Suffice to say, Telugu filmdom has seen nothing similar to this in terms of spontaneity and camaraderie.
The felicitation function, held at Gachi Bowlai stadium at Hyderabad, to honor Chirnajeevi for receiving the Padma Bhushan, was an emotional affair, reflecting the standing that Chiru enjoyed in the industry highlighted and also highlighted the fact that the industry always presents a great picture when it is together.
The highlight of the night was when Amitabh Bachchan, who was the main guest, declaring emphatically that Chiru was the king of Indian cinema.
It was such a night when adjectives and superlatives flowed unceasingly, yet none was out of place. With all the stars of the industry, past and presentit couldn't have come any bigger.
Fify heroines, most of them who have acted with Chiru, added lustre and grace to the occasion.
Among them were Sri Devi, Jayasudha, Jaypradha, Suhasini, Radhika, Radha, Shobhana, Asin, Rambha, Sanghavi.
Along with big B, the special guests were Dasarai Narayana Rao, Rama Naidu, K Raghavendra Rao, Viswanath, Allu Aravind, K S Rama rao and others (too numerous to make a mention here).
Mohan Babu, Pawan Kalyan, Mahesh Babu, Ravi Teja, Srikanth and others were also at hand. Saikumar and Paruchuri Venkateswara Rao anchored the event.
It was also a celebration of sorts for Shobhana, who danced at the event. She was felicitated by Chiru for getting the Padma Shri.
Among the many dances, the ones by Allu Arjun, Sakshi Sivanand, Sangeetha, Ali, Lawrence and Devisri Prasad stood out. The dance by Lawrence with the differently-abled kids was so moving that Chiru personally went out to thank and applaud them.
On the night of never-ending speeches, Sri Devi said it was her fortune to have worked with Chiru.
Suhasini, who is one of the more articulate of artistes, recalled her days of acting and being a technician in Chiru films. She fondly spoke about the warm relationship with the mega star.
Jayapradha also spoke about her heroine days with Chiru and wished him all the energy in the days to come.
Jayasudha referred to the charity works of Chiru and said that made special among the artistes. She said he could get a Bharath Ratna in the future.
Radhika confessed that Chiru was a hero to her. Radha spoke about her dances with Chiru in her active career days.
Mohan Babu, who spoke from his heart, referred to the good and bad times. He traced his acting days with Chiranjeevi. It was a speech that was laced with lot of honesty.
Pawan Kalyan said his Shakthi was Chiru and lovingly elaborated about his elder brother and his advice to him..
Lawrence recalled Chiru's words of wisdom for him as money alone not being everything in life. Dasari Narayana Rao said Chiru was a nice link between the past and the present.
Amitabh Bachan said it was a honor to be part of such an occasion.
Amitabh confessed that spontaneous show of love and affection was unheard and unseen in Indian cinema. 'I congratulate Telugu Cinema,' he said and appreciated Chiru for his show of humanity and humility.
Terming Telugu cinema as the biggest in India, Amitabh said Chiranjeevi was the king of Indian cinema. Punning on Chiru's name, Amitabh said "As his name indicates lets wish him a long life and as many said we wish him he may get Bharatha Ratna in future."
An emotionally moved Chiranjeevi thanked all from the bottom of his heart. He described Amitabh as the All India Megastar. Describing himself to be blessed, Chiru humbly spoke about his influences in life.
Chiru thanked all those who made the occasion a grand success.
Indeed, it was a grand success.
