Chiranjeevi
Chiranjeevi | |
|---|---|
| Born | Konidela Siva Shankara Vara Prasad |
| Other names | Mega Star, Chiru, Annayya |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1977 to present |
| Spouse | Surekha |
| Children | Sushmita, Ram Charan Teja, Srija |
| Parent(s) | Venkata Rao, Anjana Devi |
| Awards | Padma Bhushan |
Chiranjeevi (Telugu: చిరంజీవి), born as Konidela Siva Shankara Vara Prasad [1] on August 22, 1955, also known as Mega Star is a three-time Nandi Award-winning actor in the Telugu cinema industry. He is also a recipient of the Padma Bhushan Award.
Early life
Varaprasad is the eldest son of Sri Venkat Rao and Smt Anjana Devi. He was born on 22 August, 1955 in Narsapur, a Town on the Banks of River Godavari in the West Godavari District in Andhra Pradesh. He spent his childhood in his native village with his grand parents, while his family was else where because of his father's occupation. [2] He has two sisters and two brothers; his younger brother, Nagendra Babu is a film producer and a film actor, his youngest brother, Pawan Kalyan is also a Telugu film actor.
Varaprasad did his schooling in Nidadavolu, Gurajala, Ponnuru, Mangalagiri and Mogalturu. He won many prizes for his acting skills in school, especially for the performance as Parandamayya Panthulu. After high school he joined Bi.P.C in P.R.Sharma Jr. College at Ongole. Following that he finished his B.Com from Y.N. College in Narasapur.[3]
After his graduation at Y.N. College in Narsapuram, Chiranjeevi moved to Chennai to seek a career in acting. This was in 1977.
Rechristening as Chiranjeevi
Varaprasad was called by different names at different stages in his life. At high school level, he was called KSSV Prasad. During his college days, he was called Prasad. At home, he was called ‘Sankara Babu’.
Varaprasad felt that his name ‘Sankar’ would not be appealing to the people. He had a dream one night in which a small kid called him as Chiranjeevi. Then he narrated the same incident to his mother and she advised him to change his screen name to Chiranjeevi. He is also a great devotee of Lord Hanuman and hence he changed his name to chiranjeevi which in Hindu mythology refers to Lord Hanuman.[4]
Early career
Chiranjeevi was offered the lead role in the film Punaadi Raallu, produced by Sheikh Abdul Khadir in the direction of Raj Kumar, which laid the foundation to the acting career. Even though Punadi Raalu was his first movie, it was Pranam Kareedhu that was his first release. Pranam kareedhu, directed by K Vasu, was released on September 22nd, 1978. The second movie to release was Manavuri Pandavulu from which Chiranjeevi started gaining recognition as a hero among the spectators. In the beginning of his career, Chiranjeevi donned villain roles in films like Kukka Kaatuki Cheppu Debba, Kotthapeta Rowdi etc. He was known for his speedy dance movements and risky hair rising fights.[5]
Rise to fame
Khaidi was the first film to catapult Chiranjeevi into the big league.
Personal life
Chiranjeevi married Surekha, the daughter of veteran actor Padma Sri Allu Ramalingaiah. The couple have three children - two daughters Sushmita and Srija and a son, Ram Charan Teja, who now is also an actor. In October 1998 he started a charity called Chiranjeevi Eye and Blood Bank and Charitable Trust . The charity has saved hundreds of lives and nearly 1,600 people have received donated eyes. [citation needed]
Awards & Honours
In January 2006, Chiranjeevi received the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award in India because of his contributions to the Telugu Film Industry and for his social work.[6]
In November 2006, Chiranjeevi also received honorary doctorate by the Andhra University for his services to the Telugu film industry and for his social work.[7]
Filmography
References
- ^ http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/starhomes/chiranjeevi/index.html
- ^ "Early life".
- ^ "Education".
- ^ "Changing screen name".
- ^ "Early career".
- ^ "andhravilas.com". Chiranjeevi receives Padma Bhushan.
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"AU confers honorary degrees on Chiru, others". The Hindu. 2006-11-07. Retrieved 2008-01-16.
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