Padma Bhushan Chiranjeevi was grandly felicitated by the entire Telugu film industry on 23rd evening at a glittering function here in Gachi Bowli Stadium, Hyderabad. The living legend Amitabh Bachchan was the Chief Guest. Sai Kumar and Paruchuri Venkateswara Rao anchored on the show.
Chiranjeevi in his career acted in about 143 films constituting of 69 heroines, 90 producers, 51 directors and got 8 filmfare awards.
His social services includes 68,000 blood donations through "Chiranjeevi Blood Bank" and 1,414 eye donations through "Chiranjeevi Eye Bank" and many other works through "Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust".
Chiranjeevi is the youngest person to be honored with Padma Bhushan. He is the 3rd person to receive this honor after Shri. A. Nageswara Rao and Shri Jaggaiah in Telugu Film Industry.
Chiranjeevi was born on August 22nd 1955 in a village in Andhra Pradesh. His original name was Konidela Siva Shankar Varaprasad. Later on he changed it to 'Chiranjeevi'. His first picture was 'Punadirallu' directed by Vasu. Reshmi Rai was the first Heroine and she was present in yesterday's function and greeted him.
Actress Shobhana performed first who acted with Chiranjeevi in a couple of films and also received "Padmashri" for her remarkable achievements in dance. She was honored by Chiranjeevi later in the show
The event was divided into 3 segments (year wise) 1976-1985, 1986-1995, 1996-2006.
All the directors, producers and technicians were called on stage segment wise and all of them gave good wishes to Chiranjeevi.
He performed as a villain in two films 'Kothalarayudu' and 'Punnami Nagu'. From 1976-85 his films include 'Intlo Ramaiah Veedhilo Krishnaiah', 'Subhelekha' and 'Abilasha'.
From 1986-95 his films include 'Khaidi', 'Challenge', 'Maga Maharaju', 'Adavi Donga', 'Vijetha', 'Chantabbai', Dongamogudu' (He played a dual role), 'Swayamkrushi', 'Rudraveena', 'Kondaveeti Donga', 'Kodamasimham', 'Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari', 'Pratibandh' (Hindi).
From 1996-2006 his films include 'Ravidi Alludu', 'Gharana Mogudu', 'Mutamestri', 'Bavagaru Bagunnara', 'Choodalani Vundi', 'Indra', 'Tagore', 'Shankar Dada MBBS', 'Sri Manjunatha'.
Veteran actresses Sridevi, Suhasini, Jayapradha, Radhika, Radha, Jayasudha, were part of the event. They all spoke about Chiranjeevi and wished him long life and many more awards like Bharat Rathna and Dada Saheb Phalke.