Chiranjeevi

Chiranjeevi
File:Chiranjeevi.png
Born	Konidela Siva Shankara Vara Prasad
Other names	Annayya, Mega Star, Chiru
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 on August 22, 1955, also known as Mega Star is a three-time Nandi Award and seven-time Best Actor(Filmfare-Telugu)award -winning actor in the Telugu cinema industry. He is also a recipient of the Padma Bhushan Award.

Early life

Vara Prasad is the eldest son of Late 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. 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 C.S.R.Sharma Jr. College at Ongole. Following that he finished his BCOM from Y.N. College in Narasapur. He is an NCC cadet.Chiranjeevi had participated in the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi as an NCC cadet in the early 70s. After his graduation at Y.N. College in Narsapuram, Chiranjeevi moved to Chennai to seek a career in acting. This was in 1977.

Career

Chiranjeevi 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 ‘Shankara Babu’.

Varaprasad felt that his name ‘Sankar’ would not be appealing to the people. He had a dream one night in which lord hanuman 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.

Early career

After completing his Diploma in Acting in Chennai, Chiranjeevi got an offer to act in ‘Punadi Rallu’in 1978, But the movie got delayed. Producer-director T Kranti Kumar, who had seen his photograph gave him a role in the film, ‘Pranam Khareedu’ which was his first release.. Subsequently, director Bapu signed him for ‘Manavoori Pandavulu’, where he first gained some recognition. 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 raising fights. His success started after his quite acclaimed role in 'Initilo Ramayya Vidhilo Krishnayya' (1981). Between 1978 and 1983 October (till the release of Khaidi) he had acted in about 60 movies, mostly in secondary roles, some as second hero, some as villain and some as character roles.

Khaidi, directed by A Kodandarami Reddy and produced by Thirupathi Reddy of Samyuktha movies, was the first film to catapult Chiranjeevi into the big league. The movie was heavily inspired by Hollywood blockbuster First Blood. He sizzled across a two and a half hour drama which in the end changed the very face of heroism in the Telugu motion picture industry. This film marked the beginning of his long and successful collaboration with director Kodanda Rami Reddy. Even today,Chiranjeevi singles out this film in his entire career that, according to him, satisfied him in everyway.
The film Pasivadi Pranam, released in 1987, gave Chiranjeevi super stardom. He introduced "break dance", a new style of dance form to the telugu film audiences. This movie was his first silver jubilee hit film.In the same year he acted in SwayamKrushi in the direction of K. Viswanath and won Nandi Award for his performance. Even though over eager critics were keen to typecast him as a song and dance hero, his films were sufficiently ambiguous to defy easy ideological categorization.
Chiranjeevi, has stated, "I play characters of ordinary men in extraordinary circumstances. I like characters who have a perspective for right and wrong." He has also noted "my movies are entertainment oriented, not moral or political." From then onwards chiranjeevi was called "Supreme Hero" by his fans.
This was a glorius period in his career with movies like Adavi Donga, Donga Mogudu, Yamudiki Mogudu, Aaradhana, Rudraveena, Challenge, Vijetha, and Kondaveeti Donga all of which went on to become blockbusters in the telugu film industry.

Further progress

The title "Megastar" was used for the first time while publicizing K. S. Rama Rao’s movie Marana Mrudangam which released in August 1988. In the same year was released Rudraveena directed by K.Balachander, which bagged the "Nargis Dutt" award for Chiranjeevi in the national arena. The title was just a publicity gimmick and did not catch on with his fans at that time. But the title was used consistently from then onwards.

The first half of 90’s decade peaked Chiranjeevi’s career graph to soaring heights for every movie released becoming huge box office hits like Gang Leader, Rowdy Alludu, Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari and Gharana Mogudu to name a few. After the success of so many movies his fans lapped up the title of Megastar which is used even to this day.

Due to the phenomenal success of his movies in the early 90's, expectations about his movies box-office runs were very high. Coupled with the high expectation were some poor movie selection by chiranjeevi which led to very bad movies like Mechanic Alludu, SP Parasuram, Big Boss and Rickshavodu which proved to be commercially disastrous. The controversy raked by Alluda Majaka for some double entendre and few erotic scenes affected Chiranjeevi’s image among his fans. Chiranjeevi threw a self-declared 'gap' after Rickshavodu to have a self-scanning of his conscience and thus emerged out with more mature and versatile portrayal in the film Hitler that ended his lean patch.

Indra released in 2002 in more than 200 theatres in Andhra Pradesh. The movie opened to packed theatres and went on to become one of the biggest hits of chiranjeevi's career. It truly reinvented the star in him and rejuvenated all his fan clubs all over the state. He also won the Nandi Award for best actor that year for the film.

Personal life

Chiranjeevi tied the wedding knot to Surekha, daughter of eminent yesteryear comedian Allu Rama Lingaiah, on February 20, 1980. He has 3 children, Eldest daughter Sushmita, Son Ram Charan Teja & youngest daughter Srija.

Political Life

Chiranjeevi's foray into politics was highly anticipated in the media and political circles since 2007. While it was reported that he was seeking opinion of people during the latter half of 2007, the media also suggested that he would announce the decision in January 2008. Amongst media speculations, he would launch his political party as an alternative to the ruling Indian National Congress and Telugu Desam Party in his native state of Andhra Pradesh. Even before the party's launch, several political leaders from the Andhra Pradesh such as Harirama Jogaiah from Congress and K. Vidyadhar Rao and B. Nagi Reddy from the Telugu Desam Party.

Chiranjeevi inaugurated his party office in Jubilee Hills on August 10, 2008. The actor came with his family members and a special poojas were performed. Speaking to the media after the inauguration, Chiranjeevi said, “I would like to extend my condolences to the bereaved families who lost their lives in the incessant rains occurred in the past 3 three days”. He also added: “ I request all my fans to extend help to the people who are in need. I would be announcing my party and agenda and officially launch the party this month. I will be answering all the questions posed by the media on the day of my party announcement."

On Aug 17, 2008 at 2:30pm Chiranjeevi has addressed a press conference in his party office to announce his entry into politics.

Chiranjeevi has announced that a Public meeting will be conducted in Tirupati on Aug 26, 2008, which falls on Mother Theresa's birthday. He has told that the details of his new party and future plan will be declared in Tirupati meeting.

Awards and 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.

In April 2006, To honor Chiranjeevi for receiving Padma Bhushan award a grand style felicitation function was held at Gachibowli Indoor stadium on the evening of 23rd April organized by Telugu film industry. The highlight of the night was when Amitabh Bachchan, who was the main guest, declaring emphatically that Chiru was the king of Indian cinema. Fifty heroines, most of them who have acted with Chiru, added lustre and grace to the occasion. Among them were Sri Devi, Jayasudha, Jayapradha, Suhasini, Radhika, Radha, Shobhana, Reshmi Roy, Sneha, Asin & Rambha.

Along with Big B, the special guests were Edida Nageswara Rao, Dasari Narayana Rao, D.Rama Naidu, K.Raghavendra Rao, Kasinadhuni Viswanath, Allu Aravind, K S Rama Rao, C.Aswini Dutt and others (too numerous to make a mention here). Mohan Babu, Brahmanandam, Nagendra Babu, Pawan Kalyan, Mahesh Babu, Vikram, Ravi Teja, Srikanth,Ali, Manoj Babu, Allu Arjun, Devi Sri Prasad and others were also at hand. Saikumar and Paruchuri Venkateswara Rao anchored the event.

Chiranjeevi is the King of Indian Cinema – Amitabh Bachchan

Chief guest Amitabh Bachchan said, “I am deeply honored to be present at this function. It is a wonderful celebration for a great actor like Chiranjeevi. I got an invitation for a Chiranjeevi’s function for the third time. For the first time I got an invitation for 100 days function. I could not make it. Chiranjeevi invited me for his daughter’s wedding. I could not attend because I was ill. A boy from a small village entered the film industry with dreams in his eyes and now he achieved Padma Bhushan. I had very little interaction with Chiranjeevi. Chiranjeevi is man of great humanity. It is very easy to be successful. But it is very difficult to sustain that success consistently. His humility and dedication made him to be on the top of his profession. Once you reach the top in any profession, it becomes an obligation and necessity to serve the society. I am happy that he is doing a lot to the society with a charitable trust. Generally there is a myth that Bollywood is the biggest film industry in India. But the reality is that Telugu film industry is the biggest film industry in India. Telugu film industry is commercially much stronger. Chiranjeevi is the reigning hero in Telugu which makes him the king of Indian cinema. I wish Chiranjeevi an everlasting life and success. May he win Bharata Ratna in the future.

In August 2007, Dr.Chiranjeevi also received South Film Fare Special Legend Award presented by legendry actor & Bollywood Baadshah Amitabh Bachchan in presence of entire South Indian Film Industry.Till that time there was no category of Legendry in South Indian film fare awards but it shows that he is interested in taking that award as there is a contravery regarding that award give to him at Vajrosthavalu which held couple of months before the Film Fare. While taking the award Chiranjeevi says, 'While receiving such prestigious awards, we(along with Malayalam Super Star Mammotty) remain dumbstruck. At this moment, I feel that I am still a student and talking in front of a Headmaster. That Headmaster is none other than Big B Amitabh Bachchan. He is an inspiring personality for many artistes. I thank all the producers, directors, technicians and co-stars on this occasion. Especially, it was my fans who refill energy every time. This legendary award is the result of all the power that was given to me by all these people.

External links

• Chiranjeevi at IMDb

Year	Title	Role	Notes
1978	Pranam Khareedu	Narasimha	First Released film
	Manavoori Pandavulu	Parthu
1979	Kothala Raayudu
	Sri Rambantu
	Idikatha Kaadu
	Punaadi Rallu		First acted film
	I Love You	Ramesh
	Kotta Alludu
	Kukka Katuku Cheppu Debba
	Tayaramma Bangarayya
1980	Rakta Sambandham
	Mogudu Kavali
	Prema Tarangalu	Kumar
	Love in Singapore	Suresh
	Thathayya Premaleelalu	Bhargav
	Kaali
	Nakili Manishi	Prasad / Shyam
	Punnami Naagu	Naagulu
	Mosagadu
	Jathara
	Aarani Mantalu
	Chandipriya
	Kottapeta Rowdy		Guest Appearance
	Agni Samskaram
1981	Kirayi Rowdylu
	Chattaniki Kallu Levu	Vijay
	Priya
	Srirasthu Subhamasthu
	47 Rojulu
	Rani Kasula Rangamma
	Ooriki Ichina Maata	Ramudu
	Nyayam Kavali	Suresh Kumar
	Prema Natakam		Guest Appearance
	Tirugu Leni Manishi
	Todu Dongalu
	Paravathi Parameshwarulu
	Adavaallu Meeku Johaarulu
1982	Bandhalu Anubandhalu
	Manchu Pallaki
	Mondi Ghatam	Ravindra
	Yamakinkarudu	Vijay
	Billa Ranga	Billa
	Patnam Vachina Prativrathalu	Gopi
	Tingu Rangadu	Rangadu
	Radha My Darling
	Sitadevi
	Idi Pellantara
	Subhalekha	Narasimha Murthy	Winner: Filmfare Best Actor Award (Telugu)
	Bandipotu Simham
	Intlo Ramayya Veedilo Krishnayya	Rajasekharam	First Diamond Jubilee film
1983	Sangarshana	Dilip
	Manthri gari Viyyankudu	Babji
	Khaidi	Suryam	Khaidi catapulted Chiranjeevi into the big league and gave him a star image. Has features of Silvester Stallon's Rambo: First Blood.
	Simhapoori Simham	Vijay
	Maa Inti Premayanam
	Roshagadu	Sikander
	Maga Maharaju	Raju
	Gudachari No.1	Vijay
	Puli Bebbuli
	Shivudu Shivudu Shivudu
	Aalyashikaram
	Abhilasha	Chiranjeevi
	Palletoori Monagadu
	Prema Pichollu	Ravi
1984	Rustum	Gopi
	Agnigundam	Vijay
	Naagu	Naagu
	Intiguttu	Vijay Kumar	Winner: Filmfare Best Actor Award (Telugu)
	Challenge	Gandhi
	Mahanagaramlo Mayagadu
	Devanthakudu
	Hero	Krishna
	Goonda	Kalidas/Raja
	Allulu Vasthunnaru
1985	Vijetha	Chinnababu
	Adavi Donga	Kalidas
	Raktha Sindhuram	Gandra Goddali & Inspector Gopi
	Puli	Kranthi
	Jwala	Raju
	Chiranjeevi	Chiranjeevi
	Donga	Phani	"Golimar..." song has the features of Michael Jackson's super hit album "Thriller". Very famous in Youtube.
	Chattam Tho Poratam	Ravi Shankar
1986	Chanakya Shapadham	Chanakya
	Dairyavanthudu
	Rakshasudu		Has features of Silvester Stallon's "Cobra"
	Chantabbai	Pandu Ranga Rao	Has features of Peter Seller's "A shot in the dark"
	Veta	Raanaa Pratap Kumar Verma
	Magadheerudu
	Kondaveeti Raja	Raja
	Kirathakudu	Charan	Has features of Kurt Russell's "Escape from L.A."
1987	Jebu Donga	Chitti Babu
	Swayamkrushi	Sambaiah	Winner: Nandi Award for Best Actor
	Pasivadi Pranam	Madhu
	Chakravarthy	Chakravarthy
	Aradhana	Puli Raju
	Donga Mogudu	Ravi Teja/Nagaraju
1988	Yudda Bhoomi
	Trinetrudu (100th Film)	Abhimanyu
	Marana Mrudangam	Janrdhan/Johnny	Few fight sequences are taken from Jackie Chan's "Fearless Hyna 2"
	Khaidi No.786	Gopi Entitled As MEGASTAR By His Fans
	Yamudiki Mogudu	Kali/Balu
	Rudraveena	Suryanarayana Sharma	Winner: Filmfare Best Actor Award (Telugu) Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration
	Manchi Donga	Veerendra
1989	Lankeshwarudu	Shankar	Has features of Bruce Willi's "Diehard"
	Rudranetra	Nethra
	State Rowdy	Kaali Charan/Prudhvi	Few fight sequences are taken from American TV series "Street Hawk"
	Athaku Yamudu Ammayiki Mogudu	Kalyan
1990	Raja Vikramarka	Raja Vikramarka
	Prathibandh	Siddhanth	Hindi film Based on telugu hit "Ankusham"
	Kodama Simham	Bharath	Comedy scene with Sudhakar has taken from English film "My name is nobody"
	Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari	Raju
	Kondaveeti Donga	Raja
1991	Rowdy Alludu	Janardhan(Johnny)/Kalyan
	Gang Leader	Rajaram
	Stuartpuram Police Station	Rana Prathap
1992	Aapathbandhavudu	Madhava	Winner: Nandi Award for Best Actor
	Aaj Ka Goonda Raj	Raja	Hindi
	Gharana Mogudu	Raju
1993	Mechanic Alludu	Ravi
	Muta Mesthri	Subhash Chandra Bose	Winner: Filmfare Best Actor Award (Telugu)
1994	The Gentleman	Vijay	Hindi; based on a Tamil Hit movie with same name
	S.P.Parasuram	Parshuram
	Mugguru Monagallu	Prudhvi/Vikram/Dattatreya
1995	Rikshavodu	Raju	Dual Role as father and son
	Big Boss	Surendra
	Alluda Majaka	Sitaramudu/Mr. Toyota
1996	Hitler	Madhava Rao
1997	Master	Raj Kumar	Playback singer for the first time
1998	Choodalani Vundi	Ramakrishna
	Bavagaru Bagunnara	Raju
1999	Iddaru Mitrulu	Vijay
	Sneham Kosam	Simhadri/Chinnayya	Winner: Filmfare Best Actor Award (Telugu)
2000	Annayya	Rajaram
	Hands Up		Cameo
2001	Daddy	Raj Kumar
	Manjunatha	Manjunatha Swamy/Lord Siva
	Mrugaraju	Raju	Also playback singer. Has features of Michael Douglas production "The Ghost and the Darkness"
2002	Indra	Indra Sena Reddy	Nandi Award for Best Actor Filmfare Best Actor Award (Telugu)
2003	Anji	Anji
	Tagore	Tagore	Santosham Best Actor Award
2004	Shankar Dada MBBS	Shankar Prasad	Winner, Filmfare Best Actor Award (Telugu) Winner, Santosham Best Actor Award Remake of Munnabhai MBBS
2005	Andarivadu	Govindarajulu/Siddharth
	Jai Chiranjeeva	Satyanarayana Murthy
2006	Stalin	Stalin
2007	Shankardada Zindabad	Shankar Prasad	Remake of Lage Raho Munnabhai