brief gap, Chiranjeevi starred in Indra, released in 2002, which broke all his previous box office records of Tollywood and won him his third Nandi Award for Best Actor and sixth Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu. After that, he appeared in films with an underlying message and a social cause, including Tagore; Shankar Dada M.B.B.S., for which he won his seventh and latest Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu; and Stalin. He was awarded the Filmfare Special Award – South in 2006 and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South at the 58th Filmfare Awards South in 2011 for his contributions to the film industry.[55]

2008–2016: Hiatus in film career[edit]

Chiranjeevi, Vidya Balan, and Ram Charan at "Incredible India" event in the 2013 Cannes Film Festival
Chiranjeevi with Salman Khan and his son Ram Charan at his 60th Birthday Bash, 2015

Following his last film in the lead role, 2007's Shankar Dada Zindabad, Chiranjeevi did not star in any film for approximately 10 years, during which he embarked on his political career. During these 10 years, his appearances in films were limited to cameo roles. He appeared as himself in two films, starring his son Ram Charan, namely Magadheera (2009) and Bruce Lee: The Fighter (2015). He also narrated Varudu (2010) and Rudhramadevi (2015).

2017–present: Comeback[edit]

From 2013 onwards, he was on the lookout for the right script to mark his comeback into cinema, in what would coincidentally happen to be his 150th film as an actor. A year following the release of the highly successful 2014 Tamil film Kaththi, Chiranjeevi chose to remake that film in Telugu as his comeback film. The remake, titled Khaidi No. 150, directed by V. V. Vinayak, was released during the Sankranti holiday in 2017, about 6 months short of a decade following Shankar Dada Zindabad, to positive reviews. Critics have singled out Chiranjeevi in particular, praising him for both his performance and appearance, especially following a decade of absence from cinema.[56][57] The movie collected 41.75 crore on its opening day[58] and grossed 164 crore in its lifetime.[59] In 2019, he starred in his first period film Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy based on the life of Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy; it was directed by Surender Reddy. The movie made on a budget more than 270 crore,[60] grossed more than 240 crore (equivalent to 271 crore or US$38 million in 2019) in its theatrical run.[61]

Chiranjeevi had two releases in 2022. His first film was Acharya directed by Koratala Siva co-starring Chiranjeevi’s son Ram Charan. His second release was GodFather directed by Mohan Raja. The film had Salman Khan in an extended cameo role and was largely successful. GodFather subsequently released on Netflix.[62]

Chiranjeevi then starred in the 2023 film Waltair Veerayya directed by Bobby Kolli which released during the Sankranti festival. The film also starred Ravi Teja in an important role, reuniting them on screen after 23 years since the 2000 film Annayya. The film met huge commercial success. Waltair Veerayya later released on Netflix for streaming.[63]

Chiranjeevi will next star in Bhola Shankar, which is slated for release on August 11, 2023.[64]

Other work[edit]

Chiranjeevi is one of the co-owners of the Indian Super League club Kerala Blasters FC.[65]

Television career[edit]

Chiranjeevi made his debut as a Television host with the fourth season of Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu. The first episode of the fourth season was aired on 13 February 2017 on Star Maa. The game show is a Telugu-language adaptation of Kaun Banega Crorepati.[66]

Political career[edit]

In 2008, Chiranjeevi started Praja Rajyam Party, a political party in the state of Andhra Pradesh.[67] At the launch, he stated that social justice was the main agenda of his party.[68] In the 2009 general elections, the party won 18 of the 294 seats in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly.[69] He contested from both Tirupati and Palakollu constituencies winning in Tirupati but losing out in Palakollu, in West Godavari district.[70][71][72]

Chiranjeevi taking charge as the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism, in New Delhi in 2012

On 6 February 2011, Chiranjeevi merged the 30-month-old Praja Rajyam Party with the Indian National Congress,[69][73] after two weeks of talks with Sonia Gandhi, the president of the Congress, which feared the no-confidence motion in the state assembly in the wake of the emergence of Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy's YSR Congress Party and the stronghold of Telangana agitation. After more than one year of merging his party into Congress, he was nominated to Rajya Sabha on 29 March 2012. He got elected and took the oath as a Rajya Sabha member on 3 April 2012. On 28 October 2012, he was sworn in as the Union Minister of State (Independent charge), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.[74] In 2013, he inaugurated the Incredible India Exhibition, a joint participation of the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at the 66th Cannes Film Festival.[75][76] In 2013, Chiranjeevi represented Incredible India at the 14th International Indian Film Academy Awards ceremony held in Macau.[77]

After the split the state of Andhra Pradesh leaving the residuary state with huge debt and little revenue in June 2014, most members of the Andhra Pradesh wing of Congress party left in protest.[78] Chiranjeevi, however, remained with Congress and did campaign for it as chairman of Election Campaign Committee for 2014 parliamentary and assembly elections in the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh. However, he refrained from contesting in elections.[79] There was also speculation that he did not campaign wholeheartedly due to the one-sided decision taken to split Andhra Pradesh.[80][81][82] His youngest brother Pawan Kalyan, a former Praja Rajyam Party youth wing leader, launched his own political party Jana Sena Party and campaigned vigorously against Congress and in favour of Telugu Desam Party and Bharatiya Janata Party.[83] Due to the strong anti-Congress sentiment prevailing in Andhra Pradesh, its candidates were defeated in all parliamentary and state assembly seats of Andhra Pradesh.[84][85]

Since the 2014 elections, he has stayed away from active politics and since then he has not attended any meetings of Indian National Congress. His tenure as Rajya Sabha member ended in April 2018.[86] Although he is currently not active in politics, he was issued with a new All India Congress Committee identity card in 2022 leading to speculations of his political comeback.[87][88][89]

Humanitarian work[edit]

Chiranjeevi at the World Travel Awards, 2012

On 2 October 1998, he founded the Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust (CCT), which includes Chiranjeevi Blood and Eye Banks. It is the state's largest recipient of blood and eye donations. The trust has made over 68,000 blood donations and 1,414 eye donations.[12][90][91] The blood bank of the CCT has helped over 80,000 people and the eye bank has helped about 1,000 people in the state of Andhra Pradesh since its opening. Around 350,000 people have pledged their eyes to CCT so far, giving 1600 people eyesight through CCT. CCT has also won the "Best Voluntary Blood Bank Award" by the AP State Government for the past 4 years.[92][93] On 10 June 2006, the then President of India, Abdul Kalam, inaugurated the Chiranjeevi Charitable Foundation (CCF) at Jubilee Hills Check Post in Hyderabad.[94]

CCT crossed the one lakh mark in collecting blood and more than 96,000 people have been helped with blood by this blood bank.[95]

After allegations made against the Blood Bank and Eye Bank,[96] the state government of AP constituted a high-level committee to look into the allegations.[97] The committee worked under the guidance of the project director of AP State AIDA Control Society, comprising experts from finance and technical fields, verified records pertaining to the collection and disposal of blood samples, blood grouping, screening, sterilisation, medical waste disposal, camps conducted, blood expiry, quality control, store room, record room and purchase of equipment.[98]

In July 2018, Chiranjeevi took part in the Green Challenge started by Narendra Choudary Tummala.[99] In May 2021, Chiranjeevi set up oxygen banks and ambulances[100] across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to meet the needs of patients affected by COVID-19.[101]

Awards, honours and recognitions[edit]

Director K. Balachander said "Chiranjeevi has both Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth in him. Not only can he do action, he can also act."[102][18] Chiranjeevi received the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian honour in India in the year 2006. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Andhra University in the same year.[19] He is a nine-time winner of Filmfare Awards South[12][19] and a three-time winner of Nandi Awards. In 2014, he was awarded International Face of Indian Cinema at the 3rd South Indian International Movie Awards from Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.[103] He was the first actor from South India to be invited to the Oscars ceremony in 1987.[104]

Chiranjeevi receiving Padma Bhushan from A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the then President of India in 2006

Civilian honours[edit]

National honours[edit]

State honours[edit]

Acting honours[edit]

Filmfare Awards South
Year Category Film Result Ref.
1982 Best Actor – Telugu Subhalekha Won [107]
1985 Vijetha Won [108]
1992 Aapadbandhavudu Won [109]
1993 Muta Mesthri Won [110]
1999 Sneham Kosam Won [111]
2002 Indra Won [112]
2004 Shankar Dada MBBS Won [113]
2006 Special Award – South Legendary Honorary Award Won [114]
2010 Lifetime Achievement Award – South Outstanding Contributions Won [115][116]
Nandi Awards
Year Category Film Result Ref.
1987 Best Actor Swayam Krushi Won [117]
1992 Aapadbandhavudu Won [117]
2002 Indra Won [117]
Cinema Express Awards
Santosham Film Awards
Zee Cine Awards Telugu
Other honours

Filmography[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. "Statistical Report On General Election, 2004 To The Legislative Assembly Of Andhra Pradesh" (PDF). Election Commission of India. 2004. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 January 2012. Retrieved 22 July 2015.
  2. "Statistical Report On General Election, 2009 To The Legislative Assembly Of Andhra Pradesh" (PDF). Election Commission of India. 2009. Archived (PDF) from the original on 4 August 2016. Retrieved 22 July 2015.
  3. "Chiranjeevi (Shiva Shankara Varaprasad)". Telugu Filmnagar. Archived from the original on 13 April 2019. Retrieved 13 April 2019.
  4. "Chiranjeevi Biography, Chiranjeevi Profile". entertainment.oneindia.in. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 27 February 2014.
  5. "Will Megastar Chiranjeevi Attend Congress President Elections?". Sakshi Post. 21 September 2022. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  6. 6.0 6.1 "Megastar puts on an accent". Archived from the original on 9 January 2022. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
  7. "Chiranjeevi: Take a look at the actor's imprint in the showbiz world". The Times of India.
  8. "Chiranjeevi, the megastar who beat Big B as India's highest paid actor". Hindustan Times. 29 April 2016.
  9. "AU confers honorary degrees on Chiru, others". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 7 November 2006. Archived from the original on 5 February 2008. Retrieved 21 April 2011.
  10. "100 Years of Cinema: The men who changed the face of Indian films". IBN Live. Archived from the original on 17 February 2013.
  11. "Chiranjeevi's 150th film to begin in August". The Times of India. 15 January 2017. Archived from the original on 9 April 2019.
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 "Padmabhushanudiki Mega Sanmanam Part – I – Telugu Movie News". IndiaGlitz. Archived from the original on 26 September 2010. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  13. "Chiranjeevi's debut". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 16 May 2013. Retrieved 21 April 2011.
  14. "Chiranjeevi felicitation on Padma Bhushan honor – Telugu Cinema actor". idlebrain.com. Archived from the original on 24 November 2020.
  15. 15.0 15.1 Express News Service (11 March 1989), "Cinema Express readers choose Agni Nakshathiram", The Indian Express, p. 4, archived from the original on 11 October 2020, retrieved 3 October 2016
  16. 16.0 16.1 "1988 Award Winners". Cinema Express-Indian Express Group (in தமிழ்). 1 May 1989.
  17. 17.0 17.1 സ്വന്തം ലേഖകൻ (10 March 1989). "മമ്മൂട്ടിക്കും ഗീതയ്ക്കും അവാർഡ്". Mathrubhumi.
  18. 18.0 18.1 "Chiranjeevi was invited for Oscar Awards". The Times of India. 13 March 2012. Archived from the original on 18 May 2019.
  19. 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 "Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : From reel to real life". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 18 August 2008. Archived from the original on 16 September 2008. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  20. "బాలయ్య-చిరంజీవి నిజమైన సంక్రాంతి హీరో ఎవరు? 11 సార్లు బరిలో దిగితే పందెం గెలిచింది ఎవరు?". Hindustan Times Telugu. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
  21. "First Telugu film that crossed the record of Rs 10 crore". The Times of India. 10 April 2020. Archived from the original on 28 October 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2021.
  22. "First Telugu film to gross 100 million". The Times of India. 17 August 2012. Archived from the original on 4 April 2021.
  23. 23.0 23.1 "Chiranjeevi, the megastar who beat Big B as India's highest paid actor". Hindustan Times. 29 April 2016. Archived from the original on 3 February 2021. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
  24. "International Film Festival of India 1993" (PDF). The Directorate of Film Festivals, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. 10–20 January 1993. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  25. "First Telugu film to gross Rs. 1 million". The Times of India. 17 August 2012. Archived from the original on 4 April 2021.
  26. Babu, Venkatesha (23 April 2009). "The 'megastar' hopes to score a smash hit on debut". Livemint. Archived from the original on 1 October 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2013.
  27. Rajeev Deshpande (18 April 2009). "Chiru charisma shines on, may end up hurting Cong". The Times of India. TNN. Archived from the original on 5 November 2012. Retrieved 15 May 2010.
  28. "Chiranjeevi dismisses reports linking him with tax raids". The Indian Express. 14 May 2012. Archived from the original on 4 April 2021.
  29. "Statistical Report on General Election, 2009 to The Legislative Assembly of Andhra Pradesh" (PDF). Election Commission of India. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 January 2013.
  30. 30.0 30.1 Bureau, The Hindu (20 November 2022). "Chiranjeevi chosen 'Indian Film Personality of 2022'". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
  31. "Selam/: PR faces 'mega' dilemma!". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 26 March 2009. Archived from the original on 30 March 2009. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  32. "Chiranjeevi". Oneindia Entertainment. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 28 February 2014.
  33. "Nostalgic moments for Chiru". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 11 January 2009. Archived from the original on 26 January 2012. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  34. 34.0 34.1 34.2 D., Murali Krishna. "Many Happy Returns to Mega Star". Indiaglitz.com. Archived from the original on 5 March 2008. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  35. James, Anu (20 February 2015). "Chiranjeevi-Surekha Celebrate 35th Wedding Anniversary; Rare and Unseen Pics of the Couple [PHOTOS]". International Business Times, India Edition. Archived from the original on 13 April 2019.
  36. "Rare and unseen wedding photos of South Indian stars Chiranjeevi, Rajinikanth, Mammootty, Vijay and Dhanush". timesnownews.com. Archived from the original on 13 April 2019.
  37. 37.0 37.1 "Chiru celebrates decisive B'Day!". IndiaGlitz. Archived from the original on 23 October 2012. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  38. "Double whammy for Chiru's fans". IndiaGlitz. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  39. 39.0 39.1 R.G., Vijayasarathy (18 August 2008). "From superstar to a political leader". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 29 September 2020. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  40. "Chiranjeevi—Live and let others live is the theme of his life". EntireAndhra.com. Archived from the original on 1 November 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  41. "Chiranjeevi – Filmography". IMDb. Archived from the original on 22 August 2010. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  42. "Ram Charan Teja to do a remake?". EntireAndhra.com. 6 August 2009. Archived from the original on 1 November 2013. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  43. "Entertainment Chennai / Film Review : What women power?". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 17 June 2005. Archived from the original on 9 July 2005. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  44. Intlo Ramayya Veedhilo Krishnayya
  45. Filmfare Best Actor Award (Telugu)
  46. Filmfare Best Director Award (Telugu)
  47. "Manchu Pallaki". IMDb. 19 November 1982. Archived from the original on 11 February 2017. Retrieved 16 February 2018.
  48. "Topper of Vivekanandha collegePart – I – Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  49. Collections. Update Video Publication. 13 April 1991. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 9 November 2020 – via Google Books.
  50. 50.0 50.1 "Megastar Chiranjeevi's Hits And Flops". Weekendcreations.com. Archived from the original on 21 February 2011. Retrieved 4 May 2011.
  51. "Kondaveeti Donga (1990)". IMDb. Archived from the original on 24 September 2016. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  52. Gopalan, Krishna (30 August 2008). "Southern movie stars & politics: A long love affair". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 29 August 2019. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  53. "Telugu Film Khaidi No.150 Has 8th Highest Opening Day in India". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 6 August 2018.
  54. "The Return of the Thief of Bagdad (1999)". BFI. Archived from the original on 13 April 2019. Retrieved 13 April 2019.
  55. "Filmfare trivia: Chiranjeevi". filmfare.com. Archived from the original on 24 August 2021. Retrieved 24 August 2021.
  56. "Khaidi No 150 review roundup: Here's what critics have to say about the Chiranjeevi-starrer". International Business Times, India Edition. 12 January 2017. Archived from the original on 12 January 2017. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  57. "Khaidi No 150 2-day box office collection: Chiranjeevi's movie crosses Rs 70 crore mark on Thursday". IBTimes India. 13 January 2017. Archived from the original on 14 January 2017.
  58. "Telugu Film Khaidi No.150 Has 8th Highest Opening Day in India". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 6 August 2018. Retrieved 27 January 2017.
  59. "Khaidi No 150 total worldwide box office collection: Chiranjeevi's movie grosses Rs 164 crore in 54 days". International Business Times. 5 March 2017. Archived from the original on 4 April 2021. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
  60. "Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy: Makers spent Rs 45 crore on VFX out of the total budget of Rs 270 crore - Times of India". The Times of India. 16 September 2019. Archived from the original on 4 October 2019. Retrieved 24 August 2021.
  61. Hooli, Shekhar H. (21 November 2019). "Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy 50-day box office collection: Chiranjeevi film incurs over Rs 50 crore losses". International Business Times, India Edition. Archived from the original on 24 January 2020. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  62. "Chiranjeevi's GodFather gets OTT release date". The Indian Express. 2 November 2022. Retrieved 27 July 2023.
  63. "Chiranjeevi's Waltair Veerayya gets OTT release date". The Indian Express. 7 February 2023. Retrieved 27 July 2023.
  64. News, India TV; Desk, India TV News (27 July 2023). "Bholaa Shankar trailer out: Chiranjeevi oozes swag in action-packed avatar | Regional-cinema News – India TV". www.indiatvnews.com. Retrieved 27 July 2023. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  65. "Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna to co-own Sachin's Kerala Blasters". @businessline. 1 June 2016. Archived from the original on 22 October 2020. Retrieved 18 August 2019.
  66. "Tollywood news: Chiranjeevi's MEK 4, Pawan Kalyan's Katamarayudu, Ravi Teja's Raja The Great, Suriya's S3 create buzz [PHOTOS+VIDEO]". International Business Times. 10 February 2017. Archived from the original on 10 February 2017.
  67. "Front Page : Chiranjeevi launches 'Praja Rajyam'". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 27 August 2008. Archived from the original on 3 November 2013.
  68. "Tirupati premier for Chiranjeevi's party". Archived from the original on 3 September 2012.
  69. 69.0 69.1 "Front Page : Praja Rajyam Party merges with Congress". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 7 February 2011. Archived from the original on 10 February 2011. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  70. "Chiranjeevi loses from Palacole, wins Tirupati" The Economic Times 16 May 2009
  71. Srinivas, Vadrevu (18 May 2009). "Chiranjeevi loses not just elections, but respect too". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 4 April 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2013.
  72. "Chiranjeevi starts a new role as Andhra MLA". CNN-IBN. 3 June 2009. Archived from the original on 7 June 2009. Retrieved 15 October 2010.
  73. "Front Page :Praja Rajyam merges with Congress". The Hindu. 7 February 2011. Archived from the original on 9 February 2011. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  74. "Seniors should make way for youngsters: Chiranjeevi". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 19 May 2019. Retrieved 4 April 2021.
  75. "Chiranjeevi to inaugurate Incredible India exhibition at Cannes". The Times of India. 20 May 2013. Archived from the original on 14 September 2019.
  76. ANI (21 May 2013). "Chiranjeevi offers wide opportunities to foreign film producers in India". Business Standard. Archived from the original on 5 February 2021.
  77. "Press Information Bureau". pib.nic.in. Archived from the original on 1 January 2014. Retrieved 11 August 2013.
  78. "Mass exodus of leaders leaves Congress high and dry in Seemandhra". NDTV. 19 March 2014. Archived from the original on 4 April 2021. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
  79. "Congress plays Chiranjeevi card". The Hindu. 21 March 2014. Archived from the original on 5 July 2014. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
  80. "Chiranjeevi starts Election campaigning from Srikakulam". Times of AP. Archived from the original on 23 July 2015. Retrieved 22 July 2015.
  81. "Congress will build new capital: Chiranjeevi". Deccan Chronicle. 28 April 2014. Archived from the original on 24 September 2018.
  82. Hooli, Shekhar H. (11 April 2019). "Here's why Chiranjeevi declined to urge people to vote for Jana Sena or Congress". International Business Times India. Retrieved 23 April 2023. Congress lost its popularity after the bifurcation of the united Andhra Pradesh. Chiranjeevi refrained from contesting elections and did not campaign wholeheartedly for Congress. He was upset with the one-sided decision to split Andhra Pradesh.
  83. "Will Pawan Kalyan's Anti-Congress Campaign Pull Chiranjeevi Down – The Hans India". thehansindia.com. 18 March 2014. Archived from the original on 4 April 2021.
  84. "Election Results 2014: TDP, TRS win Seemandhra and Telangana assembly polls". timesofindia-economictimes. Archived from the original on 4 April 2021.
  85. "Election Results 2014: TDP, TRS Win Seemandhra, Telangana Assembly Polls". NDTV.com. 17 May 2014. Archived from the original on 12 November 2020.
  86. "Chiranjeevi To Say 'Goodbye' To Politics In April". The Hans India. 26 February 2018. Archived from the original on 4 April 2021. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
  87. "A new ID card issued to Chiranjeevi by Cong High Command; Sailajanath reacts!". ap7am.com. 21 September 2022. Retrieved 23 October 2022.
  88. "Will Megastar Chiranjeevi Attend Congress President Elections?". Sakshi Post. 21 September 2022. Retrieved 23 October 2022.
  89. Telugu, 10TV (21 September 2022). "Chiranjeevi Congress ID Card : మెగాస్టార్ మావాడే అంటున్న కాంగ్రెస్.. చిరంజీవి పేరుతో ఐడీ కార్డ్ రిలీజ్.. కారణం అదేనా". 10TV Telugu (in తెలుగు). Retrieved 23 October 2022.
  90. "Chiranjeevi Eye Bank". Oneindia Entertainment. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 21 April 2011.
  91. "Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust – Chiranjeevi Eye Bank and Blood Bank". Humsurfer. 25 February 2009. Archived from the original on 12 July 2011. Retrieved 21 April 2011.
  92. "Chiranjeevi Charitable trust is number one blood bank in Andhra Pradesh – A write up on CCT – Megastar Chiranjeevi – megastar Chiranjeevi the founder president of Prajaraajyam". Cherryfans.com. 2 October 1998. Archived from the original on 8 September 2011. Retrieved 21 April 2011.
  93. "Chiranjeevi Blood Bank receives State award – Telugu Cinema News". Bharatwaves.com. 5 December 2006. Archived from the original on 13 June 2011. Retrieved 21 April 2011.
  94. "Dr. Abdul Kalam launches Chiranjeevi Charitable Foundation". idlebrain.com. 10 July 2006. Archived from the original on 23 September 2020. Retrieved 22 July 2015.
  95. "MEGASTAR CHIRANJEEVI ~ Early Tollywood". Earlytollywood.com. 23 February 2008. Archived from the original on 27 January 2011. Retrieved 21 April 2011.
  96. "Jeevitha Rajasekhar salute Chiru Fans". Cinejosh.com. 14 August 2010. Archived from the original on 4 April 2021. Retrieved 21 April 2011.
  97. "Panel set up to probe affairs of PRP chief's blood bank". The Hindu. 23 August 2010. Archived from the original on 4 April 2021. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
  98. "Did actor Chiranjeevi sell off his fans' blood?". Rediff.com. 12 August 2010. Archived from the original on 6 October 2020.
  99. "Chiranjeevi takes up green challenge - News". IndiaGlitz.com. 31 July 2018. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  100. Hymavathi, Ravali (12 June 2021). "Megastar Chiranjeevi Is All Set To Start An Ambulance Service Soon". www.thehansindia.com. Archived from the original on 20 July 2021. Retrieved 20 July 2021.
  101. "Chiranjeevi sets up oxygen banks for COVID-19 patients in Andhra". The News Minute. 26 May 2021. Archived from the original on 2 June 2021. Retrieved 2 June 2021.
  102. "rediff.com, Movies:The Rediff Interview: Chiranjeevi". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  103. 103.0 103.1 "Chiranjeevi named Face of Indian Cinema". The Times of India. 15 January 2017. Archived from the original on 9 April 2019.
  104. "Chiranjeevi was invited for Oscar Awards". The Times of India. 13 March 2012. Archived from the original on 18 May 2019.
  105. "Padma Awards" (PDF). Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 October 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2015.
  106. "Chiranjeevi Responds Over Raghupathi Venkayya Award". The Hans India. 15 November 2017. Archived from the original on 22 December 2017. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
  107. Reed, Sir Stanley (1984). "The Times of India Directory and Year Book Including Who's who". Archived from the original on 17 May 2021. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  108. Collections, p 394
  109. Archived
  110. "Filmfare Best Telugu Actor And Actress". 1 May 2018. Archived from the original on 1 May 2018. Retrieved 13 April 2019 – via Internet Archive.
  111. [1]Archived 23 February 2014 at the Wayback Machine Ajith receives his Best Actor Award for Vaali(Tamil) from Anil Kapoor & Rekha Retrieved 6 October 2017.
  112. "The Winner: 50th Manikchand Filmfare Awards 2002 - Filmfare - Indiatimes". Archived from the original on 28 August 2004. Retrieved 28 August 2004.
  113. "Filmfare awards for South India – Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam & Kannada – Telugu Cinema". Archived from the original on 9 March 2021.
  114. "54th Fair One Filmfare Awards 2006 – Telugu cinema function". Idlebrain.com. 4 August 2007. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 28 October 2012.
  115. "58th Idea Filmfare Awards".
  116. "The glitter, the gloss, the razzmatazz". The Times of India. 3 July 2011. Archived from the original on 11 October 2018.
  117. 117.0 117.1 117.2 "నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964 - 2008)" [A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008)] (PDF). Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh. Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 February 2015. Retrieved 21 August 2020.(in Telugu)
  118. "Complete winner list of Zee Cine awards Telugu 2020". Tollywood. 12 January 2020. Archived from the original on 3 November 2020. Retrieved 18 January 2020.
  119. "Chiranjeevi conferred doctorate" Archived 23 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Sify.com. 29 October 2006. Retrieved 9 March 2015.

External links[edit]

Information red.svg
Scan the QR code to donate via UPI
Dear reader, We kindly request your support in maintaining the independence of Bharatpedia. As a non-profit organization, we rely heavily on small donations to sustain our operations and provide free access to reliable information to the world. We would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to consider donating to our cause, as it would greatly aid us in our mission. Your contribution would demonstrate the importance of reliable and trustworthy knowledge to you and the world. Thank you.

Please select an option below or scan the QR code to donate
₹150 ₹500 ₹1,000 ₹2,000 ₹5,000 ₹10,000 Other