Konidela Siva Sankara Vara Prasad, known as Chiranjeevi (born August 22, 1955), is an iconic Indian actor, producer, dancer, philanthropist, and politician, dubbed the "Megastar" of Telugu cinema.
Born in Mogalthur, Andhra Pradesh, to a police constable father, he debuted in 1978 and became a cultural phenomenon with over 150 films, eight industry hits, and innovative dance/stunts. He founded the Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust and served as Minister of State for Tourism (2012–2014). His net worth exceeds $200 million from films and endorsements.
Yearwise Biography
- 1955: Born on August 22 in Mogalthur, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, to Venkat Rao Konidela (police constable) and Anjana Devi; named Siva Sankara Vara Prasad; grew up in Nidadavolu, Ponnur, and other towns due to father's job.
- 1970s (Early Education): Attended local schools; NCC cadet, represented Andhra Pradesh in Republic Day Parade (1976); studied B.Com at Y.N.R. College, Narsapur; joined Madras Film Institute for acting training.
- 1978: Debuted with Punadhirallu (first shot) and Pranam Khareedu (released first), playing supporting roles; first public performance in Andhra Pradesh Republic Day ballet.
- 1979: Breakthrough with Mana Voori Pandavulu (supporting role) and Idi Katha Kaadu; eight major releases, including anti-hero in Nyayam Kavali.
- 1980: 14 films, including villain role in Tamil Ranuva Veeran opposite Rajinikanth; gained popularity for breakdancing and stunts.
- 1982: Starred in hits like Intlo Ramayya Veedhilo Krishnayya (civil engineer role) and Subhalekha; won Filmfare Best Actor Award.
- 1983: Rose to superstardom with action thriller Khaidi; became leading Telugu actor.
- 1985: Donga featured viral "Golimaar" song (Indian Thriller); introduced Western dance styles.
- 1987: First South Indian actor invited to Oscars; Swayamkrushi premiered at Moscow International Film Festival.
- 1988: Co-produced Rudraveena, winning National Film Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration.
- 1990: Won fourth Nandi Award; films like Pratibandh showcased versatility.
- 1992: Surpassed Amitabh Bachchan as highest-paid actor, charging ₹1.25 crore per film.
- 1996: First actor with personal website; starred in Hitler (family drama hit).
- 1998: Founded Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust for blood and eye donations; donated eyes posthumously pledge.
- 2002: Honored as highest income tax payer (profession category) by Income Tax Department.
- 2006: Received Padma Bhushan and Honorary Doctorate from Andhra University; NTR Lifetime Achievement Award.
- 2008: Founded Praja Rajyam Party; won 18 seats in 2009 Andhra Pradesh elections (third-largest party).
- 2011: Merged Praja Rajyam into Congress; won Padma Vibhushan.
- 2012: Appointed Minister of State for Tourism, Government of India.
- 2014: Comeback with 150th film Khaidi No. 150 (remake of Tamil Kaththi), a blockbuster.
- 2019: Starred in Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy (biopic of Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy), his 154th film.
- 2023: Waltair Veerayya (Sankranti release with Ravi Teja) became a massive hit, reuniting them after 23 years.
- 2025 (Up to September 19): Upcoming Vishwambhara (fantasy film with Trisha); continues philanthropy via trust, which has collected 57,000+ blood units.
Family
- Parents: Venkat Rao Konidela and Anjana Devi.
- Wives: Surekha Konidala (married 1982).
- Children: Son Ram Charan (actor), daughter Sushmita (wedding planner), son-in-law Upasana Kamineni (businesswoman).
Health
- Generally robust; no major issues reported.
Wealth
- Net worth ~$200 million from films, endorsements, production, real estate; monthly income ~₹4 crore.
Honors
- Padma Bhushan (2006), Padma Vibhushan (2012); 10 Filmfare South Awards, 4 Nandi Awards; International Face of Indian Cinema (SIIMA 2014); first South Indian at Oscars (1987).
Does his horoscope suffer from Kala Sarpa Yoga (All planets are hemmed in between Rahu and Ketu) ? If so, how he could become so popular and called as Mega Star ? Can someone throw light on this ?
ReplyDeleteJupiter in Kendra (1,4,7,10) cancels all negative Yogas. Mr. Chiranjeevi has powerful chart enriched with long-lasting fame on the sands of time.
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