Name: Konidela Chiranjeevi (Konidela Siva Sankara Vara Prasad)
Date of Birth: 22 August 1955
Parents: Venkat Rao Konidela, Anjana Devi Konidela
Spouse: Surekha (married: 1980)
Children: Sushmita Konidela & Ram Charan Tej
Siblings: Nagendra Babu, Pawan Kalyan
Occupation: Actor, Business Man & Politician
Chiranjeevi is a famous actor in Tollywood movies. He received a significant award called Padma Bhushan from the Indian government. He’s the only Tollywood actor to have won seven Filmfare Best Actor awards.
On August 26, he officially entered politics and founded a new political party called Praja Rajyam.
Early Life
Chiranjeevi was born as Konidela Sivasankara Varaprasad Rao on August 22, 1955, in Mogalthur, a village in the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, India.
His father, Konidela Venkata Rao, worked as a constable and had to move to different places for his job. Chiranjeevi spent his early years in his village living with his grandparents
Chiranjeevi went to school in several places including Nidadavolu, Gurazala, Bapatla, Ponnur, Mangalagiri, and Mogalthur.
He was a member of the NCC (National Cadet Corps) and took part in the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi during the early 1970s. Chiranjeevi always liked acting and started showing interest in it from a young age. He continued his studies and completed his Intermediate at C. S. R. Sarma College in Ongole.
After finishing his degree in commerce from Sri Y N College in Narsapuram, Chiranjeevi went to Chennai. There, in 1976, he joined the Madras Film Institute to learn how to become an actor.
On February 20, 1980, Chiranjeevi got married to Surekha, who is the daughter of Telugu comic actor Allu Ramalingaiah. They have two daughters named Sushmitha and Sreeja, and a son named Ram Charan, who is also an actor in Telugu cinema.
Chiranjeevi has two brothers. One is Nagendra Babu, who works as a film producer and actor. The other is Pawan Kalyan, who is both an actor and a politician. Pawan Kalyan founded a regional political party called Jana Sena.
Allu Aravind, who is Chiranjeevi’s brother-in-law, is also involved in the film industry as a producer. Chiranjeevi is an uncle to several actors, including Allu Arjun, Allu Sirish, Varun Tej, Niharika, Sai Dharam Tej, and Panja Vaisshnav Tej.
Acting career
1978 – 1981: Embarked on his early career
His family’s devotion to the Hindu deity Anjaneya led his mother to suggest the screen name “Chiranjeevi,” meaning “Immortal,” reflecting the belief in Hanuman’s eternal life.
Chiranjeevi made his film debut with “Punadhirallu,” but his first released movie was “Pranam Khareedu.” He gained fame with “Mana Voori Pandavulu,” directed by Bapu.
He also took on smaller roles in films like “Tayaramma Bangarayya.” Additionally, he portrayed anti-hero characters in movies such as “I Love You” and K. Balachander’s “Idi Katha Kaadu.”
Chiranjeevi starred in the Telugu remake of the Tamil film “Avargal,” which originally featured Rajinikanth.
In 1979, he appeared in eight major films, followed by 14 the next year, often playing leading antagonist roles in movies such as “Mosagadu,” “Rani Kasula Rangamma,” “47 Natkal /47 Rojulu,” “Nyayam Kavali,” and “Ranuva Veeran.”
1982 – 1986: Experienced a breakthrough
Chiranjeevi started landing leading roles with hits like “Intlo Ramayya Veedhilo Krishnayya” (1982) and “Subhalekha,” which earned him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.
He also appeared in several other films such as “Idi Pellantara,” “Sitadevi,” “Tingu Rangadu,” “Bandhalu Anubandhalu,” and “Mondi Ghatam,” and starred in multi-star movies like “Patnam Vachina Pativrathalu” and “Billa Ranga.”
“Khaidi” proved to be a blockbuster, catapulting Chiranjeevi to stardom. In 1984, he continued his success streak with a string of action films, including hits like “Mantri Gari Viyyankudu,” “Sangharshana,” “Goonda,” “Challenge,” “Hero,” “Donga,” “Jwala,” “Adavi Donga,” “Kondaveeti Raja,” and “Rakshasudu.”
In 1985, he clinched his second Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu for his standout performance in “Vijetha.”
1987 – 2007: Commercial success
Chiranjeevi’s portrayal in “Swayamkrushi” (1987), directed by K. Viswanath, earned him his first Nandi Award for Best Actor. Additionally, films like “Pasivadi Pranam” (1987), “Yamudiki Mogudu” (1988), and “Manchi Donga” (1988) were successful at the box office.
In 1988, Chiranjeevi co-produced and starred in “Rudraveena,” a film that garnered critical acclaim and accolades. It received the prestigious Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration and the Nandi Special Jury Award.
Throughout this period, Chiranjeevi’s contributions to cinema were recognized not only through awards but also through the commercial success of his films, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the industry.
Chiranjeevi embarked on experimental projects such as “Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari,” a socio-fantasy film directed by K. Raghavendra Rao and produced by Ashwini Dutt.
Additionally, he ventured into other successful experimental works, including “Kondaveeti Donga,” notable as the first Telugu film released with 70mm 6-Track Stereophonic sound.
Moreover, Chiranjeevi starred in the western genre film “Kodamasimham” and the social action film “Gang Leader” (1991). These movies achieved considerable success at the box office, further establishing Chiranjeevi as a prominent figure in Telugu cinema.
Chiranjeevi received acclaim for his roles in Bollywood movies like “Pratibandh” and “Aaj Ka Goonda Raaj.”
In “Aapadbandhavudu” (1992), he won his second Nandi Award for Best Actor and his third Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.
However, his career faced setbacks in the mid-1990s with box office disappointments such as “Mechanic Alludu,” “S. P. Parasuram,” “Big Boss,” and “Rikshavodu.”
Despite these challenges, films like “Mutha Mestri” earned him his fourth Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu, while “Mugguru Monagallu” and “Alluda Majaka” enjoyed moderate success.
In 1996, he made a guest appearance in the Kannada film “Sipayi.” Chiranjeevi later regained his footing with successful movies like “Hitler,” “Master,” “Bavagaru Bagunnara?,” “Choodalani Vundi,” and “Sneham Kosam,” for which he earned his fifth Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.
In 1999, he was set to star in a Hollywood production titled “The Return of the Thief of Baghdad,” directed by Dushan Garsi and produced by Rameshkrishna Murthi. However, filming for the movie was halted for undisclosed reasons.
Chiranjeevi’s new decade began with the movie “Annayya.” Following a short break, he starred in “Indra,” released in 2002. It shattered all his previous box office records in Tollywood and earned him his third Nandi Award for Best Actor and sixth Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.
Subsequently, he appeared in films with meaningful messages and social causes, such as “Tagore,” “Shankar Dada M.B.B.S.,” for which he won his seventh and most recent Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu, and “Stalin.”
In recognition of his significant contributions to the film industry, he received the Filmfare Special Award – South in 2006 and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South at the 58th Filmfare Awards South in 2011.
2008–2016: Hiatus in film career
After starring in the lead role in the 2007 film “Shankar Dada Zindabad,” Chiranjeevi decided to take a break from acting for approximately 10 years to focus on his political career.
During this decade-long hiatus, he only made cameo appearances in films. In two movies featuring his son Ram Charan, namely “Magadheera” (2009) and “Bruce Lee: The Fighter” (2015), he made brief appearances as himself.
Additionally, Chiranjeevi provided narration for two other films during this time: “Varudu” (2010) and “Rudhramadevi” (2015).
2017–present
Starting from 2013, Chiranjeevi began searching for the perfect script for his comeback in cinema, which coincidentally happened to be his 150th film.
A year after the success of the Tamil film “Kaththi” in 2014, he decided to remake it in Telugu as his comeback project. The remake, titled “Khaidi No. 150” and directed by V. V. Vinayak, hit the screens during the Sankranti holiday in 2017, nearly a decade after his last major film, “Shankar Dada Zindabad.”
The film garnered positive reviews, with critics particularly lauding Chiranjeevi’s performance and appearance following his prolonged absence from the silver screen. It made an impressive ₹41.75 crore on its opening day and grossed ₹164 crore overall.
In 2019, he starred in his first period film, “Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy,” based on the life of Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy, directed by Surender Reddy. The film, made on a budget exceeding ₹270 crore, grossed over ₹240 crore during its theatrical run.
In 2022, Chiranjeevi starred in two movies. His first film, “Acharya,” directed by Koratala Siva, saw him sharing the screen with his son, Ram Charan.
His second movie, “GodFather,” directed by Mohan Raja, featured Salman Khan in a notable cameo role. This film was a considerable success, and it was subsequently released on Netflix.
Chiranjeevi starred in the 2023 movie “Waltair Veerayya,” directed by Bobby Kolli, which premiered during the Sankranti festival.
The film also featured Ravi Teja in a significant role, marking their reunion on screen after 23 years since the 2000 film “Annayya.”
“Waltair Veerayya” achieved immense commercial success and was later made available for streaming on Netflix.
Chiranjeevi also starred in “Bhola Shankar,” which is a remake of the 2015 Tamil film “Vedalam.” Additionally, Chiranjeevi announced his collaboration with director Mallidi Vassishta for an upcoming film.
Awards & Nominations
1991 Nominee in Filmfare Award
Best Actor for Pratibandh
National Film Awards
1989 Winner for Nargees Dutt Award
Best Feature Film on National Integration for Rudra Veena
International Film Festival of India
2022 Winner for Indian Film Personality of the Year
Filmfare Awards South
2018 Nominee in Filmfare Award – Telugu Film Industry
Best Actor for Khaidi No.150
2011 Winner for Life time Achievement Award
2007 Winner for Special Award
Legends (Honorary Award)
2005 Winner in Filmfare Award – Telugu Film Industry
Best Actor for Shankar Dada MBBS
2004 Nominee in Filmfare Award – Telugu Film Industry
Best Actor for Tagore
2003 Winner in Filmfare Award – Telug Film Industry
Best Actor for Indra
2000 Winner in Filmfare Award – Telugu Film Industry
Best Actor for Sneham Kosam
1994 Winner in Filmfare Award – Telugu Film Industry
Best Actor for Mutamestri
1993 Winner in Filmfare Award – Telugu Film Industry
Best Actor for Aapathbandavudu
1986 Winner in Filmfare Award – Telugu Film Industry
Best Actor for Vijetha
1983 Winner in FIlmfare Award – Telugu Film Industry
Best Actor for Subhalekha
South Indian International Movie Awards
2014 Winner Honorary Award
Ambassador of Indian Cinema
CineMAA Awards
2003 Winner in CineMAA Award
Best Actor – Male for Indra
Nandi Awards
2003 Winner in Nandi Award
Best Actor for Indra
1992 Winner in Nandi Award
Best Actor for Aapathbandavudu
1988 Winner in Nandi Award
Best Actor for Swayam Krushi
Critic’s Choice Film Awards, India
2020 Nominee in Telugu Film Award
Best Actor for Syee Raa Narasimha Reddy
Zee Cine Awards Telugu
2020 Winner in Zee Telugu Cine Award
Best Actor in Leading Role for Syee Raa Narasimha Reddy
