Chiranjeevi
Chiranjeevi | |
---|---|
![]() Chiranjeevi in 2013 | |
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism | |
In office 27 October 2012 – 26 May 2014 | |
Prime Minister | Manmohan Singh |
Preceded by | Subodh Kant Sahay |
Succeeded by | Shripad Yasso Naik |
Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha | |
In office 3 April 2012 – 2 April 2018 | |
Preceded by | Raashid Alvi |
Succeeded by | Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy |
Constituency | Andhra Pradesh |
Member of Legislative Assembly, Andhra Pradesh | |
In office 2009–2012 | |
Preceded by | M. Venkataramana[1] |
Succeeded by | Bhumana Karunakar Reddy[2] |
Constituency | Tirupati |
Personal details | |
Born | Konidela Sivasankara Varaprasad[3] 22 August 1955[4] Mogalthur, Andhra State, India (now in Andhra Pradesh, India) |
Other political affiliations | Indian National Congress Praja Rajyam Party |
Spouse |
Surekha (m. 1980) |
Children | 3, including Ram Charan |
Relatives | See Allu–Konidela family |
Residence(s) | Hyderabad, India |
Alma mater | |
Occupation |
|
Awards |
|
Nickname(s) | Mega Star,[5] Supreme Hero[6] |
Konidela Chiranjeevi (born Konidela Sivasankara Varaprasad; 22 August 1955) is an Indian actor, film producer and politician known for his work in Telugu cinema. 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. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award, in 2024 and the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award, in 2006. In 2013, CNN-IBN named him as one of "the men who changed the face of the Indian Cinema".[9]
Chiranjeevi began his acting career in 1978 with Punadhirallu. However, Pranam Khareedu was released earlier at the box office. In 1987, he starred in Swayamkrushi which was dubbed into Russian and was screened at the Moscow International Film Festival. Chiranjeevi won the 1988 Indian Express Best Actor Award and the state Nandi Award for Best Actor awards for his performance in the film. In 1988, he co-produced Rudraveena which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration.
Chiranjeevi's 1992 film Gharana Mogudu became the first South Indian and Telugu film to collect over ₹10 crore in distributor share at the box office.[10] This achievement led The Week magazine to label him "Bigger than Bachchan", a nod to Hindi cinema icon Amitabh Bachchan, and also describe him as "the new money machine."[11] For his role in Aapadbandhavudu (1992), Chiranjeevi was paid ₹1.25 crore, the highest fee ever for an Indian actor at that time, making him the first in Indian cinema history to receive over ₹1 crore in remuneration.[12] In 2002, he received the Samman Award from the Minister of State for Finance for being the highest Income Tax payer for the 1999–2000 assessment year.[13]
In 2008, Chiranjeevi founded the Praja Rajyam Party and contested in the 2009 Andhra Pradesh elections. The party secured 18 seats with a vote share of over 16%, becoming the third largest party in the state by both seats won and vote share.[14] In 2011, the party merged with the Indian National Congress. Chiranjeevi was appointed as the Minister of Tourism with independent charge in October 2012 and served until May 2014. In 2022, he was awarded the IFFI Indian Film Personality of the Year Award at the 53rd IFFI.[15]
Early life and family
[edit]Chiranjeevi was born as Konidela Sivasankara Varaprasad Rao on 22 August 1955 in a Telugu family to Konidela Venkata Rao and Anjana Devi in Mogalthur, West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, India.[16] 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 1970s.[17] He was interested in acting from a young age. He did his Intermediate at C. S. R. Sarma College in Ongole.[18]
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.[19]
Personal life
[edit]On 20 February 1980, Chiranjeevi married Surekha, the daughter of Telugu comic actor Allu Ramalingaiah.[20][21] They have two daughters, Sushmitha and Sreeja, and a son, Ram Charan, also an actor in Telugu cinema.[22]
Chiranjeevi has two brothers, Nagendra Babu, a film producer and actor, and Pawan Kalyan, an actor-politician who founded Jana Sena, a regional political party.[22] Allu Aravind, his brother-in-law, is a film producer. Chiranjeevi is the uncle to actors Allu Arjun, Varun Tej, Niharika, Sai Dharam Tej, Panja Vaisshnav Tej and Allu Sirish.[23]
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.[24]
Chiranjeevi started his film career with Punadhirallu.[25] However, his first released film was Pranam Khareedu.[26][27] Mana Voori Pandavulu, directed by Bapu, gave Chiranjeevi recognition from the Telugu audience.[19] 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,[19] 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.[28][29] He played lead antagonist in works such as Mosagadu, Rani Kasula Rangamma, 47 Natkal /47 Rojulu, Nyayam Kavali and Ranuva Veeran.[30]
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.[31] 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.[32][33] 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.[34]
Khaidi was a box office success and Chiranjeevi attained stardom with this movie.[24] 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.[35] In 1985, he received his second Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu for his performance in Vijetha.[36][37]
1987–2007: Commercial success
[edit]Chiranjeevi received his first Nandi Award for Best Actor for Swayamkrushi (1987), directed by K. Viswanath.[38] 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,[39] and the Nandi Special Jury Award.[39][40] Chiranjeevi then experimented with Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari, a socio-fantasy directed by K. Raghavendra Rao and produced by Aswini 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,[41] the western genre Kodama Simham 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".[42] The 1992 film Gharana Mogudu was the first Telugu film to collect over ₹10 crore at the box office.[10][43][44] The film was screened at the 1993 International Film Festival of India in the mainstream section.[45]
Chiranjeevi's Bollywood performances were appreciated in Pratibandh[46] 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 S. P. Parasuram, The Gentleman, Big Boss and Rikshavodu. There were exceptions, such as Muta Mestri, which fetched him a fourth Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu; Mugguru Monagallu and Alluda Majaka were also successful.[37] 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.[47]
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.[48]
2008–2016: Hiatus in film career
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/53/The_Minister_of_State_%28Independent_Charge%29_for_Tourism%2C_Shri_K._Chiranjeevi_was_accorded_red_carpet_welcome_at_the_Cannes_Film_Festival%2C_France_on_May_20%2C_2013.jpg/220px-thumbnail.jpg)
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 six 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.[49][50] The movie collected ₹ 41.75 crore on its opening day[51] and grossed ₹ 164 crore in its lifetime.[52] 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,[53] grossed more than ₹240 crore (equivalent to ₹337 crore or US$40 million in 2023) in its theatrical run.[54]
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.[55]
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.[56] In the same year, he also appeared in Bhola 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), with Mallidi Vassishta of Bimbisara (2022) fame.
Other work
[edit]Chiranjeevi is one of the co-owners of the Indian Super League club Kerala Blasters FC.[58]
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 Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?.[59]
Political career
[edit]In August 2008, Chiranjeevi launched his political party, Praja Rajyam Party, in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.[60] At the launch, he stated that social justice was the main agenda of his party.[61] In the 2009 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections, the party won 18 of the 294 seats and secured a vote share of over 16%.[62] He contested from Tirupati and Palakollu constituencies winning in Tirupati but losing out in Palakollu, in West Godavari district.[63]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c2/Dr._K._Chiranjeevi_taking_charge_as_the_Minister_of_State_%28Independent_Charge%29_for_Tourism%2C_in_New_Delhi_on_November_01%2C_2012.jpg/220px-Dr._K._Chiranjeevi_taking_charge_as_the_Minister_of_State_%28Independent_Charge%29_for_Tourism%2C_in_New_Delhi_on_November_01%2C_2012.jpg)
On 6 February 2011, the Praja Rajyam Party merged with the Indian National Congress after two weeks of talks with Congress President Sonia Gandhi.[62][64] The merger was influenced by the Congress party's concerns over a no-confidence motion in the Andhra Pradesh state assembly, spurred by the rise of Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy's YSR Congress Party and the ongoing Telangana agitation. On 29 March 2012, Chiranjeevi was nominated to the Rajya 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 Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism.[65] In 2013, Chiranjeevi inaugurated the Incredible India Exhibition, a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, at the 66th Cannes Film Festival.[66][67] He also represented Incredible India at the 14th IIFA Awards ceremony held in Macau that same year.[68]
After the split of 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.[69] Chiranjeevi, however, remained with Congress and campaigned for it as chairman of Election Campaign Committee for 2014 parliamentary and assembly elections in the residual state of Andhra Pradesh. However, he refrained from contesting in elections.[70] There was also speculation that he did not campaign wholeheartedly due to the one-sided decision taken to split Andhra Pradesh.[71][72][73] 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 of Telugu Desam Party and Bharatiya Janata Party.[74] 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.[75][76]
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.[77] Although he is currently not active in politics, he was issued with a new All India Congress Committee identity card in 2022 leading to the speculation of his political comeback.[78][79][80]
Humanitarian work
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/73/The_Minister_of_State_%28Independent_Charge%29_for_Tourism%2C_Dr._K._Chiranjeevi_receiving_the_World_Travel_Awards%2C_at_a_function%2C_in_New_Delhi_on_December_13%2C_2012.jpg/220px-thumbnail.jpg)
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.[25][81][82] 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 four years.[83][84] On 10 June 2006, the then President of India, Abdul Kalam, inaugurated the Chiranjeevi Charitable Foundation (CCF) at Jubilee Hills Check Post in Hyderabad.[85]
CCT crossed the one lakh mark in collecting blood and more than 96,000 people have been helped with blood donations by this blood bank.[86]
After Chiranjeevi's entry into politics, allegations were many against the Chiranjeevi Blood Bank.[87][88] Andhra Pradesh state government formed a high-level committee to investigate the claims.[89] 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 Chiranjeevi Blood Bank was cleared of any wrongdoing. Authorities confirmed that the blood bank operates in full compliance with the guidelines set by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO). The investigation found no evidence of misuse or violation of regulations.[90]
In July 2018, Chiranjeevi took part in the Green Challenge started by Narendra Choudary Tummala.[91] In May 2021, Chiranjeevi set up oxygen banks and ambulances[92] across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to meet the needs of patients affected by COVID-19.[93]
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."[94][95] 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.[39] He is a nine-time winner of Filmfare Awards South[25][39] 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 by Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.[96] He was the first actor from South India to be invited to the Oscars ceremony in 1987.[97]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5a/The_President%2C_Dr._A.P.J._Abdul_Kalam_presenting_Padma_Bhushan_to_Shri_Konidala_Chiranjeevi%2C_a_well_known_cine_actor_and_philanthropist%2C_at_investiture_ceremony_in_New_Delhi_on_March_29%2C_2006.jpg/250px-thumbnail.jpg)
Civilian honours
[edit]- 2006 – Padma Bhushan from the Government of India[98]
- 2024 – Padma Vibhushan from the Government of India[99][100]
National honours
[edit]State honours
[edit]- 2016 – Raghupathi Venkaiah Award from the Government of Andhra Pradesh[101]
Acting honours
[edit]Year | Category | Film | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
1982 | Best Actor – Telugu | Subhalekha | Won | [102] |
1985 | Vijetha | Won | [103] | |
1992 | Aapadbandhavudu | Won | [104] | |
1993 | Muta Mesthri | Won | [105] | |
1999 | Sneham Kosam | Won | [106] | |
2002 | Indra | Won | [107] | |
2004 | Shankar Dada MBBS | Won | [108] | |
2006 | Special Award – South | Legendary Honorary Award | Won | [109] |
2010 | Lifetime Achievement Award – South | Outstanding Contributions | Won | [110][111] |
2024 | Best Actor – Telugu | GodFather | Nominated | [112] |
2024 | Best Actor – Telugu | Waltair Veerayya | Nominated | [113] |
Year | Category | Film | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
1987 | Best Actor | Swayam Krushi | Won | [114] |
1992 | Aapadbandhavudu | Won | [114] | |
2002 | Indra | Won | [114] | |
2016 | Ragupathi Venkaiah Award | Honorary Award | Won |
- Best Actor – Swayam Krushi (1987)[115][116][117]
- Best Actor – Khaidi No. 150 (2017)
- Best Actor – Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy (2019)[118]
- Other honours
- 2006 – Honorary doctorate from the Andhra University[119][120]
- SIIMA Awards - International Face of Indian Cinema – (2014)[96]
Filmography
[edit]See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Chiranjeevi (Shiva Shankara Varaprasad)". Telugu Filmnagar. Archived from the original on 13 April 2019. Retrieved 13 April 2019.
- ^ "Chiranjeevi Biography, Chiranjeevi Profile". entertainment.oneindia.in. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 27 February 2014.
- ^ "Megastar Chiranjeevi reacts to prestigious Padma Vibhushan honor: Truly Humbled | Etimes - Times of India Videos". The Times of India.
- ^ "Megastar puts on an accent". Archived from the original on 9 January 2022. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
- ^ "Chiranjeevi: Take a look at the actor's imprint in the showbiz world". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 21 November 2022. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
- ^ "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 17 May 2018.
- ^ "100 Years of Cinema: The men who changed the face of Indian films". IBN Live. Archived from the original on 17 February 2013.
- ^ a b "28 Years for Gharana Mogudu: 4 fascinating things about the Chiranjeevi starrer". The Times of India. 10 April 2020. Archived from 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 1crore remuneration for a film.
- ^ "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.
- ^
- "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.
- Nikam, Girish (31 August 1992). "Southern superstars Chiranjeevi, Rajnikant and Vijayashanti are paid more than Amitabh Bachchan or Sridevi". India Today. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
Tamil actor Rajnikanth commands a staggering Rs 1 crore a film. If that's stupefying, then check out the Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi. His price? Rs 1.25 crore a film. Even Bachchan with his reported price of Rs 75 lakh can't give them a run for their money.
- Mathur, Abhimanyu (26 January 2024). "This south star was first Indian actor to earn Rs 1 crore per film, years before Shah Rukh, Salman, Amitabh, Rajinikanth". DNA India. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
Chiranjeevi had just become the highest-paid actor in India, charging a whopping Rs 1.25 crore for the Telugu film Aapadbandhavudu. This made him the first Indian actor to earn Rs 1 crore or more for a single film. Even Bachchan, the reigning king of box office, was charging under Rs 90 lakh per film at the time.
- "28 Years for Gharana Mogudu: 4 fascinating things about the Chiranjeevi starrer". The Times of India. 10 April 2020. Archived from 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 1crore remuneration for a film.
- "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.
- "A crore and more: Chiranjeevi, the new money machine of the movie world". The Week. 13 September 1992. pp. 28, 29.
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- ^ "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.
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- ^ 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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ a b "Chiru celebrates decisive B'Day!". IndiaGlitz. Archived from the original on 23 October 2012. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
- ^ "Double whammy for Chiru's fans". IndiaGlitz. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ a b c "Padmabhushanudiki Mega Sanmanam Part – I – Telugu Movie News". IndiaGlitz. Archived from the original on 26 September 2010. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
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Amitabh Bachchan presents Chiranjeevi his Best Actor Award for Sneham Kosam (Telugu)
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External links
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- 1955 births
- Andhra University alumni
- M.G.R. Government Film and Television Training Institute alumni
- Filmfare Awards South winners
- Indian actor-politicians
- Living people
- Indian male dancers
- Male actors in Tamil cinema
- Nandi Award winners
- People from West Godavari district
- Rajya Sabha members from Andhra Pradesh
- Recipients of the Padma Bhushan in arts
- Indian game show hosts
- Union ministers of state of India with independent charge
- Telugu male actors
- Telugu politicians
- Tourism ministers of India
- Union ministers from United Andhra Pradesh
- Praja Rajyam Party politicians
- Kerala Blasters FC owners
- Indian National Congress politicians from Andhra Pradesh
- Santosham Film Awards winners
- South Indian International Movie Awards winners
- Zee Cine Awards Telugu winners
- CineMAA Awards winners
- People from Andhra Pradesh
- Male actors from Andhra Pradesh
- Male actors in Telugu cinema
- Recipients of the Padma Vibhushan in arts