Chiranjeevi
Chiranjeevi Konidala | |
|---|---|
| File:Chiranjeevi.jpg | |
| Born | Konidala Siva Sankara Vara Prasad August 22, 1955 |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, politician |
| Years active | 1977 to present |
| Political party | Praja Rajyam Party |
| Spouse(s) | Smt. Surekha Chiranjeevi, Sunitha |
| Children | Sushmitha, Ram Charan Teja Konidala, Sreeja |
| Parent(s) | Sri Venkata Rao, Smt. Anjana Devi |
| Awards | Padma Bhushan, Honorary Doctorate from Andhra University |
Chiranjeevi Konidala (Template:Lang-te) (born Konidala Siva Sankara Vara Prasad on 22 August 1955)[1] is an Indian film actor and a politician. He has appeared primarily in Telugu-language films along with a few Hindi films. After graduating with a degree in commerce, Chiranjeevi made his acting debut in Punadhirallu (1978); Pranam Khareedu (1978) released at the box office earlier though. His performance in Khaidi (1983) and Swayam Krushi (1987) got him recognition; the latter winning the Nandi Award. He subsequently played a variety of character types; his film roles along with his screen persona contributed to a change in the concept of a Telugu film hero.
Rudraveena (1988), for which director K. Balachander won the National Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration was produced by Chiranjeevi..
Popularly known as a "megastar" in the media,[2] Chiranjeevi was honored with the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian award. In 2006, he was presented with an honorary doctorate from Andhra University.[3] Chiranjeevi is married to Surekha, the daughter of erstwhile comedian Allu Ramalingaiah. They have two daughters and a son, Ram Charan Teja, who is an actor in the Tollywood.
Acting career
Early beginnings (1978–1982)
Siva Shankara Varaprasad was born in Narsapur, West Godavari District, Andhra Prasesh. Siva Shankara Varaprasad was born as the eldest of three sons of Anjana Devi and Konidela Venkat Rao. Varaprasad was interested in acting at a very young age. After graduating with a degree in commerce, Chiranjeevi joined the Madras Film Institute in 1977.[4] Since his family worshipped the Anjaneya, a Hindu god, his mother advised him to get the screen name of Chiranjeevi.[5] Upon completion of his film training, he started his acting career with Punadhirallu (1978); however, Pranam Khareedu (1978) released at the box office earlier.[6] Immediately thereafter, he got an opportunity to work in Mana Voori Pandavulu, a film directed by Bapu and written by Mullapudi Venkata Ramana. This film was based on the feudal system in the Indian society.[4] Tayaramma-Bangarayya (1979), I Love You (1979) and director K. Balachander's Idi Katha Kaadu (1979) brought his acting talents to the fore.[4] In 1979, Chiranjeevi had eight major film releases; in 1980, 14 of his films were released,[7] including Punnami Naagu (1980), for which he won the 1st Filmfare Award for Best Acting, and A. Kodandarami Reddy's Khaidi (1981). Audiences developed a liking for his "ease in dance movements and swashbuckling fights."[6] In 1982 he appeared in Mondi Ghatam and Intlo Ramayya Veedilo Krishnayya (directed by Kodi Ramakrishna), films which strengthened his status as a star.[5] By 1982, he had appeared in almost 50 films. Within two years of his entry into the film industry, he married Surekha, daughter of well-known comedian of telugu movies Allu Rama Lingaiah.
Breakthrough to stardom (1983–2007)
Khaidi (1983) brought immediate stardom to Chiranjeevi. Directed by Kodandarami Reddy, this film was based on the Sylvester Stallone-starrer First Blood (1982). Khaidi was a box-office success and gave Chiranjeevi an action hero's image.[5] The duo of Reddy and Chiranjeevi worked together for 23 films, most of which were blockbusters. He was not happy doing only action films and hence he attempted a variety of roles and showed his acting skills in comedies too. After Khaidi, he successively delivered hits like Pasivadi Pranam (1987), Yamudiki Mogudu (1988), where he appeared in a dual role, and Manchi Donga (1988).
His film Rudraveena (1988) not only won the National Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration but also helped him win his second Nandi Award. Music director Ilaiyaraaja and singer S. P. Balasubrahmanyam won Nandi Awards for the same film. In 1990, Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari, Kondaveeti Donga and Raja Vikramarka were his box-office successes. Gang Leader (1991) was also a hit.[8] Regarding his box-office appeal, the entertainment magazine Filmfare called him "bigger than Bachchan", a reference to Bollywood’s Amitabh Bachchan.[9] News magazine The Week hailed him as "the new money machine".[10]
He acted in Hindi films too. His performances were appreciated in Prathibandh (1990), Aaj Ka Goonda Raj (1992) and The Gentleman (1994).
In 1999, Chiranjeevi was to appear in a Hollywood production directed by Suresh Krishna in Telugu. The movie, which was titled Return of the Thief of Baghdad, had its filming suspended for unknown reasons.[11]
His last film in a leading role was in Shankar Dada Zindabad (2007). Chiranjeevi recently announced his intention to return to the film screen in 2011.
Political career
In 2008, Chiranjeevi started Praja Rajyam, a political party in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Around 10 lakh people attended the launch of the party in Tirupati. At the launch, he stated that social justice was the main agenda of his party.[12] His party in the 2009 general elections won 18 seats in the Andhra Pradesh State Assembly. He was elected a Member of the State Assembly from Tirupati.[13] His party recently stood for a united Andhra Pradesh and opposed separate statehood for Telangana.
He stood both in Tirupati and in Palakollu Constituency as MLA in the 2009 general elections, losing in Palakollu but winning in Tirupati.[14][15]
Awards
- Padma Bhushan - Govt of India - 2006
- Honorary Doctorate - Andhra University
- Nandi Award for Best Actor - Swayam Krushi (1987)
- Nandi Award for Best Actor(Jury) - Rudraveena (1988)
- Nandi Award for Best Actor - Aapathbandavudu (1992)
- Nandi Award for Best Actor - Indra (2002)
- Filmfare Best Actor Award (Telugu) - 7 times (1980),(1982),(1988),(1993),(1999),(2002),(2004).
- Filmfare Legendary Honour Award - 2007
Philanthropy
On October 2, 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 Blood Bank of the CCT helped over 80,000 people and the Eye Bank has helped about 1000 people in the state of Andhra Pradesh since its opening. Around 3.5 lakh people have pledged their eyes to CCT so far, giving 1600 people eye sight through CCT. CCT has also won the "Best Voluntary Blood Bank Award" by the AP State Government for the past 4 years.
On June 10, 2006, the then President of India, Abdul Kalam, inaugurated the Chiranjeevi Charitable Foundation (CCF) at the Jubilee Hills Check post in Hyderabad.
Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust has crossed the one lakh mark in collecting blood and more than 96,000 people have been helped with blood by this blood bank.
After allegations made against the Blood Bank and Eye Bank by Chiranjeevi's political rivals, the state government of AP constituted a high-level committee to look into the allegations. The committee worked under the guidance of the project director of AP State AIDA Control Society, comprising experts from finance and technical fields, verified records pertaining to the collection and disposal of blood samples, blood grouping, screening, sterilisation, bio-medical waste disposal, camps conducted, blood expiry, quality control, store room, record room and purchase of equipment. Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust got a clean chit from all allegations. Danam Nagender, minister for health and family welfare, speaking after the committee's report, said, “After thorough verification of the records, it’s concluded that there are no evidences of misappropriation, deviations from guidelines issued on collection of blood and screening charges, there are no procedural lapses noticed and all transactions are well within the guidelines of the Naco/Apsacs.”
Charitable Trust: Chiranjeevi, in october 1998, founded the Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust(CCT). This trust includes Chiranjeevi Eye bank and Blood banks. It is the largest Blood and Eye bank in the state Andhra Pradesh. So far around 3.5 lakh people have pledged their eyes to CCT so far, giving 1600 people eye sight through CCT. CCT has also won the “Best Voluntary Blood Bank Award” by the AP State Government for the past 4 years.Recently chiranjeevi charitable trust has reached one more landmark by crossing the one lakh mark in collecting the blood and more than 96,000 people were helped with blood by this blood bank.
Filmography
Complete Chiranjeevi Filmography with All Movie Reviews
Charitable Trust: Chiranjeevi, in october 1998, founded the Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust(CCT). This trust includes Chiranjeevi Eye bank and Blood banks. It is the largest Blood and Eye bank in the state Andhra Pradesh. So far around 3.5 lakh people have pledged their eyes to CCT so far, giving 1600 people eye sight through CCT. CCT has also won the “Best Voluntary Blood Bank Award” by the AP State Government for the past 4 years.Recently chiranjeevi charitable trust has reached one more landmark by crossing the one lakh mark in collecting the blood and more than 96,000 people were helped with blood by this blood bank.
References
- ^ "Chiranjeevi biodata & trivia". Idlebrain.com. Retrieved 2010-05-15.
- ^ "Megastar Chiranjeevi was no loser in polls". Deccan Chronicle. 10 June 2009. Retrieved 29 August 2009.
- ^ AU confers honorary degrees on Chiru, others
- ^ a b c D., Murali Krishna. "Many Happy Returns to Mega Star". Indiaglitz.com. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
- ^ a b c R. G., Vijayasarathy (August 18, 2008). "From superstar to a political leader". Rediff.com. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
- ^ a b "Chiranjeevi — Live and let others live is the theme of his life". Indiaglitz.com. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
- ^ "Chiranjeevi - Filmography". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
- ^ Gopalan, Krishna (August 30, 2008). "Southern movie stars & politics: A long love affair". The Economic Times. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
- ^ Babu, Venkatesha (April 23 2009). "The 'megastar' hopes to score a smash hit on debut". Livemint. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Rajeev Deshpande, TNN, Apr 18, 2009, 03.15am IST (2009-04-18). "Chiru charisma shines on, may end up hurting Cong". Times of India. Retrieved 2010-05-15.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "The RETURN OF THE THIEF OF BAGDAD".
- ^ "Tirupati premier for Chiranjeevi's party".
- ^ "Chiranjeevi starts a new role as Andhra MLA". CNN-IBN. 3 June 2009. Retrieved 15 October 2010.
- ^ "Chiranjeevi loses from Palacole, wins Tirupati" Economic Times 16 May 2009
- ^ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Chiranjeevi-loses-not-just-elections-but-respect-too/articleshow/4544803.cms Srinivas, Vadredu. "Chiranjeevi loses not just elections, but respect too." Times of India May 18, 2009
National award for Rudraveena film
External links
- Chiranjeevi at IMDb