21st August 2003

22nd August 1955 is a festival for every TRUE telugu movie lover. On this day, a boy was born in a lower middle class family in a small town of West Godavari district. This boy went on to become a Megastar and a role model to millions of youth. Yet, he is the epitome of humbleness and humility. He is our own Megastar Chiranjeevi.

Chiranjeevi or "Chiru" is one of the most successful and accomplished actors of India. His fans belong to the widest circles of the society. An auto driver worships him and so does a student studying in the USA. For kids, he is an ideal uncle and for youngsters, he is a role model. If girls go gaga over his dances, mass audience goes wild for his fights. Family ladies like his emotional performances and the erudite like his peerless histrionic ability. He is one of the few actors in Indian film history who enjoys following among class, mass, youth and children. Indeed, we should feel privileged for living during the time during which chiru (ruled/has been ruling) the telugu silver screen like an emperor.

He came to Madras for his ICWAI course. Destiny had other plans for him. The celluloid screen attracted him and he tried his stint at acting. After obtaining a diploma from an acting institute, he began to try for roles staying in the very room where NTR once lived. His first movie was Pranam Khareedu. His movies Manavuri Pandavulu and Punadi Rallu got him a good recognition as a hard-working young man. Kotala Rayudu was his 10th movie; He was appreciated for his fast dance movements in this movie, which was an unheard phenomenon in the 45-year film industry. He won accolades for his performances in Mogudu Kavali, Idi Kadha Kaadu, Nyayam Kavali, Urikichina Maata and 47 days. The big break came in 1982 with Intilo Ramaiah Veedhilo Krishnaiah. It was a blockbuster during that time and ran for 500 days in some centers. He followed that with Subhalekha & Manchu Pallaki, which were good class hits and established chiru as a good actor.

Khaidi was released in 1983 and the rest, as they say is history. The characterization of Chiru as "Suryam", his intense action, mind boggling fights and dances made him the most eligible hero to take the numerouno position.

Pasivaadi Pranam in 1987 made him the NUMBERONE hero of telugu industry. All the detractors, who said that Chiru is only fit for mass roles got a fitting reply, when he did class movies like Swayam Krushi, Vijeta, Mantrigari Viyankudu, Inti Guttu and emerged victorious. If the eighties saw the emergence of a mass hero, the early nineties saw the emergence of the BO Messiah, who redefined the business potential of telugu films. Some of his movies like JVAS, Gang Leader, Gharana Mogudu, Rowdy Alludu became the biggest hits in South Indian film history. Looking at the unbelievable figures, Anil Kapoor commented he did not know that telugu films had such a market potential. Chiru's flop movies earned more than hits of certain heroes.

After Mutha Mestri, Chiru did many movies to satisfy his fans and some of them bit the dust. Although his movies continued to be the first in terms of openings and pre-release business, they could not mint gold at the BO. Come 1997 and his fans got ready for another feast of movies. Hitler is regarded as a rebirth for Chiru. This movie made him a darling among family ladies. He followed this movie with hits like Master and Bavagaru Bagunnara. Choodalani Vundi was the biggest hits at that time. He won accolades for his performance in Sneham Kosam. He welcomed the new millenium with Annayya, a movie that broke all records for openings and audio sales. 2001 was unkind to him but in 2002 with Indra, he broke all records in the industry. Currently, Indra is the biggest hit ever in the history of telugu film industry. PERIOD.

One good quality that everyone can learn from Chiru is humility and down-to-earth nature. Although, he is the trend-setter for dances and fights, he never toothed his own horn. He became more humble with his success. He is one of the complete heroes in India, capable of performing any kind of role: class, mass, comedy, action, emotional, with extraordinary ease.

Chiru is actively involved in the field of social service. Although skeptics scoff at this noble act, his activities have encouraged his fans all over the world to do something for the society. During calamities like Kargil war and Gujarat Earthquake, CCT mobilized funds for the needy. He donates a part of his earning to the CCT and also plans to inaugurate an orphanage very soon. Every human being should appreciate such a noble act instead of finding faults.

If becoming a "number one" is an achievement, remaining there for 2 decades in the "Heights of achievement", especially when the industry is ultra-competitive. After NTR and Krishna, Chiru is the undisputed number one hero for the telugu film industry. He will remain there till he HIMSELF decides to come.

Chiranjeevi sir, Wish you a very Happy Birthday. May god fulfill all your wishes & dreams.

Also read Sreya Sunil's article on Chiranjeevi

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