Chiranjeevi: Of Films And Politics

From reigning over the South Indian film industry to raising the bar of political competition, Chiranjeevi is unstoppable even at sixty-six. Monikered as one of "the men who changed the face of Indian cinema, Chiranjeevi's humble background and a highly successful career tell a lot about him.

Chiranjeevi. Image Credits: flicker.com

"Almost everyone in the industry dreamt of directing Chiranjeevi. At least for

a frame. I am no special…” - Rajamouli

"Telugu cinema is larger than any other cinema in the country. So if

Chiranjeevi is reigning over Telugu cinema, he is the King of Cinema in the

country." - Amitabh Bachchan

"No artist today can even dare to dream of reaching the heights Chiranjeevi

has scaled. He is one hero whom everyone accepts." - Nagarjuna

The supremacy of the Telugu film industry can never be ignored. Dramatic plot

twists, high-end fighting scenes, extraordinary plotlines, and last but not least,

Chiranjeevi- all these reasons are more than enough to make Telugu films a

massive success in the entire country. While other film industries struggle to even

cross the twenty-crore mark for their films, Telugu movies not only manage to

cross the hundred-crore mark but also win everyone's heart.

Be it RRR or Bahubali, be it Pushpa or KGF, these films have earned more than

200 crores in the film market. But what was so unique in these films? Well, the

undeniable charm of the actors, dialogue delivery, scene build-up, plot line, songs,

fighting sequences, unexpected plot twists, and the list is endless. Before these

new-age films and actors came into the horizon, Chiranjeevi was the real hero of

the South Indian film industry.

From starring in a film that later became known as the first South Indian film to

cross the ten-crore mark to becoming the highest paid actor in the Indian film

industry, Chiranjeevi has seen success at its highest peak. But how did a man

from the humblest of backgrounds reach a height that no other actor could ever

think of? Well, there's a secret recipe to success for Chiranjeevi. Let's find out what

it is.

Chiranjeevi's life started in a small village in Andhra Pradesh in 1955. His father

worked as a constable and was often transferred from one city to another. As a

young boy, he spent his childhood with his grandparents amidst the lush

greenery of his village. After completing his schooling, he adorned the NCC

uniform and parade for Republic Day in New Delhi in the early 1970s.

He had a knack for acting since his childhood and knew that he would

achieve great heights in the Indian film industry. Little did the boy know that

his assumptions would indeed be correct. After completing his college

studies, he ran behind his dream, to never look back at his humble

beginnings. Entering the Madras Film Institute, he created his path in the

film industry.

Before starting his acting career, Chiranjeevi's name was Konidela Siva Sankara

Vara. However, when he entered the film industry, his mother advised him to

change his name to "Chiranjeevi," meaning "immortal." He kickstarted his film

career with Punadhirallu. But even before this, one more his film was released

named Pranam Khareedu. The film that established his name in the South Indian

film industry was Mana Voori Pandavulu, directed by Bapu. Chiranjeevi's success

was ever-growing as 1979 saw eight film releases; the following year, fourteen film

releases were lined up.

Chiranjeevi won his first Filmfare Awards for Best Actor after playing the leading

role in a film named Subhalekha. Based on the social malady of dowry, this film

was directed by K. Viswanath. Though most of his movies were huge successes,

one of his recent films Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, based on the life of

Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy, was a huge success. It grossed more than Rs. 240

crores in its theatrical run.

After getting huge success in his film career, Chiranjeevi ventured into the

dangerous waters of politics. His fans and family knew he would emerge like

a shark even in this field. He had created his party named Praja Rajyam

Party. However, he decided to merge this party with the Indian National

Congress after several rounds of talks with Sonia Gandhi.

On March 29, 2012, he was nominated to Rajya Sabha after more than a year of

integrating his party with Congress. On April 3, 2012, he was elected and took the

oath of office as a Rajya Sabha member. He was sworn in as Union Minister of

State (Independent charge), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, on October

28, 2012. He has avoided active politics because he lost in the 2014 elections and

has not attended any congressional sessions since then. His Rajya Sabha

membership expired in April 2018.

Chiranjeevi also established the Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust, which operates

blood and eye banks. It is the state's largest recipient of blood and eye

donations. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam inaugurated the Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust

in 2006.

Chiranjeevi's son, Ram Charan, also followed in his footsteps, and today, he is one

of the most celebrated South Indian film industry actors. He has taken up the lead

roles in some fantastic films like RRR and Magadheera that have achieved

tremendous success. However, not even Ram Charan could pass his father's

supremacy.

Chiranjeevi was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honor.

He received ten Filmfare Awards and was the first South Indian actor to be called

to the Oscars Film Awards in 1987.

K. Balachander, the director, stated, "Chiranjeevi resembles both Kamal

Haasan and Rajinikanth. He can not only perform the action, but he can also

act."