Chiranjeevi Turns 69: A Look at Megastar's Journey, Top 10 Movies, Songs, Social Work, and Family Life

Chiranjeevi needs no special introduction. The undisputed Telugu megastar has established a special position in the hearts of fans. The credit goes to his stellar performances and stylish demeanour. Some of his dance numbers are fondly etched in the memory of fans too. Chiranjeevi’s ability to breathe life into versatile characters has made him the star that he is now. As the veteran star celebrates his 69th birthday today, August 22, let’s take a look at his journey in the entertainment industry, top 10 movies, best songs, upcoming projects, family life, and social work.

Journey In The Entertainment Industry

Chiranjeevi marked his foray into showbiz with the 1978 drama Pranam Khareedu. Directed by K Vasu, the film also starred Raogopalrao and Jayasudha in important roles. Chiranjeevi’s debut as a film lead came with the Rajkumar directorial Punadhirallu in 1979.

He was honoured with the Nandi Award for Best Actor and Best Feature Film for Punadhirallu. His brush with fame came three years later with Kodi Ramakrishna’s romantic comedy Intlo Ramayya Veedilo Krishnayya.

Over the years, Chiranjeevi has appeared in numerous movies, many of them a blockbuster. His impeccable fight and dance sequences have garnered the actor much praise and appreciation. In addition to being the greatest entertainer, Chiranjeevi is known for his ability to convey social messages to his audiences through his films.

Chiranjeevi’s Top 10 Movies

1. VijethaDirected by A Kodandarami Reddy, Vijetha was a remake of the 1981 Bengali film Saheb. Later, it was remade into Hindi titled Saaheb, featuring Anil Kapoor in the lead. Chiranjeevi won his second Filmfare Best Actor Award for the 1985 film. Vijetha also starred J V Somayajulu and Bhanupriya in crucial roles.
2. IndraThe 2002 film, helmed by B Gopal, went on to become the highest-grossing Telugu movie of all time. Aarthi Agarwal, and Sonali Bendre, were a part of the cast too. Chiranjeevi was the winner of the Filmfare Award for Best Actor in Telugu as well as the Nandi Award for Best Actor for the movie.
3. RudraveenaThis K Balachander directorial starred Chiranjeevi, Shobana, and Gemini Ganesan. Three National Film Awards were presented to the musical drama: Best Feature Film on National Integration, Best Music Direction, and Best Male Playback Singer (SP Balasubrahmanyam). The musical drama also bagged four Nandi Awards with Chiranjeevi receiving a Special Jury award.
4. Shankar Dada MBBSA comedy-drama, Shankar Dada MBBS was a remake of the 2003 Hindi film Munna Bhai MBBS. Helmed by Jayanth C Paranjee, the film also starred Paresh Rawal, Girish Karnad, Srikanth, and Sonali Bendre. Shankar Dada MBBS enjoyed commercial success, and viewers loved seeing Sonali Bendre and Chiranjeevi on screen. The megastar was bestowed with the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
5. Swayam KrushiBoth critically and commercially successful, the 1987 film won hearts because of Chiranjeevi’s portrayal of an innocent, and sincere man. Swayam Krushi, directed by K Vishwanath, can be called one of the best inspirational films produced in Tamil cinema history.
6. Gharana MoguduDirected by K Raghavendra Rao, Gharana Mogudu was inspired by the 1986 Kannada film Anuraga Aralithu. Chiranjeevi and Nagma were roped in for the romantic drama, which became a hit and took Chiranjeevi’s reputation to new heights. The 1992 family action premiered in the 1993 International Film Festival of India.
7. ChantabbaiWith the 1986 movie Chantabbai, Chiranjeevi attempted comedy for the first time and succeeded in the feat brilliantly. Slipping into the shoes of James Pond, his role was simply hilarious. This Jandhyala directorial is still remembered for Chiranjeevi’s comedic timing.
8. Waltair VeerayyaKS Ravindra donned the director’s cap for this 2023 action drama, starring Chiranjeevi in the titular role. The actor kept the audience hooked on his old-school charm. Chiranjeevi essayed the character of a fisherman from Vizag who smuggles expensive goods. He accepts a request from a police officer played by Ravi Teja and uses it for revenge.
9. Sye Raa Narasimha ReddyThis 2019 historical epic by Surender Reddy tells the tale of Indian freedom fighter Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy who revolted against British rule before the Sepoy Mutiny. Chiranjeevi struck the right chords with the masses through his portrayal of a determined fighter. The film also starred Amitabh Bachchan, Vijay Sethupathi, Kiccha Sudeep, Jagapathi Babu, Nayanthara, and Anushka Shetty.
10. GodfatherDirected by Mohan Raja, the 2022 film Godfather centres around Brahma (Chiranjeevi) who is a mass leader with a dark past. Despite being in exile he is a great political influencer. Chiranjeevi displayed his quintessential style in the film, his swag winning the hearts of movie buffs. Godfather also boasts a cast ensemble of Salman Khan and Nayanthara.

Chiranjeevi’s Top Songs

1. Bhale Bhale Banjara — AcharyaAcharya, directed by Koratala Siva, features megastar Chiranjeevi shaking a leg with his son-actor Ram Charan to the Bhale Bhale Banjara song. The father-son duo presented a magnetic performance with well-synchronised steps that served as a visual treat to fans.
2. Dayi Dayi Damma — IndraSonali Bendre and Chiranjeevi dance their hearts out at an exotic foreign destination in Dayi Dayi Damma. The song taken from the movie Indra is penned by Mani Sharma. The amazing choreography by Lawrence and the chemistry between Chiranjeevi and Sonali were applaud-worthy.
3. Bangaru Kodi Petta — Gharana MoguduBangaru Kodi Petta is one of the most famous dance scenes featuring Chiranjeevi’s unmatched enthusiasm and amazing skills. Set against the backdrop of a country fair, Chiranjeevi’s groovy moves effortlessly matched the peppy beats of the song, becoming an instant hit.
4. Ammudu Let’s Do Kummudu — Khaidi No. 150Chiranjeevi proved that for him age is just a number when it came to showcasing his dancing prowess. Ammadu Lets Do Kummudu demonstrated the actor’s unwavering spirit. Chiranjeevi and Kajal Aggarwal captivated movie buffs with their dynamic performance on the song’s infectious beats.
5. Subhalekha Rasukunna — Kondaveeti DongaSubhalekha Rasukunn put forward Chiranjeevi’s talent to express heartfelt emotions through dance. The song stood out due to the excellent choreography and Chiranjeevi’s passionate performance, which touched his fans deeply.

Chiranjeevi’s Upcoming Projects

Vishwambhara

Directed by Mallidi Vassishta, Vishwambhara is an upcoming fantasy-adventure film starring Chiranjeevi, Trisha Krishnan, Mrunal Thakur, Rana Daggubati, and Kunal Kapoor in lead roles. The story tells the tale of a newborn prince who sets on an adventurous journey travelling through the realms of mortals, deities, and the afterlife. Vishwambhara is set to hit the silver screens on January 10, 2025.

Chiranjeevi’s Social Works

Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust

Chiranjeevi founded the Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust (CCT) on October 2, 1998. The goal of the organisation is that no one should die from a shortage of blood. The trust is billed as the biggest recipient of blood and eye donations in Andhra Pradesh having both a blood and an eye bank.

Corona Crisis Charity

Chiranjeevi launched the Corona Crisis Charity during the COVID-19 pandemic to curb the issues of the Telugu industry’s daily wage employees. Throughout the lockdown period, it helped employees meet their basic needs for food and other necessities. In collaboration with Apollo 24/7, the veteran actor also started a campaign that included a vaccination drive for film journalists and industry personnel.

Chiranjeevi’s Family Life

1. Chiranjeevi got married to Surekha, the daughter of prominent Telugu comic actor Allu Ramalingaiah, on February 20, 1980.
2. The couple welcomed their first daughter Sushmita Konidela in 1982.
3. Their second daughter Sreeja Konidela was born in 1988.
4. Chiranjeevi and Surekha became proud parents to Ram Charan in 1985.
5. He has also emerged to be a fine actor in Tollywood.
6. Chiranjeevi became a grandfather when Ram Charan and his wife Upasana Kamineni gave birth to their daughter Klin Kaara Konidela on June 20 last year.
7. Chiranjeevi has two brothers — film producer-actor Nagendra Babu and actor-politician Pawan Kalyan.
8. The veteran star’s brother-in-law Allu Aravind is also a film producer by profession.
9. Chiranjeevi is the uncle of actors Allu Arjun, Varun Tej, Sai Dharam Tej, Panja Vaisshnav Tej, Allu Sirish, and actress Niharika Konidela.