Legendary actors NTR and ANR are considered as two eyes of Telugu film industry. Though there are many actors who amassed stardom and fan following after them, none reached the star status of Megastar Chiranjeevi. Chiru got his first acting chance in ‘Punadi Raallu’, while the first film to release was ‘Pranam Khareedu’ which hit theatres on September 22nd of 1978.
Secret behind his name
After completion of his course at a film school, Chiranjeevi was given the first opportunity by director Raj Kumar. He played the role of a friend to Narasimha Raju who was the hero in it. During its shooting, he was offered a role in ‘Pranam Khareedu’. Chiranjeevi was called ‘Prasad’ on the sets. His name often got confused with the names of Nutan Prasad and Prasad Babu who were popular in those days. Chiranjeevi wanted to have screen name for himself. It is said that he chose ‘Chiranjeevi’ after his favourite God Lord Hanuman called him by that name in a dream.
Speed is his success
Although NTR and ANR are still ruling TFI when Chiranjeevi entered the film industry, they were on the verge of retirement. People used to remember ANR when it comes to ‘Steps’. Chiranjeevi changed this notion by introducing dances that nobody ever dreamt of back then. His ease in dancing and speed in fights attracted movie lovers and it made him the star of the future. His new-age acting skills in ‘Manavuri Pandavulu’, ‘I Love You’, ‘Idi Katha Kaadu’ and ‘Nakili Manishi’ cemented his place in the industry. His bike riding stunts in ‘Nakili Manishi’ made viewers go mad about him. ‘Khaidi’ established Chiranjeevi as a star hero.
Star heroes list back then consisted of big names like NTR, ANR, Krishna, Sobhan Babu and Krishnam Raju. NTR occupied the first place until his advent into politics. After NTR, Chiranjeevi took the numero uno position and is still continuing in it. His 152nd movie ‘Acharya’ is under production now.
What he has to say?
Megastar took to his micro blogging site and tweeted “September 22nd holds as much prominence as August 22nd in my life. I was born on 22nd August and my second birth as an actor falls on September 22nd. This is the day on which my first film ‘Pranam Khareedu’ was released 42 years ago. I thank all my audiences and particularly fans for loving me and giving me the honour to entertain them.”
We wish mega star Chiranjeevi all the very best for now and the future.