Konidela Chiranjeevi(bornKonidela Sivasankara Varaprasad;22 August 1955) is an Indian actor, politician, and philanthropist known for his work inTelugu cinema.Known as the "Mega Star",he is widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential actors in the history ofIndian cinema.[4][5]Chiranjeevi holds the record for the most "Industry Hits" in Telugu cinema, with eight films emerging as the top-grossers of their time—a feat unmatched by any actor in the industry's 100-year history.[6]He is also celebrated as one of the finest dancers in Indian cinema.[7]He has received numerous honours, including thePadma Bhushanin 2006 and thePadma Vibhushanin 2024 from theGovernment of India,as well as theIFFI Indian Film Personality of the Year Awardin 2022. His other accolades include theRaghupathi Venkaiah Award,threeNandi Awards,and nineFilmfare Awards South,including theLifetime Achievement Award.In 2013,CNN-IBNrecognized him as one of "the men who changed the face of the Indian Cinema". In 2024, he was honoured with aGuinness World Recordas the most prolific actor-dancer in the Indian film industry.[8]

Konidela Chiranjeevi
Chiranjeevi in 2013
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism
In office
27 October 2012 – 26 May 2014
Prime MinisterManmohan Singh
Preceded bySubodh Kant Sahay
Succeeded byShripad Yasso Naik
Member of Parliament,Rajya Sabha
In office
3 April 2012 – 2 April 2018
Preceded byRaashid Alvi
Succeeded byVemireddy Prabhakar Reddy
ConstituencyAndhra Pradesh
MemberofAndhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly
In office
2009–2012
Preceded byM. Venkataramana
Succeeded byBhumana Karunakar Reddy
ConstituencyTirupati
Personal details
Born
Konidela Sivasankara Varaprasad

(1955-08-22)22 August 1955(age 69)[1]
Mogalthur,Andhra State,India
(present-dayAndhra Pradesh,India)
Other political
affiliations
Indian National Congress
Praja Rajyam Party
Spouse
Surekha
(m.1980)
Children3, includingRam Charan
RelativesSeeKonidela–Allu family
Alma mater
Occupation
  • Actor
  • politician
  • television host
Awards
Nickname(s)Mega Star[2]
Supreme Hero[3]

Chiranjeevi made his acting debut in 1978, initially gaining recognition for his supporting,anti-hero,and antagonist roles. He later transitioned to lead roles with notable success. His breakthrough came with the 1983 filmKhaidi,which became the highest-grossing Telugu film at the time and established him as a leading actor in the industry. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Chiranjeevi starred in various "Industry Hits" —highest-grossers of all time—likePasivadi Pranam(1987),Yamudiki Mogudu(1988),Attaku Yamudu Ammayiki Mogudu(1989),Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari(1990),Gang Leader(1991), andGharana Mogudu(1992).[6]Notably,Gharana Moguduwas the firstSouth Indianfilm to earn over10croreindistributor share,[9]promptingThe Weekmagazine to label him "Bigger thanBachchan"and" the new money machine. "[10]

For his role inAapadbandhavudu(1992), Chiranjeevi was paid1.25 crore, making him the highest-paid actor in India at the time and the first Indian actor to command a1 crore remuneration for a film.[11]During this period, he received widespread critical acclaim for his performances inSwayamkrushi(1987),Rudraveena(1988), andAapadbandhavudu(1992), showcasing his versatility as an actor who excelled in both commercial blockbusters and critically acclaimed films. Notably,Swayamkrushiwas screened at theMoscow International Film Festival,whileRudraveena,which he co-produced, won theNational Film Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration.In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Chiranjeevi continued to dominate the box office with films likeMaster(1997), andChoodalani Vundi(1998). His 2002 filmIndrawas the highest-grossing Telugu film for many years, and socially impactful films likeTagore(2003) andShankar Dada M.B.B.S.(2004) became major blockbusters, further cementing his legacy.

On 2 October 1998, Chiranjeevi established the Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust, which operates the largestbloodandeye banksin theTelugu states.The trust has restored eyesight to over 9,000 individuals throughcornea transplantsand provides 70% of collected blood free to the poor.[12]It has received several accolades, including the "Best Voluntary Blood Bank Award" from theGovernment of Andhra Pradeshfor five consecutive years from 2002 to 2006.[13]In 2002, he was honoured with the Samman Award by theIncome Tax Department,for being the highest income tax payer in the profession category for the assessment year 1999–2000.[14]

In 2008, Chiranjeevi founded thePraja Rajyam Partyand led it in the2009 Andhra Pradesh elections,where it won 18 seats and secured over 16% of the vote, making it the third-largest party in the state. The party merged with theIndian National Congressin 2011. Chiranjeevi served as aRajya Sabha MPfrom 2012 to 2018 and was appointedMinister of Tourismin thecentral cabinet of Indiain October 2012, holding the position until May 2014. After a hiatus from cinema, he returned with the blockbuster hitKhaidi No. 150(2017), followed by successful films such asSye Raa Narasimha Reddy(2019) andWaltair Veerayya(2023).

Early and personal life

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Chiranjeevi was born as Konidela Sivasankara Varaprasad Rao on 22 August 1955 in aTelugufamily to Konidela Venkata Rao and Anjana Devi inMogalthur,West Godavari districtofAndhra Pradesh.[15]His father Konidela Venkata Rao worked as aconstableand was transferred on a regular basis. He spent his childhood in his native village with his grandparents.

Chiranjeevi did his schooling inNidadavolu,Gurazala,Bapatla,Ponnur,Mangalagiriand Mogalthur. He was anNCCcadet and had participated in theRepublic DayParadein New Delhi in the early 1970s.[16]He was interested in acting from a young age. He did his Intermediate at C. S. R. Sarma College inOngole.[17]After graduating with a degree in commerce fromSri Y N CollegeatNarsapuram,Chiranjeevi moved toChennaiand joined theMadras Film Institutein 1976 to pursue a career in acting.[18]

On 20 February 1980, Chiranjeevi married Surekha, the daughter of Telugu comic actorAllu Ramalingaiah.[19][20]They have two daughters, Sushmitha and Sreeja, and a son,Ram Charan,also an actor inTelugu cinema.[21]Chiranjeevi has two brothers,Nagendra Babu,a film producer and actor, andPawan Kalyan,an actor-politician who isDeputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradeshand founder ofJana Sena,a regional political party.[21]Allu Aravind,his brother-in-law, is a film producer. Chiranjeevi is the uncle to actorsAllu Arjun,Varun Tej,Niharika,Sai Dharam Tej,andPanja Vaisshnav Tej.[22]

Acting career

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1978–1981: Early career

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Since his family worshipped Anjaneya (Hanuman), aHindudeity, his mother advised him to take the screen name "Chiranjeevi",meaning" Immortal ", a reference to the belief of Hanuman living forever.[23]

Chiranjeevi started his film career withPunadhirallu(1979).[24]However, his first released film wasPranam Khareedu(1978).[25][26]Mana Voori Pandavulu(1978), directed byBapu,gave Chiranjeevi recognition from the Telugu audience.[18]He played a small role inTayaramma Bangarayya(1979). He played the anti-hero in filmsI Love You(1979) andK. Balachander'sIdi Katha Kaadu(1979),[18]starringKamal Haasan.

In a remake of the Tamil filmAvargal(1977), Chiranjeevi portrayed the character played byRajinikanthin the original. In 1979, Chiranjeevi had eight major film releases and then 14 films in the following year.[27][28]In 1981, he played lead antagonist in works such asMosagadu,Rani Kasula Rangamma,47 Natkal/47 Rojulu,Nyayam KavaliandRanuva Veeran.[29]

1982–1986: Breakthrough with leading roles

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Chiranjeevi began to appear in leading roles with films such asIntlo Ramayya Veedhilo Krishnayya(1982), directed byKodi Ramakrishna,which was a hit at the box office.[30]Later, he starred inSubhalekha(1982), directed byK. Viswanath,which dealt with the social malady of thedowry system.It brought him his firstFilmfare Award for Best Actor – Teluguand Viswanath's thirdFilmfare Award for Best Director – Telugu.[31][32]In 1982, he also appeared in movies such asIdi Pellantara,Sitadevi,Tingu Rangadu,Bandhalu AnubandhaluandMondi Ghatam.He acted in multi-star movies such asPatnam Vachina PativrathaluandBilla Ranga,and later appeared inManchu Pallaki.[33]

Khaidi(1983) was a box office success and Chiranjeevi attained stardom with this movie.[23]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.[34]In 1985, he received his secondFilmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugufor his performance inVijetha.[35][36]

1987–2007: Commercial success

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Chiranjeevi received his firstNandi Award for Best ActorforSwayamkrushi(1987), directed by K. Viswanath.[37]Pasivadi Pranam(1987),Yamudiki Mogudu(1988) andManchi Donga(1988) also did well at the box office. He co-produced and acted inRudraveena(1988), which won theNargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration,[38]and theNandi Special Jury Award.[38][39]The title "Megastar" appeared for the first time in the title cards of the 1988 releaseMarana Mrudangam,marking its association with Chiranjeevi.[38]During the shoot ofMarana Mrudangam,Chiranjeevi was poisoned by a fan who attempted to get closer to him.[40]The incident was recalled by Chiranjeevi in 2023, who took it lightly as an act of misguided admiration.[41]

He then experimented withJagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari(1990), asocio-fantasydirected byK. Raghavendra Raoand produced byAswini Dutt.Other experimental works at this time include works such asKondaveeti Donga(1990), the first Telugu film to be released on a 70mm 6-Trackstereophonic sound,[42]the western genreKodama Simham(1990) and the social problemaction filmGang Leader(1991), which were box-office hits and led to Chiranjeevi being regarded as the "boss of Telugu cinema".[43]The 1992 filmGharana Moguduwas the first South Indian and Telugu film to collect over10croreindistributor shareat the box office.[9][44][14]The film was screened at the 1993International Film Festival of Indiain the mainstream section.[45]

Chiranjeevi'sBollywoodperformances were appreciated inPratibandh[46]andAaj Ka Goonda Raaj.For his role inAapadbandhavudu(1992), he received his secondNandi Award for Best Actorand thirdFilmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.The mid-1990s saw a career dip for Chiranjeevi with box office duds such asS. P. Parasuram,The Gentleman,Big BossandRikshavodu.There were exceptions, such asMuta Mestri,which fetched him a fourth Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu;Mugguru MonagalluandAlluda Majakawere also successful.[36]In 1996, he appeared in a guest role in theKannada filmSipayi.After a brief lull, Chiranjeevi bounced back withHitler,Master,Bavagaru Bagunnara?,Choodalani VundiandSneham 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 bySuresh Krissna.The movie, which was titledThe Return of the Thief of Baghdad,had its filming suspended for undisclosed reasons.[47]

Chiranjeevi's new decade started withAnnayya(2000). After a brief gap, Chiranjeevi starred inIndra,released in 2002, which broke all his previous box office records ofTollywoodand won him his thirdNandi Award for Best Actorand sixth Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu. After that, he appeared in films with an underlying message and a social cause, includingTagore;Shankar Dada M.B.B.S.,for which he won his seventh and latest Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu; andStalin.He was awarded theFilmfare Special Award – Southin 2006 and theFilmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – Southat the58th Filmfare Awards Southin 2011 for his contributions to the film industry.[48]

2008–2016: Hiatus in film career

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Chiranjeevi,Vidya Balan,andRam Charanat "Incredible India" event in the2013 Cannes Film Festival

Following his last film in the lead role, 2007'sShankar 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 tocameoroles. He appeared as himself in two films, starring his sonRam Charan,namelyMagadheera(2009) andBruce Lee: The Fighter(2015). He also narratedVarudu(2010) andRudhramadevi(2015).

2017–present: Comeback

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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 filmKaththi,Chiranjeevi chose to remake that film in Telugu as his comeback film. The remake, titledKhaidi No. 150,directed byV. V. Vinayak,was released during theSankrantiholiday in 2017, about six months short of a decade followingShankar 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.[49][50]The movie collected41.75croreon its opening day[51]and grossed164 crore in its lifetime.[52]In 2019, he starred in his firstperiod filmSye Raa Narasimha Reddybased on the life ofUyyalawada Narasimha Reddy;it was directed bySurender Reddy.The movie made on a budget more than200–270 crore,[53]grossed more than240 crore(equivalent to337 crore or US$40 million in 2023) in its theatrical run.[54]

Chiranjeevi had two releases in 2022. His first film wasAcharyadirected byKoratala Sivaco-starring Chiranjeevi's sonRam Charan.His second release wasGodFatherdirected byMohan Raja.The film hadSalman Khanin an extended cameo role and was largely successful.GodFathersubsequently released onNetflix.[55]

Chiranjeevi then starred in the 2023 filmWaltair Veerayyadirected byBobby Kolliwhich released during theSankrantifestival. The film also starredRavi Tejain an important role, reuniting them on screen after 23 years since the 2000 filmAnnayya.The film met huge commercial success.Waltair Veerayyalater released on Netflix for streaming.[56]In the same year, he also appeared inBhola Shankar,a remake of the 2015 Tamil blockbuster,Vedalam.However, it opened to unanimously negative reviews and was a huge disaster at the box-office.[57]

He announced his next film,Vishwambhara(2025), withMallidi VassishtaofBimbisara(2022) fame.

Other work

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Chiranjeevi is one of the co-owners of theIndian Super LeagueclubKerala Blasters FC.[58]

Television career

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Chiranjeevi made his debut as a Television host with the fourth season ofMeelo Evaru Koteeswarudu.The first episode of the fourth season was aired on 13 February 2017 onStar Maa.The game show is a Telugu-language adaptation ofWho Wants to Be a Millionaire?.[59]

Political career

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In August 2008, Chiranjeevi launched hispolitical party,Praja Rajyam Party,inTirupati, Andhra Pradesh.[60]At the launch, he stated that social justice was the main agenda of his party.[61]In the2009 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections,the party won 18 of the 294 seats and secured a vote share of over 16%.[62][63]He contested fromTirupatiandPalakolluconstituencies winning in Tirupati but losing out in Palakollu, in West Godavari district.[64]

Chiranjeevi taking charge as the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism, inNew Delhiin 2012

On 6 February 2011, the Praja Rajyam Party merged with theIndian National Congressafter two weeks of talks with Congress PresidentSonia Gandhi.[63][65]The merger was influenced by the Congress party's concerns over ano-confidence motionin the Andhra Pradesh state assembly, spurred by the rise ofY. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy'sYSR Congress Partyand the ongoingTelangana agitation.On 29 March 2012, Chiranjeevi was nominated to theRajya Sabha,where he was elected and took his oath as a member on 3 April. Later that year, on 28 October, he was sworn in as the UnionMinister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism.[66]In 2013, Chiranjeevi inaugurated theIncredible IndiaExhibition, a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and theMinistry of Information and Broadcasting,at the66th Cannes Film Festival.[67][68]He also represented Incredible India at the14th IIFA Awards ceremonyheld inMacauthat same year.[69]

After thesplit of the state of Andhra Pradeshleaving 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.[70]Chiranjeevi, however, remained with Congress and campaigned for it as chairman of Election Campaign Committee for 2014parliamentaryandassemblyelections in the residual state ofAndhra Pradesh.However, he refrained from contesting in elections.[71]There was also speculation that he did not campaign wholeheartedly due to the one-sided decision taken to split Andhra Pradesh.[72][73][74]His younger 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 ofTelugu Desam PartyandBharatiya Janata Party.[75]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.[76][77]

Since the 2014 elections, he has stayed away from active politics and since then, has not attended any meetings of the Congress party, on a regional or national level. His tenure as a Rajya Sabha member ended in April 2018.[78]Although he is currently not active in politics, he was issued with a newAll India Congress Committeeidentity card in 2022 leading to the speculation of his political comeback.[79][80][81]

Humanitarian work

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Chiranjeevi at the World Travel Awards, 2012

Chiranjeevi established the Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust (CCT) on 2 October 1998, with the motto that no one should lose their life due to a lack of blood.[82]The trust includes ablood bankand aneye bankand is the largest recipient of blood and eye donations in Andhra Pradesh. As of September 2022, CCT has collected over 930,000 units of blood, with 70% of it provided to the poor free of charge.[12][83]It has restored eyesight to over 9,060 individuals through 4,580 cornea transplants, and more than 350,000 people have pledged their eyes to CCT.[84][85]The trust has received several accolades, including the "Best Voluntary Blood Bank Award" from the Andhra Pradesh State Government for five consecutive years from 2002 to 2006.[13][86][87]On 10 June 2006, the thenPresident of India,A. P. J. Abdul Kalam,inaugurated the Chiranjeevi Charitable Foundation (CCF) atJubilee Hillsin Hyderabad.[88]Chiranjeevi has supported the trust's activities through his earnings, including those from television commercials and promotions.[89]

After Chiranjeevi's entry into politics, actor coupleRajasekharandJeevithamade allegations against the Chiranjeevi Blood Bank, accusing it of engaging in financial irregularities.[90][91]In response, the Andhra Pradesh state government formed a high-level committee to investigate the claims.[92]The committee, guided by the project director of the AP State AIDS Control Society and composed of experts from finance and technical fields, thoroughly examined records related to blood collection and disposal, blood grouping, screening, sterilization, medical waste management, conducted camps, blood expiry, quality control, storage facilities, and equipment purchases. Following the investigation, the blood bank was cleared of any wrongdoing. Authorities confirmed that the blood bank operates in full compliance with the guidelines set by theNational AIDS Control Organization(NACO).[93]In 2023, a Nampally court sentenced Rajasekhar and Jeevitha to one year in jail and imposed a fine of ₹5 lakh for their defamatory remarks against the blood bank. The couple, however, obtained bail.[94]

In May 2021, Chiranjeevi set up oxygen banks and ambulances[95]across Andhra Pradesh andTelanganato meet the needs of patients affected byCOVID-19.[96]

Filmography

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Awards, honours and recognitions

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DirectorK. Balachandersaid, "Chiranjeevi has bothKamal HaasanandRajinikanthin him. Not only can he do action, he can also act. "[97][98]Chiranjeevi received thePadma Bhushan,the third highest civilian honour in India in the year 2006. In the same year, he was awarded anHonorary DoctoratebyAndhra Universityfor his contribution to films and his social service through the Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust.[38]He is a nine-time winner ofFilmfare Awards South[24][38]and a three-time winner ofNandi Awards.He was the first actor from South India to be invited tothe Oscars ceremonyin 1987.[99]In 2013,CNN-IBNrecognized him as one of "the men who changed the face of the Indian Cinema".[100]In 2014, he was awarded International Face of Indian Cinema at the3rd South Indian International Movie AwardsbyTengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.[101]In 2024, he was honoured with aGuinness World Recordas the most prolific actor-dancer in the Indian film industry for performing more than 24,000 dance moves in 537 songs in 156 films in a career spanning over 45 years.[102]

Chiranjeevi receivingPadma BhushanfromA. P. J. Abdul Kalam,the thenPresident of Indiain 2006

Civilian honours

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National honours

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State honours

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Acting honours

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Filmfare Awards South
Year Category Film Result Ref.
1982 Best Actor – Telugu Subhalekha Won [111]
1985 Vijetha Won [112]
1992 Aapadbandhavudu Won [113]
1993 Muta Mestri Won [114]
1999 Sneham Kosam Won [115]
2002 Indra Won [116]
2004 Shankar Dada MBBS Won [117]
2006 Special Award – South Legends (Honorary Award) Won [118]
2010 Lifetime Achievement Award – South Outstanding Contributions Won [119][120]
2023 Best Actor – Telugu GodFather Nominated [121]
2024 Best Actor – Telugu Waltair Veerayya Nominated [122]
Nandi Awards
Year Category Film Result Ref.
1987 Best Actor Swayam Krushi Won [123]
1992 Aapadbandhavudu Won [123]
2002 Indra Won [123]
2016 Raghupathi Venkaiah Award Honorary Award Won
Cinema Express Awards
Santosham Film Awards
Zee Cine Awards Telugu
Other honours

See also

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References

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  1. ^"Chiranjeevi Biography".Oneindia.Archivedfrom the original on 22 February 2014.Retrieved27 February2014.
  2. ^"Megastar Chiranjeevi reacts to prestigious Padma Vibhushan honor: Truly Humbled | Etimes - Times of India Videos".The Times of India.
  3. ^"Megastar puts on an accent".Archivedfrom the original on 9 January 2022.Retrieved9 June2021.
  4. ^"Chiranjeevi honoured with Indian Film Personality of the Year Award for 2022 at the 53rd IFFI".The Times of India.20 November 2022.ISSN0971-8257.Retrieved15 August2024.He is regarded as one of the most successful and influential actors of Indian cinema.
  5. ^"Chiranjeevi awarded Padma Vibushan".India Today.26 January 2024.Retrieved15 August2024.In a career spanning over four decades, Chiranjeevi is regarded as one of the most successful actors in Indian cinema.
  6. ^abS. Hari Prasad (18 April 2024)."Most Industry hits telugu hero: కెరీర్లో ఎక్కువ ఇండస్ట్రీ హిట్స్ అందుకున్న తెలుగు హీరోలు వీళ్లే.. టాప్లో మెగాస్టార్".Hindustan Times(in Telugu).Retrieved19 August2024.
  7. ^"Chiranjeevi and Shahid are best dancers: Prabhu Dheva".The Times of India.10 January 2014.ISSN0971-8257.Retrieved21 August2024.
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  9. ^ab"28 Years for Gharana Mogudu: 4 fascinating things about the Chiranjeevi starrer".The Times of India.10 April 2020.Archivedfrom the original on 28 October 2020.Gharana Mogudu was a commercial success, and it went on to become the first South Indian film to collect over Rs 10 crore share at the box office. Chiranjeevi is probably the first hero in the history of Indian cinema to take Rs 1 crore remuneration for a film.
  10. ^"A crore and more: Chiranjeevi, the new money machine of the movie world".The Week.13 September 1992. pp. 28, 29.If his popularity is astounding, the price he commands would make heads spin: the megastar has crashed through the one-crore barrier. While Amitabh Bachchan, who had Hindi filmdom at his feet for a decade, is paid Rs. 75 lakh for doing a film, Chiranjeevi gets almost double: a mind-boggling Rs. 1.25 crore. The only one who comes anywhere near the magic mark is Rajnikant, the Tamil superstar, who makes Rs. 1 crore.
  11. ^
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  30. ^Intlo Ramayya Veedhilo Krishnayya
  31. ^Filmfare Best Actor Award (Telugu)
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