25 January 2024
Hyderabad
The country’s highest civilian honours Padma Awards have been announced on Thursday on the eve of Republic Day and in what is a proud moment for Telugu people all over the world, megastar Chiranjeevi has been conferred with Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second highest civilian award.
Chiru or megastar Chiranjeevi, as he is fondly known by his scores of admirers, is one among the five distinguished personalities who have been conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, which is given for exceptional and distinguished service. The other four names include actress Vyjayantimala Bali, M Venkaiah Naidu, Bindeshwar Pathak (posthumous) and Padma Subrahmanyam.
Chiranjeevi, who began his career in 1978 with Punadhirallu, went on to do over 150 films in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil and Kannada in an illustrious film career spanning more than four decades. Some of his most popular films in a rich oeuvre include Khaidi, Swayam Krushi, Challenge, Vijetha, Rudraveena, State Rowdy, Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari, Mutamestri, Gangleader, Hitler, Tagore, Indra and Khaidi No 150.
He is admired for his zestful dance moves and fight sequences brimming with power. His influence has claimed him the title of a 'Megastar'. He bagged the prestigious Raghupathi Venkaiah Award, three Nandis, and nine Filmfare Telugu awards. For his contributions to Indian cinema, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, in 2006.
The Padma awards are given by the President of India during ceremonial functions held at Rashtrapati Bhawan each year, around March or April.
